Fabric Masks - with a pocket for a surgical mask or filter

4/04/2020

Growing up in Taiwan, it was the most normal thing to put on a mask - when you're sick (so you don't give it to other people), when you go to the hospital (so you don't get sick), when you clean your house, when you go on the plane, or when you ride on a scooter. It's just part of life, like putting on socks - optional, but sometimes essential. I have never understood why anyone would freak out when they see someone with a mask on. It also pisses me off when they make fun of Asians for wearing one.

A number of friends from home have asked me, "Why is it so hard for Western people to wear a mask?" The only reason that makes sense to me is this:

ANYWAY I started making these masks when the lockdown in New York began. It has a pocket for a surgical mask or filter, so I can wash the fabric mask without going through surgical masks (there's a shortage of PPE in the US, in case you haven't heard). I know it's not N95 (and it does not replace social distancing), but it's better than nothing. Eeeee here we go!

Materials & Pattern

Fabric: you can use the same or different fabrics for inner and outer layers
Elastic: 1/8" flat elastic or 2mm elastic cord
Pattern: seam allowance is 3/8"

👉 DOWNLOAD PATTERN HERE! 👈

(Last updated: 6/3/2020, v2)

Instructions

2-ply Mask Instructions

3-ply Mask Instructions

2-ply Mask Instructions:

Download the pattern. Make sure you print it at 100% - don't shrink or enlarge.
Cut out the fabric (both outer and inner layers, 2 of each). Note: the seam allowance is already built in, so don't add more.
Wrong side facing out, sew the curved edge together with a 3/8" seam allowance.

Clip the curved edge close to the stitches, but not too close.

Right side up, topstitch two lines along the seam. Make sure the seam allowance under opens to lay flat.

Wrong side up, hem the inner layer, both right and left side.

Wrong side facing out, align the center seam of the two layers, stitch top and bottom with a 3/8" seam allowance.

Clip anywhere that has a curve.

Flip the mask so right side is out and wrong side is in.
Topstitch along the edge, both top and bottom.

Fold the outer layer's raw edge as little as possible (so it leaves enough room for the elastic to go through), then fold again so that the edge meets the edge of the inner layer. Topstitch both right and left side. [If your elastic is wide, add seam allowance to the outer layer to increase space.]

Use a bobby pin to pull the elastic through on both sides.
Insert a surgical mask or filter (some people say a dry baby wipe will do the trick).

Done!

I have no idea whether I explained this well or not... Comment below if you have any questions. Stay safe everyone! xo

UPDATE: THREE-LAYER MASK

3-ply Mask Instructions:

Download the pattern. Make sure you print it at 100% - don't shrink or enlarge.
Cut out the fabric (2 of outer and 4 of inner layers). I use two different fabrics for the inner layers, one is a pretty pattern and the other flannel or muslin. Note: the seam allowance is already built in, so don't add more.
Wrong side facing out, sew the curved edge together with a 3/8" seam allowance.

Clip the curved edge close to the stitches, but not too close.

Right side up, topstitch two lines along the seam for all three layers. Make sure the seam allowance under opens to lay flat.

Wrong side facing out, stitch the 2 inner layers together, both right and left side with 3/8" seam allowance.

Flip the inner layers so the right sides are out. Topstitch both right and left side. Now for the inner layer, the pretty side becomes the right side and the flannel/muslin side becomes the wrong side.

Wrong side facing out, align the center seam of three layers, stitch top and bottom with a 3/8" seam allowance.

Clip anywhere that has a curve. (Optional: use pinking shears if you have them.)

Flip the mask so right side is out and wrong side is in.
Topstitch along the edge, both top and bottom.

Fold the outer layer's raw edge as little as possible (so it leaves enough room for the elastic to go through), then fold again so that the edge meets the edge of the inner layer. Topstitch both right and left side. [If your elastic is wide, add seam allowance to the outer layer to increase space.]