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Stacy Fisher is an expert on crafting, sewing, and frugal finds, sharing her knowledge of hands-on DIY creations, finding freebies, and budgeting. Stacy was a guest on "The Dr. Oz Show" and featured in Woman's World Magazine. She has nearly two decades of writing and editing experience.
Updated on 11/15/22:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/facemask-3a8252ab142e438498833ed0c8687ca9.jpg)
Use these free sewing patterns and templates to sew up a DIY face mask that you can donate to a hospital, medical office, health care workers, or other essential employees. These face masks can be washed and reused and many of them have pockets for filters that lengthen the life of them even more. Keep in mind that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), your mask should ideally be made of three layers of fabric—a water-resistant outer layer, a middle layer that acts as a filter, and an inner layer of water-absorbent fabric.
These DIY face masks do not replace the N95 masks but work as a last resort for health care workers.
If you can sew a straight line, you can sew one of these DIY face masks. They're a quick project that takes very little time to make and only takes a few materials that you probably already have on hand. There are a few different styles and methods to making them, but all the patterns below make a mask that can be worn by healthcare workers.
This easy-to-sew face mask makes a basic mask and comes in three different sizes for children and adults. Elastic is used around the ear and optional pleats can be added for comfort. There are not any pattern pieces so you only have to worry about cutting a few rectangles of fabric. It's a quick project, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish so it's great if you're short on time. It's also an incredibly easy sew, only straight lines are used to put the mask together.
If you don't have any elastic, you can make a face mask that uses fabric ties that ties instead. This is a surgical-style mask with pleats so it conforms around your nose and mouth nicely. A simple binding method is used to attach the ear strings to the body of the mask. You'll be sewing in only straight lines to put together this mask.
If you're looking for a more countered mask, this is a great pattern. There's a free pattern piece included that can be used to create an adult or child's mask. Since these are shaped to fit the mouth and chin, you'll need to be able to sew gentle curves for this mask. A little bit of sewing know-how is needed to whip up this mask.
This mask sewing pattern comes in four different sizes. You can make a face mask for a 3-6-year-old, 7-12-year-old, or teenager and adult with this free pattern. This pattern is made specifically so the elastic puts less stress on the ears than other masks. If you own an electronic cutting machine, you'll find the masks even easier to make because there are template files for both the Cricut and the Silhouette available that you can use to cut out your pieces. There's also a windowed face mask sewing pattern that has a clear window for lip reading. It's a little more complicated to make but still entirely doable for an intermediate sewist.
This free face mask pattern features a removable filter pocket so you can change the filter and wash the mask. There are also adjustable ties made out of ribbon, so the mask can fit any adult and can be more comfortable than tight elastic ties. An SVG file is also included so you can cut the pattern out with a Cricut Maker.
The Fu Face Mask can be sewn together quickly and includes directions on how to sew it effectively, with the option of making one that looks better, or simply getting it quickly done so you can make a bunch. There are 3 sizes available and it attaches with ribbon. A PDF template is provided as well as diagrams and written instructions.
These face masks look a lot like surgical masks and are a lot of fun to make. They use pleating on the sides of the mask for a comfort factor and even if you've never done this technique before, the directions are very straight forward on how to do it. Since the mask is sewn together a little differently than the others, there are no templates, you simply cut to size. Both adult and child sizes are included.
If you own a Cricut Maker electronic cutting machine, you can make fast work out of cutting out your mask. A mask template is provided and all you need to do is place some fabric on your mat and then have the Cricut cut it. It will even mark your sewing lines for you. After you've cut out all your pieces, just follow the tutorial to sew the mask.
If you're looking to make these masks in bulk, this quick DIY face mask tutorial is a great choice. No fancy templates, it's just a cut and sew pattern that takes you quickly through the process of making a mask.
For those of you who are visual learners, this face mask tutorial has a ton of photos to help you learn how to make them. It makes a surgical-style mask with elastic. Binding is added to the short edges to make the sewing on the mask look neat and tidy.
Dubbed the most comfortable face mask, this face mask pattern is shaped entirely differently than the other face masks. It doesn't sit right on your face, allowing you to breathe easily. Its origami-like shape doesn't just feel better it also looks quite stylish. This is free to download and it's available in 5 sizes for both kids and adults.
If you're looking for a mask pattern that uses three layers of fabric, this is a good one. There are three pleats in the mask for extra comfort. There are three different sizes available for a small child, child, and teen/adult. There's even a free, printable pattern envelope so you can keep your mask patterns organized since you may be making more in the future.
When you're finished sewing your face masks, it's time to donate them so the people who need them can get them as quickly as possible. A great place to start would be your local community. Contact hospitals and medical centers in your area to see if they need masks. If no masks are needed, consider holding on to them to see if the needs change in the next few days.
