Best Fit Face Mask
Over the weekend I completed something I’m really proud of! Honestly, I worked like a dog because I felt the urgency to share this tutorial with the world. If you happen to follow me on social media, you already know that I created the Best Fit Face Mask. After struggling with several different patterns online I bemoaned the fit on all of them. Not one of the face mask were any I could wear for any length of time. You could say, I consider myself a face mask connoisseur especially because I searched for years to find my more form-fitting and comfortable masks used for carpentry or demolition.
Best Fit Face Mask
As a general contractor and woodworker, I had searched for form-fitting and comfortable masks to protect my lungs from dust and debris and had my favorites. Several didn’t have a good tight fit around the nose, which inevitably meant I was blowing sawdust out my nose at night. A good fitting mask doesn’t allow air to come in next to your nose. For that reason, I knew there were better options than most of the sewing mask patterns I found. After a weekend, I designed this easy sew Best Fit Facemask Tutorial for use by the public and medical professionals trying to protect N95 and surgical masks while also staying safe during the COVID crisis. (These are not a replacement for N95 or surgical masks. These masks are designed to add an additional layer of protection.) Looking for a simple, stylish, and better fitting face mask? Well, I have you covered. Get it? Covered? ;-D
Truth be told, my Mom reminded me I’ve been sewing and perfecting this design for almost forty years! This is me sewing a quilted rainbow vest (remember Punky Brewster?!)
And this was my costume for Future Day in elementary school. It’s a bit crazy that I thought the future was a place where we’d have so much smog we couldn’t breathe clean air. My costume was a mask with an oxygen tank on my back made from an egg carton. Kind of scary how our current day is a place where we fear the air we are breathing.
Thank goodness, we don’t have to wear tin foil covered milk jugs on our heads. I much prefer wearing the Best Fit Face Mask, a more form-fitted cloth mask with adjustable ties around the ears to fit a wider variety of faces (and keep from irritating the ears after wearing for long periods of time). The mask pattern also has an optional filter pocket, should you need the extra protection (although, frankly it gets harder to breathe the more layers you add.)
Here are a few details about the mask:
- Two Sizes (Medium and Large)
- Easy to Sew
- Filter Pocket
- Adjustable Nose Clip
- Fitted around nose, chin and cheeks
- Less Fabric Waste
Are you ready to make your own Best Fit Face Mask?
Click here to be taken to the full instructions with video and downloadable instruction sheet with templates!
One more thing, I share several options for materials, especially because there seems to be a shortage of elastic.
Prefer to purchase a Best Fit Face Mask? This is the link to the database of sellers.
Just wanted to send a huge Thank You !! I found your pattern and have made a bunch of your masks for friends and famil, they loved them, every size and color. I am actually making some for my friends kids this weekend. They are fun and easy to make. You have encouraged me to keep on sewing… (forgot I knew how to do it). Love seeing all your updates and so glad to see you back at it again. Big Hugs
Masks are the most important things now days. Thanks for sharing the details about the mask. This is really cute.
When I first found this pattern last year, there was a small size. Is that still available?
Yes, it’s still on the instruction page: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
I do woodworking also. I needed a good mask to keep from inhaling sawdust. Thank you so much for posting this. It’s much appreciated.
Thank you for providing this mask! I have made several, given them away – recipients say they are the best ever!
Where is the pattern?
https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
This is the best mask pattern! You’re the best!!
Any advice on how to give dimensions of final masks? Do I give them with it folded in half then multiply by 2? Or do they really need the mask laying flat, pulling taught and giving the measuring along the top for a more accurate width?
These are very different measurements and I don’t want to be confusing.
Height I would use it nose to chin with the mask folded in half. Correct?
Any advice or suggestions??
I’m not sure how to answer your question. I’d suggest sewing one and take your own measurements.
I’m replying to my own comment. I had the fold at the wrong end of the pattern. This design is great and I had wonderful success (finally)
. It fit all my husband’s needs — nose piece and adjustable elastic. Thank you.
I used it for a first grader and a kindergartner and it fit them perfectly. I reduced that pattern by 1/4” for a 3 year old.
Had to write you and tell you I have now used this mask pattern to make all sizes including a toddler one I made by reducing child pattern by 1/4”. I have now made one for myself and husband, masks for grown daughters, masks for school children and kindergarten students and now the three year old. Every one of those people has loved this pattern (I tried three others before this one)! Everyone has said they are PERFECT! I use the coffee bag ties for the nose wire. Thank you so, so much for this pattern! Your pattern has made such an impact!
Have tried numerous face mask patterns since the start of Covid. This “Best Fit Mask” is BY FAR the best pattern. It is easy to make and fits perfectly.
What are the ages the child sized pattern fits?
I could not get this pattern to work for me. When putting front to back I did not have enough fabric on the front to fold down on the sharp vee in the middle of the inside lining. I tried to adjust, but finally gave up. Very disappointing. Anyone else with this problem?
You might find the Time Savers method easier to sew: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-face-mask-time-savers-and-sizes-to-fit-everyone/
I made 3 of these masks back in April, and I love the design and fit. Do you know whether anyone has adapted this pattern to have a clear window for the Deaf community? I plan to make some in response to a request, but I much prefer the comfort and fit of this pattern over the one they’ve suggested.
One of the sellers in the database did (she has a note next to her store denoting “Lip Reading Masks” https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a6yqchGZJVuaUw1K2iezY_2ABViFSjog64OmsAEtkjo/edit?usp=sharing
Thank you! I have made several hundred masks based on your design (I modified for a lower cut around the eyes and no folded edges). I have donated over $1000 to COVID relief groups. Thank you for sharing!
WOW Jenn! Thank you for your efforts and for turning your profits into donations.
I love this tutorial and pattern. I’m a new sewer and have cranked out multiple masks thanks to your help. I have discovered the use of pot holder loops as a nice alternative to elastic. Nicer on the ears and my daughter happened to have a large stash!
I like this pattern and have been making them, so far about 15. Please give me advice about how to avoid getting bunched up fabric as I sew around the center where the nosepiece is and also the bottom center. I tend to get a fold of fabric under my stitching there. Any recommendations?
Thanks for providing the templates and instructions for everyone! Could you check the template for the small mask? It appears to be the same size as the medium.
It’s not the same size. Already checked. Be sure your printer isn’t resizing.
OMG! I love the bead on the tie threaded in the “u” pattern tie. I have family members who have problems tying behind their heads but don’t like the behind-the-ear ties. Since our governor issued a mandate for face masks going into effect tomorrow, I need to make additional masks and will be trying this new bead idea. This may help get them to wear masks more frequently. Thank you for sharing.
You can also alter the straps to be more comfortable and not be behind your ears: https://prettyhandygirl.com/most-comfortable-best-fit-face-mask/
I love this pattern, I have made 7 or 8 masks. I use the coffee filter ties for the nose clip, and the untied hair elastics with pony beads for the ears; but the elastics were too wide, so I sewed them in half lengthwise. And the last one I made I stitched up the whole front instead of just the chin and nose so I have a little more space.
Can not find the pattern and have been searching for two hours and I’m so frustrated. Looking for pattern for best fit face mask.
It’s linked on this page, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
The small and medium templates are the same. I made the medium and it was too big. I printed the small and lined them up to see the difference and they’re the same.
They are not the same, did you check the 1″ box for size. Your printer has probably scaled one or both print outs.
Your mask patterns have been the best to work on. I’ve made hundreds and I love yours the most. Thank you for your generosity in providing these patterns and excellent instructions to work on.! carol suto
love the pattern. have used it for friends but also noticed men with beards can’t put it under chin. so i don’t cut out chin. sew around it and the men love them. like the nose also sent to my neice for her girls to make for the girl scouts. made in america by a girl scout. thank you for making this pattern
Thankyou for what looks like a simple faff-free mask. Just printed the pattern and wonder if you could make the
1 inch box non-black… it uses quite a lot of ink and slows printing down.
I have made 15 of these masks so far, and am in the process of making 15 more. Feedback so far has been very positive, and my neighbor has declared them the most comfortable mask she has tried yet. TIP FOR MAKING THE PATTERN FIT KIDS: scale the medium pattern to 80% with your printer or copier. They fit my 6 and 8 year olds great. Thanks for putting all the work into this design!
Hi I think this is a fab pattern and it does exactly what it is supposed to do. I wonder if you have a children’s version.
I am a cancer patient and I have made loads for friends and family to raise money for my local hospice who are struggling . I have a local waste free shop who want to help by putting them in their shop to help raise money for the hospice I hope this is ok.
Mary, yes! Here you go: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-face-mask-time-savers-and-sizes-to-fit-everyone/
Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful pattern. I have made and distributed hundreds of these so far, including some for my daughter’s girl scout troop. Attached is the letter which accompanied the note:
To the Daisies of Troop xxxx
Congratulations on graduating from Kindergarten!
For our Summer Activity Pack Project, I learned to sew masks with my mom. We wear these to keep ourselves and our community safe. Even though things might be weird these days, if you see another girl wearing this same mask, you will be recognizing a friend.
If you would like us to make more masks for you in the same size, please cut out two pieces of fabric according to the template in your packet. The template was made by an inspiring woman we found on the internet. Her website is http://www.PrettyHandyGirl.com. She uses her brain and Power Tools to build cool stuff. She also has adult-size templates for your parents, if you want to cut out some fabric for them too.
Please remember to also trace out the line for the NOSE and CHIN, but do not cut it out! You can use any fabric your family isn’t using like an old character t-shirt, curtains, or pillow case, so be creative! We aren’t skilled enough to sew masks with stretchy fabrics like leggings, but we can use those for ear loops if you want to cut out 18-inch by one-inch strips for the wrap-around style I made for you, or two 8-inch strips for traditional ear loops.
Drop off the cut pieces of fabric in a baggie with a note for how you would like your mask to look on my downstairs porch at xxx Avenue with a note, or email me at xxx . I will let you know when we have finished, and return your mask onto my porch.
With love,
Amelia
Amelia, this is wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this mask I made a lot of them.. I wore one to my Dr. He loved it and said it was the best non surgical mask he had seen.. told me to keep making them .. everyone I made them for liked them the best out of all the masks they had purchased … Thanks for the update on making the masks smaller. It is an awesome pattern and so easy 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern with the clear instructions. I really appreciate it.
I don’t have a printer – any chance of diagram with measurements? xx
l apologize for not being able to directly answer your question. Look at the top of the comment thread on the YouTube video (https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8) for my FAQ comment which answers your question. You can also get answer directly on this page which was linked in the video description, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Absolutely the best fitting face mask! I made several for my husband and son and they both said this pattern was the best fit by far! Thank you so much for sharing your pattern.
I do have a question…..do you have a pattern for children (or what percentage would I decrease the medium size? I ask because my 9 year old grandson has to go for his first of three surgeries on June 23rd and mom is having a hard time finding a face mask that fits him.
All this is answered in the FAQ section on the tutorial page: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Brittany, this is truly the best fit mask! I’ve made several for family and the fit is amazing. Thank you for sharing your pattern.
I would like to thank you for sharing your patterns for this mask. I have made many different styles of masks and yours is by far the best. My husband is an essential worker and though I have made him several masks your mask fit him the best. Just as a simple fyi. You made mention you were having a little trouble feeding the paracord through your bead. I found that if you bend the cord in half and slip a piece of strong thread through the loop and pull the thread through bead, tug gently the cord will go through easily. Thank you again and be well.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! These are amazing!! Like you, I was accustomed to form fitting masks and these are amazing!! They stay put! I have made them for adults and children alike and the pattern has been preferred over SO many others! As you didn’t have a small pattern available, I did modify your medium pattern by simply adjusting, as needed, and it is amazing!! I have pictures if you want them! You are truly brilliant and your pattern is very much appreciated!!
Brittany, I want to say thank you for sharing your amazing pattern! It fits well, is comfortable and love how easy it is to adjust. I have been making them for family & friends and to donate. I have shared your pattern with friends and family.
Thank you so much for helping to keep us safe!
Hi there! I love this mask, and so does everyone else I’ve made one for! Thank you for posting this! I’ve made around 25 for family and several of my friends (at no cost). A few are in pharma sales so they requested extras for work. I didn’t have any beads for the adjustable straps so I stole my hubby’s paracord and he tied sliding knots to make them adjustable. I really appreciate you sharing this pattern!
Hello Brittany, i just got around to trying out your pattern for face masks, and wanted to thank you for an easy and well-fitting mask. I couldn’t find any craft beads, so I looked in my sewing supplies and found something that would do. They look like miniature grommets that one would pound into fabric; no memory of ever using them. Have a lot of quarter inch elastic, so I used that, threaded through the tiny grommet thingies, knotted elastic together. The grommet things slide up easily for making the elastic tighter. I was able to make the masks with what I could find around my home thanks to your creative ideas for the various parts. I had made another style of mask with a paperclip for the nose, but hadn’t thought of the electrical tape to keep it from working through the fabric.
As a side note, I wash masks in cold water as that is all there is in my laundry room, and hang them in the sun to dry. Easier on elastic and I figure the time in the sun (all day) is sterile enough.
Again, thanks for an elegant mask tutorial and and inspiring method for using materials at hand.
Hi Brittany – Thank you for making your pattern available! It’s the best one I’ve seen so far. I have no intention of selling masks. I’ve made about 10 so far for my family and close friends. It’s easy to put together! At first I could not find beads anywhere – so as a workaround, I went into the toy section of Target and found a key chain kit with the beads! Ta Da! work around! LOL Again, thank you!
Hello,
Love this tutorial… so you have a kids template? Or how to modify your template for a smaller face? Thanks so much..
l apologize for not being able to directly answer your question. Look at the top of the comment thread on the YouTube video (https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8) for my FAQ comment which answers your question. You can also get answer directly on this page which was linked in the video description, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Is the filter removable? Or is it just sewn in to the mask itself? I’m new to sewing and feel a little dumb asking this 🙂
The filter is any material you wish to slide behind the filter pocket layer. So, no, it isn’t permanently sewn in.
Just a suggestion, Hostess bag donuts are inexpensive and also have the double layer twist ties like your coffee bags that can be used. Making one of your masks this weekend thank you for this post!
Doctor’s recommendation is to use a hot steam iron to sterilise.
Hi Brittany, Thanks so much for making this pattern and tutorial. I make these and donate them to a local facility. I love how they can adjust to different face sizes. They are relatively easy to make (I’m new to sewing). The pattern is easy to cut out and it uses very little waste for the fabric. I love the idea of using coffee bag flat ties for the nose clip. I made minor adjustments, just because I was using material I had on hand. For those in the same situation: I used craft beads with a hole that measures between 2-3mm. Also, I used 1/8 inch soft stretch elastic. (I bought these items a few years ago for a project) I used a thread and needle to put the bead on the elastic. The elastic works great, but it doesn’t gather the fabric at the edge of the mask quite as much as the cords and thicker elastic does. I’m on my second batch of masks to donate when I though, I should let Brittany know how amazing her masks are. Well they’re great! Thanks again, Donna
i would like to get the pattern for the mask but I can not find it
l apologize for not being able to directly answer your question. Look at the top of the comment thread on the YouTube video (https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8) for my FAQ comment which answers your question. You can also get answer directly on this page which was linked in the video description, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
HA! Never mind – I figured it out! WOW!!! The fit on this mask is amazing!!! Thank you!!!
Ok! How did you use the button method for this project? Could you provide a bit more details for using this method please?
l apologize for not being able to directly answer your question. Look at the top of the comment thread on the YouTube video (https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8) for my FAQ comment which answers your question. You can also get answer directly on this page which was linked in the video description, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Loved your mask pattern… made one for myself and husband. question on cleaning.. all info says to wash in washer and put in dryer but am afraid of the tape i used for nose wire. (duck tape). for now I hand washed for 5 mins in hot soapy water , rinsed and then soaked in boiling water for 5 mins based on research. Would love to hear thought on putting in dryer to dry. Sure would be quicker.
It should be fine in the dryer, but use medium heat in case.
Love this mask. I tried several other types but yours is the best- now on to making a template for a small six your old!
Thanks so much for this pattern, and your tutorial was really helpful. It really is the best fitting mask. What size bead did you use? I can’t seem to find one that works in my jumbledy bead box.
Beads have 4mm hole. All the information on materials and more is on this page: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
I really like your pattern. Any chance you have templates in small and extra large?
Not yet. But, make sure you read the FAQs on this page: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Loved your mask made several used Flexible Plant ties from the Dollar store instead of wire.Washes well and had good bend memory. Thanks for the pattern
Thanks for the tip on another alternate material! Stay safe.
can you make the best fit mask without the wire?
I don’t recommend it as the nose wire is what makes it fit best and closes the gap around your nose. But, you do what you like.
Made masks for my family and some friends. The fit was good using t-shirt material. Very easy and quick sewing, I did modify the template a bit. Thanks so much.
LOVE THESE! Thanks for sharing. I was unable to find fabric on my trip out to Walmart. I wanted to get all I needed at one time as to not come back. So i began looking at tea towels and napkins, but then saw the pretty patterns on the Pioneer Womans quilted place mats!!! They have a lining already. They’re comfortable, breathable, pretty and sew-easy to do! I wish I could post some pics.
I made a few using denim as the front panel. My husband says this is the best fitting of the trial and error masks I have been making…in search of “the one”. And your coffee clasp idea is brilliant.
How do I get a pattern
l apologize for not being able to directly answer your question. Look at the top of the comment thread on the YouTube video (https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8) for my FAQ comment which answers your question. You can also get answer directly on this page which was linked in the video description, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
This is the best fitting mask, thank you. For my first mask, I did use a featherweight fusible pellon for extra filtration without adding the bulk of a filter pocket. It definitely reduced the bulk and increased the filtration. With allergy season ramping up in my area, I could definitely tell the difference. I applied the pellon to the back of the outer fabric layer but it can just as easily be applied to the inner liner.
I did find coffee bag ties on Amazon. They are not prime but it is cheaper than buying more coffee and easier than making your own plus shipping was only 5 days. They also have a sticky back that can help them to stay put when sewing.
Thank you for posting this, I have made a few other designs for other people but have found yours to be the best fitting and it’s easy to make too! I’ve made one for each of my family and now making some for my parents. So thank you again for helping keep us safe.
Brilliant, and so generous. Thank you for such detailed and user-friendly instructions. I just found your site today, and it is by far the most useful for creating a well-fitting mask. Merci!!
I used a piece of thread to pull the cord or elastic thru the bead, just feed the thread thru the hole on the bead, make a loop with your cord, feed the thread thru the loop and back thru the bead. This allows you to pull the loop thru and it “thins” out the cord when you pull or stretch it.
Do you find that that these are breathable? I have a cloth mask that conforms to my face. I sweat terribly and after a while I feel like it’s harder to breathe.
Yup, staying safe is not always easy. Try doing demolition in 90 degree heat with a tyvek suit and a full respirator. It’s not ideal.
Hi,
Can u write dimensions on ur face mask template.
The link with the dimensions is on this same page. Please look carefully under instructions.
THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS!!I I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND LIKED YOURS THE BEST. I HAVE 15 GRANDCHILDREN AND AM IN CHARGE OF MAKING MASKS. iS THERE A WAY YOU COULD PUT UP A PATTERN FOR 7-12 AND UNDER 7? I WOULD APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. THANK YOU AND STAY SAFE
l apologize for not being able to directly answer your question. Look at the top of the comment thread on the YouTube video (https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8) for my FAQ comment which answers your question. You can also get answer directly on this page which was linked in the video description, but here it is again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Hi
Thanks so much for this. I managed to make one for size and now I will adjust to fit. A bit rusty with the machine but ok.
I used blackout curtain lining which has a slightly flocked finish so very soft and comfortable on the face, and I washed it first at 60°C because we will want to sterilise them to check for shrinkage. I think white is good because you might have to bleach it.
Those coffee bag ties are also to be found on pasta and sometimes bread where I am. I used a sort of mouldable garden wire though and it keeps the shape very well. It’s a quite thick and soft one and designed to keep its shape.
I didn’t have any elastic so I used cord like the sort of thing you would use on a roller blind . You have to loop one part over your head and the second part tie it at the back of your head but you’ve got to use what you have. I might try elastic later if I can find any.
Thanks again.
Made one of your masks. It was perfect, but how about a kid sized one? My granddaughter is seven.
As posted in the instructions, I do not have children’s sizes: “Because children are a wide variety of sizes, you will need to downsize the template by printing the medium mask smaller. From limited testing, we found reducing the medium mask by 12% when printing yielded a mask that fit a four year old, but was still too big for a two year old.”
An interesting option for the elastics. Panty hose.
Can your face masks be made for children?
6, 8, 11 year olds?
As posted in the instructions, I do not have children’s sizes: “Because children are a wide variety of sizes, you will need to downsize the template by printing the medium mask smaller. From limited testing, we found reducing the medium mask by 12% when printing yielded a mask that fit a four year old, but was still too big for a two year old.”
This was the best face mask pattern I have found. Much better fit and easier to make than the pleated ones. Thanks!!!
Can I use duct tape instead of electrical tape? If not do you have any other tape suggestions. Ran out of coffee ties which worked great.
Yes
Thanks going to make a few tonight. BTW I found these work great for nose clip. I encased them or used electrical tape to stop edges from ripping through. I also clipped off the pointy ends and trimmed the length of it down.
https://www.staples.com/Staples-Self-Adhesive-Fastener-2-3-4-Width-2-Capacity-100-PK/product_1798845?cid=PS:GooglePLAs:1798845&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=1798845&KPID=1798845&gclid=CjwKCAjw7e_0BRB7EiwAlH-goDlyQANbqYGeTh1d2CbUKQ_o9_ujiq66MP9RU7k45p3doIHJKjwhsBoCKQYQAvD_BwE
Can you please give the pattern with measurements on a grid for those of us without access to printers right now? Thank you.
It’s on this page: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Hi! I love love love your mask! Is there anyway to turn it into an svg so I could use my cricut maker to cut the fabric instead?!
Sorry, I don’t have that capability.
I think your mask is exactly what I’m looking for; I’ve tried 2 other patterns and they are ok, but not quite right for me. I will try this tonight! Thank you! PS. I need to check out more of your blog.
Then knot the ends of the twine together? I apologize, I just can’t picture it! I guess I should go out and buy beads!!
Thanks for your help.
thank you! none of the masks I’ve made are that comfortable, and I look forward to making yours!
Not a sewer, not very crafty. These masks were not difficult and do fit better than any other mask I found!! Thank you for the design. The coffee bag nose piece was also the best idea!
I cannot figure out how to use the button instead of the bead for the slider. Will someone please explain how to attach the twine? Thank you!
Feed twine through the holes of the button and around the straps. Make sure it’s snug enough to hold the straps but not too tight that you can’t move the button.
I didn’t find any measurements for the template, and for the 2sizes
Did you click on the link taking you to the full tutorial? That’s where you’ll find the scan with the dimensions. Here is the link again: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
I as well have tried different patterns, but I like yours, going to try this tomorrow.
Love your website.
HOW DO I PRINT OFF THE TEMPLET FOR THE PATTERN?????
Did you click on the link at the bottom of this page? The one taking you to the full tutorial? https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Great Pattern. Have you thought about scaling the pattern for children’s sizes?
Yes, but I don’t have any kids to test on. Because children are a wide variety of sizes, you will need to downsize the template by printing the medium mask smaller. From limited testing, we found reducing the medium mask by 12% when printing yielded a mask that fit a four year old, but was still too big for a two year old.
thank you for your wonderful tutorial. so glad you included a pattern to use and if i have a problem i can com back to your tutorial. i will be making some today for hubby and me. i need to make him several as i’m sure he will loose them and get them dirty where they will be needing washed. i love the pattern for the inside liner so i can use a different color for hubs to know what is inside and outside. i never thought of a coffee flat bag tie. i just threw out and empty coffee bag this morning. i’m going to get it out of the garbage and wash it up and use it. i can’t thank you enough for this. thank you many times over.
Hi! Thanks for a great pattern. I made an alteration to the assembly process that really helped me. Before doing the foldover / hems on the top and bottom, I stacked the liner and the outside on top of each other and sewed them together along the nose / chin seams I had previously sewn and then snipped.
It made it way easier to work from there and finish the mask.
Hope you are safe and healthy!
I wanted to make myself a mask, my daughter, her husband and my grandsons. Plus, a few friends. I went out to get some elastic and material. You can guess what happened. I came home empty handed.
Desperate measures.. I started cutting the elastic out of my underwear.
Then, I went online and your best fitting mask was the first thing that my eyes.
I used your t-shirt and bead idea to replace the elastic.
THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO SHARE!!!
I believe you will love it.
To make my nose pieces I used my kitchen shares to cut a disposable aluminum backing pan into strips. Then, I carefully folded the pieces four times about 1/4 wide and cut them to desired length. I covered some of them with electrical tape but stopped because I was concerned about what would happen to the tape in the washer.
I wish there were some way I could send you a picture.
To make the liners. I took the filling out of a pillow, washed the outside cover and cut it to the pattern.
Finally, I used pillow cases for the outer cover.
Grand total 99cent for the beads
Bonus. . When it’s all over I have a reason to get new pillows and a set of cases.
Thank you for the pattern. It was easy to make and comfortable to wear.
Thanks for sharing.
Will you ever make + sell any of your masks? I used to sew, & do many crafts, really, but with my adverse health, which generates severe neuropathies, I’m unable to do much of anything with my poor hands now. I have to wear masks most of the time as my immune system is compromised, & it’s next to impossible to find surgical masks, or good-fitting cloth masks. I’m very interested in your design + style. Please help.. 🙏 Thank you & God bless. 😊
I am donating all the masks I make. Just shipped several off to a hospital in NYC. This is a list of sellers: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a6yqchGZJVuaUw1K2iezY_2ABViFSjog64OmsAEtkjo/edit?usp=sharing
Hello there, just wanted to thank you for the amazing, clear, instructions. I hadn’t sewn in years, and tried four other patterns, but loved yours best. Thank you! Have any of your readers sent feedback as to what scaling works best for small children? My kids are 4 and 6, and I’d like to make some for them and their friends. I’m thinking something like 70% would do the trick, but figured you may have received feedback from others.
Thank you again for helping us protect and entertain our communities through these fun masks!
Because children are a wide variety of sizes, you will need to downsize the template by printing the medium mask smaller. From limited testing, we found reducing the medium mask by 12% when printing yielded a mask that fit a four year old, but was still too big for a two year old.
Thanks 😀
Can you share washing instructions?
Wash like you do your clothing. If you didn’t pre-wash your fabric, I’d wash it in cold water and air dry.
What size paracord do you use>
1/8″
Why no measurements? Not everyone has a printer
You never clicked on the link in the bottom of the page to the full tutorial here: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Thank you very much, beautiful mask! Greetings from Belarus!I wish you good health!
Благодарю, прекрасная маска!Thank you very much, beautiful mask! Greetings from Belarus!I wish you good health!
I just finished making one! Thank you for the pattern and video instructions. I made it from materials I had in my home. I used half a pipe cleaner folded over and encased it in double fold bias tape before inserting it in my cotton fabric. Since I only needed one for my personal use, I just made a loop of 1/4″ baby elastic instead of making it adjustable (used about 8″ on each side). I used the large pattern and it fit fine over the nose and out to the ears but was a bit long in the chin, so I just folded it under after it was done and tacked it. I will now be comfortable and stylish when I need to shop for essentials!
I love this pattern, thank you for sharing it! Will it work to use cloth ties that can be tied behind the head?
Yes, just make sure the straps can freely move in the sides so it will gather instead of puff out.
Your pattern is fantastic! I made one for myself, then printed out the medium at 90% scale to make a slightly smaller one for my wife, to fit her better. I love the tip to use t-shirt material for the elastic bands. I have some fabric left over from making leggings, and the spandex content makes it comfortable and super stretchy. Definitely a challenge to thread through the bead, but very secure once it’s in there. Well done, and thank you for publishing this!
Where can I locate the pattern
Everything you need is in the link at the end of this article: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
I do not see how to print the pattern
The link is at the end of the article you just read: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
I love this pattern. Is there any way to get the template in a different format such as .jpg, or .svg?
I’m a teacher. I’m going to be helping deliver meals to students this week and was wanting to make a mask. I don’t have a printer here at home but I do have a Cricut! If I have the template in one of those formats I should be able to cut out a pattern.
Thank you so much!
Sorry, you are welcome to download the PDF and turn the pages into JPEGs.
Can I use OLY fun material between the layers on your mask?
Is a medium ok for a child, say 7-12?
Thanks,
Anne
Anne, my 13 year old wears the medium fine. I’m not sure about children younger. I didn’t understand your first question, was there a auto-correct in your sentence?
I really enjoyed watching your video of the best fit face mask with filter and love this great design.
As a Healthcare worker, these masks are greatly appreciated especially the filter ones.
Can you tell me how I can see the public database so that I can order some of these masks that are being made, especially the filer ones. Thank you in advance for your time.
I just started the spreadsheet of sellers. You can view it here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a6yqchGZJVuaUw1K2iezY_2ABViFSjog64OmsAEtkjo/edit?usp=sharing
Great pattern! Very well written instructions. I’ve tried several others, but like this one the best. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you for sharing good job!
How do I get the pattern for the template
Here’s the link: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/ It is at the end of the article you read ;-).
It’s here, can you let me know if you don’t see the link at the end of the article you read? Just want to make sure it’s visible. https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
You can access the full tutorial here: https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
I cannot seem to be able to get to pattern. What is the secret?
Did you click the link to go to this page? https://prettyhandygirl.com/best-fit-facemask/
Hello: this might help. I had to go Brittany website and then find the actual site for the face mask then find the place why to click on “find instruction and template for the better fitting face mask: or something similar. Hope this helps. The Command P did not work for me.
Thank you SO much for this pattern. I’ll go rush off to try it out. I’ve been making masks, some patterns seem to fix ok, but the fitted patterns I’ve tried seem so small and haven’t fit well. I can tell this one is larger and I have a feeling it’s going to get my stamp of approval. Thanks again!
Can you give more details on the craft bead? When I google that there are so many different types! Thanks. And thanks for this tutorial. I’ve tried two other types of masks, keep looking for the “perfect” one for fit. I can’t wait to try yours. Thanks for guidance on the beads.
The craft beads I have are a 4mm hole. But, it’s tough to get the paracord through. I’d look for slightly larger holes.
I want to make this but don’t have a sewing machine. I’m wondering about hand stitching this mask.
Bea, absolutely! It will take longer, but you can do it.
I love this mask but cannot seem to print from your download. No button for printing
Depending on your computer, you should be able to hit Command + P (on a Mac) or Control + P (on a PC).
Thank you for sharing your EXCELLENT mask template. I tried others but yours is by far the best!
From a ‘senior’ handy lady who appreciates all handy women who aren’t afraid to get in there and fix things.
Yes!!! Thanks for your comment.