Best Fitting Face Mask - Designed for simple sewing, less fabric and form fitting for more head shapes. Make this mask for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) protection in less than 30 minutes. Plus, alternatives to materials currently unavailable. Important: view the full tutorial here:
Download Instructions and Templates Here:
How I Designed this Mask:
During the coronavirus outbreak I started making DIY Face Masks using some of the patterns I found online, but I really didn’t like fit, especially because I was used to my more form-fitting and comfortable masks used for carpentry or demolition. So I designed what I’m calling the “Best Fit Facemask.” It’s more form-fitted onto the face and it has adjustable elastic ties around the ears to fit a wider variety of faces.
As a general contractor and woodworker, I had searched for form-fitting and comfortable masks to protect my lungs from dust and debris. For that reason, I knew there were better options than most of the sewing mask patterns I found. (These are not a replacement for N95 or surgical masks. These masks are designed to add an additional layer of protection.)
Face Mask Template Sizes:
The medium should fit most people, especially with the adjustable straps. I've included a large template for those who have a longer face or bigger head.
Does this mask have a filter pocket?
Filter Pockets or No Pocket, your choice! Instructions for sewing a mask with or without a filter pocket are included. In fact, it's only one step difference.
In addition to this pattern being easier to sew, it also uses less fabric to allow you to make more masks with the fabric you have on hand. Speaking of fabric, these are some sources for fabric in your home so you don't have to buy anything!
(I've included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
Materials:
Fabric (see below for suggestions) or order online:
Scissors: (good sewing scissors speed along the process.)
Thread:
Iron:
Elastic Strap material (see below for ideas)
Nose clip materials (see below for suggestions)
Craft bead (or buttons):
Sewing Machine:
Better Face Mask Fabric Materials:
There is some science behind the materials used for face masks. Although the tighter woven (more thread count) fabrics offer more protection, they do pose the issue of being harder to breathe through. If you want to choose the best materials for both, here is a list of best materials for making your DIY face mask when trying to prevent virus transmission.
Sources for Mask Materials in Your Home:
Quilter's Cotton Fabric
Cotton Blend Fabric
Sheets or Pillowcases
Tea Towels (not terrycloth)
Fabric Napkins
Scarfs or Bandanas
Flannel
Dress Shirts
Other Cotton Fabrics
Nose Clip Materials:
Coffee Bag Tie
If you don't have a coffee bag tie:
• Electrical tape and 18 gauge wire (or straightened paper clips) make a similar functioning nose clip.
Simply cut a piece of electrical tape 3 inches long. Lay two 2.5" pieces of wire onto half the tape and fold over the other half to seal the wire inside the tape. Trim off the ends, leaving a small amount of tape to cover the wires.
Adjustable Strap Materials:
• 1/8" round shock or paracord (cut two 12 inch lengths per mask):
• 1" cut strips of t-shirt material (cut 6-8 inch lengths and stretch to 12 inches long)
• Flat ribbon hair bands (untie the knot and use one per side):
The key to the Best Fit Face Mask fitting so well is the adjustable straps. Using a craft bead on the straps allows the user to adjust the mask to their face. The paracord is the hardest to thread, but I used pointed tweezers to poke the straps through. The t-shirt material and flat ribbon elastic is much easier to thread through.
No matter what material you use for the straps, be sure to tie the ends of your straps to prevent the bead from coming off.
If you don’t have craft beads, a button with some craft twine can work well as a strap adjuster.
ATTENTION:
There is a huge need for face masks right now. I can't make enough for the demand, that's where you come in. If you are making masks using my design and want to sell or donate them, please email me (PrettyHandyGirl@gmail.com) with this information so I can add it to the database I'll share with the public.
Want to buy a face mask instead? Click on the Link below to see a list of people who are selling the Best Fit Face Mask.
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