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Sew a DIY face mask: With picture tutorial and sewing video

07.08.2020 by Sabine Schmidt

Behelfsmaske nähen: Mit Bilder-Anleitung und Näh-Video

Sewing a makeshift mask without a pattern: This simple face mask made from cotton fabric can be sewn by beginners without problems, thanks to simple picture instructions and a sewing video.

The most important things at a glance

  • You don't need a pattern for this makeshift mask: The cut piece is formed by folding the fabric
  • Thanks to the nose bridge, this mask style is also well suited for glasses wearers
  • With a sewing video and illustrated instructions for easy following
  • Perfect for sewing beginners
  • Sewing time: approx. 30 minutes

No time or opportunity to print out a face mask pattern? No problem! Here is the solution for quick masks without a pattern.

The mask is cut using a folding technique. I have seen this folding technique used by various Asian mask sewers and will show it to you here. The size of the mask fits women very well; for men, I would start with a basic square of 28 x 28.

But you can also adjust the fit by changing the length of the elastic band.

No desire to sew? Then discover here how you can make a mask without sewing in 2 minutes.

Sewing a makeshift mask without a pattern

Such a simple mask can be both beautiful and practical - and fit well? Of course it can! With a very simple trick: The finished mask is sewn with an attached nose bridge. This keeps it in shape - and where it is supposed to sit.

In terms of fit, this is a mask that does not, like the Origami mask or the single-fold mask, wrap around the chin. It is therefore well suited for summer because it lets air reach the face. And it provides a good distance from the mouth-nose area.

Would you like to sew and sell this mask?

If you want to sell pieces sewn using this pattern, you need this license.

You can easily download it from my shop, fill it out, and send it to me by scan, post, or as a photo in an email. And you can get started!

What you need for the makeshift mask

A 0.7 cm seam allowance is included in the prepared cut piece.

I like to cut the masks with a rotary cutter, because I find it produces the cleanest results. But you can also, as I do in the video, work with a sharp pair of scissors.

To make the makeshift mask, you need:

If you sew the elastic band in two pieces, you can also easily add a cord stopper*. They are also available in extra mini sizes... :)

What fabric is suitable?

It is important that one side of the mask is made from tightly woven fabric. The fabrics used should be washable at 60 degrees or able to withstand microwave disinfection.

I think the cotton cretonne fabrics* with a ginkgo print that I used in the instructions are simply beautiful. And above all: unisex. Otherwise, it is already quite difficult to find fabrics that are well suited for both men and women.

By the way, cretonne is also a real insider tip for beginners (you can find my shopping list for sewing beginners here), because this cotton fabric is nice and stable and is super easy to work with. Feel free to also check out my sewing knowledge post: What fabric for what?

The right elastic band for the mask

Are you one of those people for whom a firm round elastic band does not feel good? My favorite alternative for sensitive ears is soft flat elastic band*. It is very easy to sew into (and much easier than the firm round elastic cord that I used, for example, for the “single-fold” mask.

So it is also a top recommendation for people who have to wear their mask for extended periods.

By the way, the elastic band is also available in a narrower version*, which is just as soft and is also easy to work with.

How can you adjust the size of the mask?

You can adjust the size by changing the basic area of the square and the position of the fold.

The next smaller size would be a square of 26 x 26 cm, the position of the fold tip: 15 cm.

The next larger size: square 28 x 28 cm, position of the fold tip: 16 cm.

Sewing video for the makeshift mask

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this mask also be sewn from jersey?

Of course, that also works without any problems. The mask will then also fit nicely against the face, but it is a bit warmer than if you were to sew it from cotton.

Does the mask protect against Corona?

No. But it can help prevent you from passing your own pathogens to others by speaking or coughing.

Can the mask be washed in a boiling wash?

You can always wash the masks as hot as the materials used can withstand. With cotton fabric, a boiling wash is normally not a problem.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

behelfsmaske-naehen-ohne-schnittmuster

Sew a face mask without a pattern

Fold-and-cut technique without a pattern: by folding and cutting a 27 x 27 cm square of fabric you create the mask-shaped pattern piece. With a bias binding nose wire channel on top and elastic casings at the sides.

  1. Step

    Cut a fabric square

    A seam allowance of 0.7 cm is included in the prepared pattern piece.

    You need a 27 x 27 cm square of cotton fabric.

    Cut a fabric square
  2. Step

    Fold diagonally and press

    Fold the fabric square diagonally, right sides together.

    Press the fold.

    Fold diagonally and press
  3. Step

    Fold the corners together

    Fold the corners lying at the fold towards each other, right sides together.

    Press everything neatly once more.

    Fold the corners together
  4. Step

    Make a mark at 15.5 cm

    Measure 15.5 cm from the closed edge towards the right-hand corner.

    Fold the closed corner towards the open edge. The tip of the fold starts at the 15.5 cm mark.

    Make a mark at 15.5 cm
  5. Step

    Cut the fabric around the fold

    Cut away the fabric around the folded section. Do not cut into the fold.

    To avoid accidents, you can also cover the cutting line with a ruler and use a rotary cutter.

    Cut the fabric around the fold
  6. Step

    Unfold and press

    Unfold the pattern piece.

    Fold the top and bottom points towards each other, right sides together. Press the pattern piece.

    Unfold and press
  7. Step

    Sew the short edges together

    Pin the two short edges to the right and left of the fold together.

    Sew the pinned edges with a 0.7 cm seam allowance and a straight stitch.

    Sew the short edges together
  8. Step

    Trim seam allowances, place layers right sides together

    Trim the seam allowances slightly at the corners lying at the fold.

    Fold the seam allowances neatly open.

    Arrange the pattern piece so that the two seams with their open seam allowances lie right sides together.

    Trim seam allowances, place layers right sides together
  9. Step

    Close the top edge, leaving a turning gap

    Pin the open top edge together.

    To be safe, mark a turning gap of 3 - 4 cm.

    Press the bottom edge neatly.

    Sew the top edge with a straight stitch and 0.7 cm seam allowance. Leave the turning gap open.

    Close the top edge, leaving a turning gap
  10. Step

    Turn and shape

    Trim the seam allowances at the corners a little. This makes the corners easier to shape afterwards.

    Turn the mask right side out through the turning gap and shape the seams.

    You can pull the corners out with a pin.

    Press the mask, neatly folding the seam allowances of the turning gap inwards.

    Turn and shape
  11. Step

    Topstitch all around the mask

    Edgestitch all around the mask with a longer straight stitch (e.g. 3.5 mm). This also closes the turning gap.

    Topstitch all around the mask
  12. Step

    Prepare the bias binding

    Now you need the bias binding. Fold the short ends 0.5 cm inwards and stitch them in place with a straight stitch.

    Fold the bias binding lengthwise, right sides together, and mark the centre with a pin.

    Prepare the bias binding
  13. Step

    Pin the bias binding centred on the seam

    Pin the bias binding, with its fold level with the topstitching, centred on the seam of the mask.

    Pin the bias binding centred on the seam
  14. Step

    Sew on the bias binding

    Edgestitch the long sides of the bias binding in place with a straight stitch.

    Sew on the bias binding
  15. Step

    Shape the wire for the nose wire

    Now you need the wire. It should be approx. 1 cm shorter than the sewn-on bias binding.

    Fold the wire so that both ends are nicely rounded and can't poke through the fabric. Twist it a few times to make it sturdier.

    Shape the wire for the nose wire
  16. Step

    Insert and shape the nose wire

    Insert the wire into the bias binding casing.

    Shape the nose wire.

    Insert and shape the nose wire
  17. Step

    Sew the side casings for the elastic

    Mark 4 cm inwards from the side corners.

    Fold the corners over and sew them in place with a short seam.

    Sew the side casings for the elastic
  18. Step

    Thread the elastic and sew on a button

    Thread a piece of elastic through the casing. Mine is 19 cm long.

    Then you can decorate the corner with a little button.

    Done!

    Thread the elastic and sew on a button

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.