Make a mask without sewing: You want to make your own face mask, but don't have a sewing machine? No problem! With this guide, you can make a protective mask yourself in 2 minutes with just a few simple steps.
The most important information at a glance
- With my pattern, you can make a well-fitting mask without sewing in 2 minutes
- The pattern serves as a craft template (stencil); you can download it here (PDF)
- All you need is a small piece of stretch fabric, such as a T-shirt or a sweatshirt
- The Robert Koch Institute states: "The RKI recommends that the general public wear a face covering in certain situations in public spaces." More information from the RKI can be found here.
- The mask should be washed at 60-90 degrees after each use.
Make a protective mask without sewing
After receiving so many enthusiastic comments about my free face mask patterns, I wondered: What do people do if they don't have a sewing machine?
Especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people who have never used a sewing machine also need face masks. This is particularly relevant now that face mask mandates have been issued and masks are required in almost all German states, for example on public transport (but also when shopping).
I can certainly help with that! Here is my free guide with a pattern for a super simple mask (without any sewing).
Video guide
Simply download the right pattern here and get started.
What makes this mask special?
The mask is not sewn; you only need a small piece of stretch fabric and my pattern (linked below). Simply download the pattern, cut out the stretch fabric using my guide, and put on your DIY mask – you're done!
Of course, and we shouldn't kid ourselves, these masks are not as durable as sewn face masks. But they are an excellent quick solution for non-sewers! :)
What fabrics can I use to make the DIY mask?
I use fabric scraps from sewing clothes to make these really comfortable masks. This is especially true when I sew my patterns for plus-size clothing, as there are often fabric scraps left over.
Elastic fabrics are ideal for the seamless mask, such as
- Cotton jersey fabrics*
- Viscose jersey*
- Romanit jersey*
- Sweat fabrics*
- French Terry*
- Lightweight knit fabrics*
In short, any knitted fabric will work, not woven fabric. This provides good stretch. At the same time, the knitted structure prevents the fabric from fraying at the edges.
It is ideal if you check when buying the fabric whether the fabric edges roll up significantly. The less they roll up, the better suited the fabric is for this pattern.
How do you put on the mask?
Place it against your face so that the nose contour rests on the bridge of your nose. Turn the ear loops 180 degrees so that the mask crosses over the ear
Which size is right?
My pattern is available in 7 sizes. This allows you to make masks for the whole family: from toddlers to bearded men, the masks fit everyone. It is important to try the fit with different materials.
Elastic fabrics also have different levels of stretch. Therefore, the rule here is: try it out rather than studying it.
As a rough guide, depending on the elasticity of the fabric used:
- Size 1: Children aged 3–4 years
- Size 2: Children aged 5–7 years
- Size 3: Children aged 8–13 years
- Size 4: Teenagers aged 14–17 years
- Sizes 5–7: Adults
It is important that the mask fits snugly against the face, does not dig into the ears, and that you can breathe easily.
The right accessories for the DIY mask
Use a highly stretch fabric such as jersey or sweat fabric. Of course, you can also work sustainably and use an old T-shirt or sweater.
You need:
- a piece of jersey or sweat fabric
- a pair of scissors* or a rotary cutter*
- Straight pins* to secure the pattern
- The pattern in the right size
Where can I download the pattern?
You can easily download the pattern (a sewing template, like a kind of stencil) here:
Download: Seamless Mask (PDF)
Can I use the pattern commercially?
Yes, that is not a problem. If you want to sell items made using this pattern, you will need this license. Even though it is a free pattern.
Can I share the pattern?
No, reproduction and distribution of the pattern or guide are not permitted and are subject to copyright. But you are welcome to share the link and thus enable others to quickly and easily make their own protective mask.
Can I also make a double-layered mask?
Of course, that is not a problem. In this case, you can simply print the pattern twice and glue the mirrored pieces together along the straight edge. Then secure it with straight pins on the two layers of fabric and cut it out.
If you like, you can also join the fabric layers together with fabric glue.
Can I also make a mask with a filter pocket?
That is also possible! Cut two masks out of jersey, glue them together so that the pretty fabric sides are on the outside, but leave an opening at the chin. The filter can be inserted there.
Can I make the mask with a nose bridge? How do you do it?
Of course, no problem!
In addition to two fabric cutouts from stretch fabrics, you will also need these materials:
- approx. 15 cm cotton cord*, folded in half, ends bent over
- Fabric glue,* boil-proof
Make sure that the fabric glue used is actually suitable for high washing temperatures. Otherwise, your mask will fall apart into its components during the first wash. ;)
Place one of the two fabric cutouts with the wrong sides facing up. The wrong side of the fabric is the "not so pretty" side, which is on the inside of a T-shirt, for example.
The wire nose bridge should be bent so that the ends can no longer prick you.
Bend it so that it follows the contour of the mask's nose.
Position it about 1/2 to 1 cm from the upper fabric edge, centered in the nose contour.
Now you need the fabric glue: Apply fabric glue all around the outer edge of the mask and in the area of the nose bridge.
Place the second fabric cutout with the wrong side facing down, fitting it precisely onto the prepared cut piece.
Let the mask dry flat. Then you can use it. Make sure that the nose bridge adapts nicely to your face when wearing it.
How can I wash the mask?
You can find the washing temperature in the product description of the respective fabric. If you are upcycling old clothes, you can follow the instructions on the care label.
It is recommended to put the seamless mask in a wash mitt for washing. Then the edges will not roll up as much.
In principle, however, many jerseys and sweat fabrics withstand temperatures of 60–90 degrees. Use a hygiene softener if necessary. You can also iron the mask. Then there is a high probability that you will have killed off disease-causing pathogens.
Storing the mask
In my experience, it has proven useful to have two clearly distinguishable bags with you: One to hold the clean masks. And one for the worn ones.
I simply put this bag into the washing machine unopened. This protects the elastic bands of the masks. This method also has the added advantage that the mini parts do not mysteriously disappear in the washing machine (you may know the phenomenon from socks)... ;)
A super practical storage solution for face masks is, for example, the coffee filter bag. You can download the pattern for free. A detailed guide with a sewing video also makes it easy for beginners to create the little bag.
Sterilizing the mask in the microwave
A mask that has not been washed or sewn is, of course, not meant to last forever. Especially washing in the washing machine wears down the fabric edges.
Instead of a hot wash, you can also sterilize the mask in the microwave. Place the mask on a plate with the outside facing up and spray it with a little tap water. Add another bowl of water. Turn on the microwave for 2–3 minutes at at least 750 watts.
The water vapor generated during microwave operation sterilizes the mask and kills around 99% of pathogens.
But beware: This method is only suitable for masks without metal wires!
Sterilizing the mask in the oven
Sterilizing face masks in the oven can also be a good way to quickly make the masks ready to use again.
Place the mask on a suitable surface and put it in an oven preheated to at least 120 degrees for around 10 minutes. Here too, generating additional water vapor can help.
This means that the mask may be moistened. You can also place a container of water in the oven.
Sterilizing the face mask with an iron
This is also a way to effectively kill heat-sensitive pathogens.
To do this, iron the fabric with steam on the highest setting for at least 2–3 minutes. After that, the mask is ready to use again.
Can I also sew the seamless mask?
You can sew it together by sewing the pattern pieces together right sides together with a corresponding seam allowance. If necessary, you can finish the ear holes with an elastic stitch.
Alternatively, simply sewing it with an overlocker also works great! This makes the mask considerably more durable. :)
The ear hole simply remains unsewn so that it is maximally stretchable.
How do you like my seamless mask?
Feel free to leave me a comment!
Happy non-sewing,
your Sabine
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