Skip to content

Estimated reading time: 7 min

Sewing an origami mask: Japanese-style face mask (great for glasses wearers)

29.04.2020 by Sabine Schmidt

Origami Maske nähen: Mundschutz im Japan-Stil (super für Brillenträger)

Sewing an Origami Mask: I really like simple face masks in the Japanese style. Because they look great, are sewn quickly and: have a great fit (also for glasses wearers). With free pattern and instructions.

The most important at a glance

  • Even beginners can sew the Origami masks in no time (in under 20 min)
  • The pattern is available in 3 sizes for download
  • The mask is sewn from woven cotton fabric
  • Instead of cotton, you can also very well use antibacterial-treated fabrics*, e.g. Shield fabric
  • The face mask is optimally suitable for glasses wearers, finally no more fogged-up lenses (experience reports in the comments)
  • The mask does not protect you from pathogens, but it can help catch the pathogens you release into the breathing air. This way you protect others.
  • No time to sew? Make a seamless mask quickly yourself (in under 2 min)

What is special about the Origami fold mask?

You surely know that I love the Japanese style also in bags and pouches. Because it is both minimalist and refined. And leaves plenty of room for the beauty of the materials .

With this mask, it is no different: It gets its beautiful shape through a simple folding technique and two layers of fabric that stabilize each other. Sewn (with my new sewing machine!) only with straight seams, which give the mask additional support on the sides.

That it is so easy and quick to sew makes the Origami mask the ideal sewing project for beginners.

The idea behind the sewing technique is not new, there are many great instructions for it online. However, I did not come so well to grips with the dimensions and the fit. That is why I tried for so long until it was clear: I need something of my own. ;)

Unlike most other masks in the 3D style, this one is only finished on the sides and then turned over. This makes the seam tunnel significantly flatter and more comfortable to wear.

Just try it out! :)

Be sure to also check out my other free mask patterns!

By the way: If you like ergonomic masks (even with little bows, if you like!), you should click into this instruction!.

Storing the face mask

In my experience, it has proven to be good to have two clearly distinguishable bags with you: One that houses the clean masks. And one for the worn ones.

I simply throw this bag into the washing machine unopened. This protects the elastic bands of the masks. This method has the further advantage that the mini parts do not mysteriously disappear in the washing machine (you may know the phenomenon from socks)... ;)

A super practical storage for face masks is, for example, the coffee filter bag. You can download the pattern for free. A detailed instruction along with a sewing video also makes it easy for beginners to conjure up the little bag.

Face mask for glasses wearers

The (in my "view") best mask for glasses wearers: If you push the upper edge a little under the glasses, the glasses do not fog up at all. I find this absolutely crucial, e.g. for longer wearing times.

For this reason, the Origami mask is for me a very practical face mask as a glasses wearer.

A special mask for glasses wearers (which, because it is so pretty, should actually be called a "beauty mask"), you can also find here at SewSimple.

Does the mask protect against pathogens?

No, the mask is not a medical product and does not filter germs from the breathing air. But it can help catch pathogens that you release when coughing, sneezing, breathing, or speaking. This way you protect others.

Sewing an Origami mask

Sewing an Origami mask: Which fabrics are suitable?

You can sew it from simple woven cotton fabric* and sew it two- or even three-layered. But also flannel*, ticking*, linen* and many other fabrics are suitable for the project.

Also great: sewing the face mask from fabric scraps. This way you also give your pile of scraps a purpose! If you want to sew sustainably, you can also make the face mask from worn clothing!

Here you can order fabrics for the face mask:

If you, like me, love Kokka fabrics, I recommend you take a look at Etsy*. There you will find a huge selection of the tastiest and rarest Japanese fabrics! With that we are back on topic... ;)

If you have never sewn with Kokka fabrics before: Try it out! They are incredibly easy to work with and look great, especially for patterns in the Japanese style . Read everything about handling fabrics here.

Small extra tip: If you want to wash the mask at high temperatures, you can also sew it from bed linen. Cotton sheets* are great for this. Even if these materials are often sold with a washing recommendation of 60 degrees. Just wash once at 90 degrees before processing, then nothing will shrink anymore.

And if you use boil-proof elastic*, your Origami masks will naturally also be boil-proof afterwards!

For a mask made of functional fabrics, instead of cotton, you can also very well use antibacterial-treated fabrics*, e.g. Shield fabric. This fabric is also wonderful for sewing functional and sportswear.

What do you need to sew the Origami mask?

If you sew the elastic in two pieces, you can also great equip it with a cord stopper*. They are also available in very mini... :)

A really great idea is also the pre-cut elastic with soft stoppers* for adjusting. Do you know that already?

Which sewing machine do you use in the video?

I am asked that very often. That is my new Juki. You can of course see a detailed experience report here on the blog.

Download: Origami Mask Pattern

You can download the free pattern for the Origami mask here:

Origami Mask Pattern Size XS (Children)

Origami Mask Pattern Size S (Teenagers)

Origami Mask Pattern Size M (Women)

Important: Reproduction and distribution of the pattern or instructions are not permitted.

Dimensions incl. seam allowance

Would you like to sew and sell this mask?

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

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

Video Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabrics can I sew the Origami mask from?

Simple cotton fabrics, linen or patchwork fabrics are perfect. The mask is nicely shape-stable and easy to wash.

Do I need an overlocker to sew the mask?

No, you can also sew the seam with a zigzag or overlock stitch on your sewing machine.

Where can I get the pattern for the Origami mask?

You can download it directly here in the blog post, print it out and get started!

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

Photo tutorial: sew an origami mask

First download the free pattern (sizes XS to L) and print it at 100% without page scaling.

  1. Step

    Place the fabrics right sides together

    Place the fabrics right sides together.

    Place the fabrics right sides together
  2. Step

    Cut out using the pattern

    Cut them out using the sewing pattern.

    Remove the pattern and cut along the red border.

    Cut out using the pattern
  3. Step

    Draw the sewing marks

    Now draw the stitching line 1 cm from the top and bottom edges.

    A disappearing marker works really well for this.

    Draw the sewing marks
  4. Step

    Sew the top and bottom edges

    Sew along the marking with a straight stitch. Backstitch at the start and end of the seam.

    The sides stay open.

    Sew the top and bottom edges
  5. Step

    Press the seam allowances open

    Press the seam allowances open. Doing this on one side is enough.

    This way the seam can be shaped better afterwards.

    Press the seam allowances open
  6. Step

    Turn and press

    Turn the pattern piece right side out through the side opening and press it.

    Turn and press
  7. Step

    Fold the centre and topstitch if you like

    Fold the long sides towards each other and press the fold so that you can clearly see the centre.

    If you like, you can now topstitch the top and bottom long edges.

    The side of the mask that should be visible when worn is now at the bottom.

    Fold the centre and topstitch if you like
  8. Step

    Fold the long sides to the centre

    Fold the long sides towards the centre and pin them in place.

    Fold the long sides to the centre
  9. Step

    Finish the short edges

    Sew along the short edges with the overlock or with an edge-finishing stitch on your sewing machine.

    Finish the short edges
  10. Step

    Fold over and topstitch the hem

    Fold the finished edge 1 cm to the wrong side.

    Edgestitch the hem with a straight stitch.

    Fold over and topstitch the hem
  11. Step

    Fold the corners towards the hem

    Fold the corners towards the hem.

    Stitch the short edge in place with a straight stitch.

    Repeat this step on the other side.

    Fold the corners towards the hem
  12. Step

    Thread in the elastic and close it

    Now you can thread in an elastic or a cord. I use a thick embroidery needle for this.

    You can either knot the elastic or join it into a loop with a zigzag stitch.

    Slide the knot or the overlapped ends into the hem casing.

    Done!

    Thread in the elastic and close it

Comments

Comments are loading …

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.