Easy Mask sewing: A thin face mask that makes breathing easier with its clever cut can be sewn in no time. Simply download the pattern and get started.
The most important things at a glance
- In this post you will find three easy patterns – they are named after the number of pleats
- The special thing about these masks is that the fabric does not lie directly against the face and the air can circulate better
- The masks can be very easily sewn from thin cotton fabrics
- For summer, you can also replace the lining with Mesh* or netting*
- If you want to sell masks sewn using my patterns, you need a license.
- Note: Homemade masks do not provide effective protection against infection by germs in the air (e.g. aerosols from coronaviruses). However, they can help protect others from your own pathogens. More information is available from the RKI.
Summer is in full swing - and apparently so is the Covid-19 virus. We are still dutifully wearing our masks. Which have been quite worn out by all the washing. Especially the elastic bands lose their elasticity over time. And anyway: Breathing with a face mask in summer - that can be quite a challenge.
That is why I looked around to see what is new in the area of mask patterns. And lo and behold: A second wave is rolling in. And with the coolest and easiest sewing techniques for perfectly fitting masks.
No time or opportunity to print out a pattern? Then check out my stylish makeshift mask without a pattern or make a mask without sewing.
Would you like to sew and sell this mask?
If you want to sell items 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!
This mask makes it easier to breathe
Some masks fit so tightly that breathing is really difficult. Walking up stairs with a face mask? That can be really exhausting. :) But of course, it is important that the mask fits well over the nose and chin and does not slip when speaking.
That is exactly why the beautiful new mask styles from Asia are so popular! Although they seal well at the chin and nose, they fit so nicely and loosely around the mouth that you can really breathe well.
The clever pleating technique ensures that the air can circulate well under the mask. This makes breathing much easier.
You probably already know the pleating technique from my origami mask. It is perfect for turning an inelastic cotton fabric into a mask that beautifully adapts to the contours of the face. It is also ideal for glasses wearers.
Here come three new stylish mask patterns that instantly delighted me. In this post, I will show you how these stylish makeshift masks are sewn.
What sizes is the mask available in?
You can download the patterns in a one-size-fits-all size for adults. By widening or omitting the seam allowance, you can adjust the size slightly. Lengthening or shortening the elastic band can also help the mask fit.
It fits properly when the upper and lower edges lie comfortably and the fabric is at a pleasant distance from the mouth.
The right elastic band for the face 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*. It is very easy to sew (and much easier than the firm round elastic cord I used for the "single-layer" mask, for example.
So it is also a top recommendation for people who have to wear their face 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.
If you sew the elastic band in two pieces, you can also fit it with a cord stopper*. They are also available in extra mini sizes... :)
Can this mask be sewn with a nose bridge?
Of course! You can sew a piece of bias tape on the inside, fold the ends and insert a wire.
By the way, you can also make the bias tape for this version yourself. In my instructions for making your own bias tape, I show you how to do it.
Washing a homemade face mask
You can find out everything about removing, washing and storing homemade face masks in this blog post.
Small fabric bags have proven to be ideal for storing masks. Used masks can be stored separately in them and also washed.
These little bags are perfectly suited, for example:
Check out more instructions and patterns for suitable little bags here!
Important accessories for the easy mask
- Cotton fabric*
- Straight pins* (you can find the practical straight pins with heat-resistant heads from the video here*)
- Fabric marker*
- Elastic band*
- Fabric clips*
- Rotary cutter*
- Pinking shears*
A 0.7 cm seam allowance is included in the patterns.
I like cutting out the masks with a rotary cutter because I think it is the cleanest way to work. Feel free to read my blog post about rotary cutters.
My tip: If I want to sew several masks at the same time, I like to get a patchwork fabric pack* in advance. This has the advantage that I do not have to handle huge pieces of fabric when cutting out the masks. And that all the fabrics for the outer layer and lining match harmoniously.
If you want to do the same, you should make sure that the fabric pieces are not too small. Sometimes great fabric packs are offered with 15 x 15 cm cutouts. I recommend using larger cutouts of 30 x 25 cm instead, which fit many common mask patterns.
What fabric for face mask masks?
It is important that one side of the face mask consists of a tightly woven fabric. The fabrics used should be washable at 60 degrees or able to withstand disinfection in the microwave.
I think the cotton cretonne fabrics* with 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 suitable 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: Which fabric for what?
For the inside, you can also use mesh fabric* or mesh*. This makes the mask (and breathing) easier. Make sure that the fabric is suitable for clothing.
Comments
Comments are loading …