HOW TO Sew a Reusable Fabric Face Mask | Beginner Sewing FASHION DIY

FITTED FABRIC ECO FACE MASK

STAY SAFE FASHION DIY Pt 1

There are lots and lots of mask tutorials online at the moment but I was finding that most were way too big for my head as I have no chin and now it also seems I have a pea head 😄

I also needed a child-size pattern for my niece so I have drawn up a simple pattern for most sizes for you to use with full picture instructions for sewing beginners to follow and try to make for themselves and their families to stay safe. This pattern has a slightly less face curve than other sewing patterns online so if the standard face mask patterns are too big then this one may be just for you.

Whilst my sister was making her fabric masks I was looking for some fabric for her and came across a stash of huge hairbows that we used to sell, with our previous fashion accessory business. The fabric I was searching for was these prints, so what else is there to do than pair the masks and bows together and create the ultimate Kawaii look! It is also super adorable on children, who else is thinking of Mummy and Me matching sets?

HOW TO MAKE AN ECO FITTED CURVED FACE MASK WITH MATCHING ACCESSORIES

This post will be Part 1 of a series of DIY mask types and matching accessories for beginner sewers to learn. There is no need to be boring just because we have to be safe.

PART 2 HUGE HAIR BOW with Free Printable Pattern

PART 3 RECTANGLE FACE MASK with Free Printable Pattern

PART 4 HOW TO MAKE A HAND SANITISER HOLDER with Free No Sew Pattern
PART 5 HOW TO MAKE A MASK WALLET HOLDER Free Pattern

Instructions on your beginners guide to make a Fitted Curved Face Mask (Full tutorial, so picture heavy)

DIY Supplies

Cotton or Natural Fibre Fabric
Thin Elastic
Sewing Machine
Pins, small Safety Pin & Cotton
Iron
Free Printable Pattern (right-click and save below to print) for personal use only

Step by Step Beginner Reusable Face Mask Picture Tutorial

INSTRUCTIONS

Print your Free Pattern on A4 paper and cut it out
Place on your fabric that is folded in half and pin together
Cut 2 Front Panels pieces and 2 Back panels for a 2-layer design. If you want more protection, cut 4 Back layers instead of 2

TIP - USE YOUR PRINT FOR THE FRONT & PLAIN COTTON FABRIC FOR THE INSIDE

No need to waste your fancy and expensive prints on both sides, even though these are reversible, most people like a plain colour option to wear if they are not in the mood for prints.

Pin the centre curve together on all your panels, making sure the fabric's pattern is on the inside (front together and back together)
Sew a straight stitch along the edge, using your backstitch at the beginning and the end.
Cut closely next to your stitched edge
Snip little lines along the edge facing the stitches. always do this on any curved line

Pin your panels together by placing your front and back pieces together with the print facing inwards
Sew a straight stitch along the top and bottom edge
Cut the seam smaller, the top point straight across and cut little knicks into the edge anywhere it is curved. You can do this with zigzag (pinking shears) but there is no need as normal sewing scissors can do the same job.

At one open end, turn the fabric the right way out by pulling from the inside
Iron the mask flat ensuring the edges are out and the back panel is not showing or uneven

Sew along the top and the bottom of the mask, this will create a polished look.

TIP - When sewing the top point for the nose, sew to the point, keep your needle down, lift the sewing arm and move your fabric to face the direction of your next straight line. This will create a cleaner edge and is a great sewing trick for any corner.

Fold each end over and pin (cut edge if uneven)
Measure your elastic to create loops around your ears or to wrap twice around your head. I like the double strap which wraps around the back of your neck and back of your head over your ears. Wearing for longs hours at work is hard enough without my ears being sore from the rubbing
Place a small safety pin into the end of your elastic and push through your turned-over fabric
Test how tight you would like on your head and tie elastic in a knot. Once the knot is tight, turn elastic so the knot is hidden inside the fabric hole

And you are done making your Fabric Face Mask. Repeat with a different fabric for different outfits, make for family and friends, and most of all stay safer by adding a bit more protection against COVID when out in public places where it is hard to social distance.

Fabric Face Masks must be washed after every wear, changed often if worn for long periods, and should not be the only method of staying safe. Social Distancing of 1.5m, staying at home & being tested when sick, and washing hands as often as possible are recommended.

PART 2 - HUGE HAIR BOW with Free Printable Pattern

PART 3 - RECTANGLE FACE MASK with Free Printable Pattern

PART 4 - HOW TO MAKE A HAND SANITISER HOLDER with Free No Sew Pattern

What fabric would you love to make a mask with?

Let me know below in the comments

KEEP SAFE!

Stay smiling & DIYing