Patterns for sewing masks

[Susie]

Has anyone sewn their own masks and have a pattern they can recommend? (or recommend against, that's helpful too)  I have decent basic sewing skills but I hate pattern finding.  Also any recs on what specific elastic you have used?  I have a some random elastic in a notions bag that I inherited from my mom, but will need to buy more.  I'm not sure what works best.

So far we haven't really left the house so I've gotten by with a Buff on the rare occasion I've gone out, but I want to have them ready for when we start needing to go out a bit more.  

[winecat]

As we do, CEP had quite the discussion on mask patterns: pandce.proboards.com/thread/618258/homemade-masks-discussion-efficacy

I like knit ties. They're comfortable and easy to get a good fit.

[katfco]

I use this twill tape for ties. www.amazon.com/dp/B07P337PLY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I cut a 10 by 7 square. Sew seams, sew darts on the sides and attach the ties on the corner. Easy-peasy

[lessel]

My favorite one so far in terms of both fit and ease of sewing is this one:

dhuratadavies.com/blogs/things-i-make-and-do/free-face-mask-pattern-and-tutorial

However, I will caveat it with I like the filter pocket and nose wire space on this one:

www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/

So the ones I make are a hybrid of the two: first mask template (two layers) but I sort of follow the second one’s instructions. I like that the first mask uses one piece of fabric vs. having the center seam. And the nose and chin darts help with fit IMO.

Personally, I like the tie behind the head vs. the ear loops because I wear glasses. I’ve been using paracord or t-shirt yarn for that. You can find 1/4in elastic these days but shipping is a bit slower.

[TBM]

How To Make Face Masks & Coverings | JOANN
www.joann.com/projects/face-masks-and-coverings/

[edwardo123]

I ordered an 8 pack of masks from Petunia Pickle Bottom for $35. There were 4 adult and 4 kid masks, and for every set ordered, one was donated. They came in less than a week with free shipping.

[cereal K]

My favorite pattern is an in-the-hoop design for an embroidery machine, but that won’t help you.

Sweet Red Poppy has a few different designs. I use a mash up of those. I do mostly pleated styles, but I zig zag a wire in the seam allowance before turning, as described in the fitted style.

For elastic, 1/4-inch or smaller. I tend to cut 7-inch lengths for adults (7.5-inch if someone has a bigger head), and sew with a 3/8” seam. I have woven and soft knit-type elastic. The woven can irritate after a while, but the knit doesn’t feel secure enough. Etsy is a great resource for elastic right now. I have a local shop I get embroidery supplies at that is also selling elastic (the soft knit kind) if you want that info. (They have a website and ship nationally.)

I, also, prefer the tie kind for longer wearing. A one-inch strip cut from an old t-shirt and a cord toggle works wonders. Great for kids, too.

[Susie]

Thanks for the tips & resources.  A few months ago I finally cleaned out my mom's fabric stash and brought it to my house (she died 4 years ago and before that sewed, dabbled in quilting, etc.), so at least I have a ton to try different patterns with.  

I don't foresee needing to wear one for long periods of time (just runs to the store, kid doctor appointments, stuff like that) since my firm is planning to remain remote for the foreseeable future.  If my kids return to daycare I'll need one for pickup/drop off, and my older kiddo will need to wear one there.  Fortunately I wear contacts most of the time so I don't have the glasses complication.  Hopefully that makes it easier.