Whether you love them or hate them, you might as well learn to sew them. Face masks are here to stay. But did you know that not all face masks are created equal? The best face masks aren’t too big – they sufficiently cover your nostrils and mouth without forming a blanket over your entire face. That is especially important in hot weather! What’s more, a mask with a well-measured curve to fit snugly across the bridge of your nose will prevent nasty steamy sunglasses.
After much testing, I have designed the perfect face mask pattern for a medium-sized face. This pattern consists of two pattern pieces with a single dart (to create the curve) and is modelled on the standard government issue face mask in Singapore.
For other free face mask patterns with video tutorial, check out these awesome links:
Bossy Flossie face mask pattern
Download the free Bossy Flossie face mask pattern below:
Print the pattern without scaling or cropping. If you don’t have a printer you can easily draw it by hand by using a ruler and following the pattern dimensions. The size is 21cm in width and 14cm in height, with a centre-top dart which is 4.5cm in depth. The below image is a not-to-scale representation of the downloadable pattern.
What you’ll need
You will need the following items to make your own stylish face mask:
- Light-weight fabric
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine/needle and thread
- Lace, ribbons or other decorations
- Elastic or ear straps
You don’t need to go out and buy fancy fabric, as you can easily recycle old clothing or pillowcases. Just remember, pick a material that is lightweight so you can actually breathe!
I like to decorate my face mask with ribbons and lace. However, buttons, bias binding, and iron-on patches also make for groovy accessories. Just remember, only use washable decorative additions. Finally, for the ear straps, I like to take the ones from those cheap paper masks because they are comfortable. You can also use elastic or string instead.
Video tutorial
Now, let’s get started! Watch the below video to see just how easy it is to sew your own face mask. It takes approximately 45 minutes from start-to-finish if you are using a sewing machine, otherwise 90 minutes to stitch by hand. Keep scrolling for the written instructions and more fashion inspirations.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cut out two pieces of the pattern on your fabric of choice
- Fold and iron down the middle of the dart on each fabric piece
- Sew from the dart point along the dotted dart lines, forming a triangle-like shape. Do not back-stitch at the dart point; carefully knot the thread by hand and clip.
- Iron the darts flat
- Pin both pieces of fabric together, right sides facing together
- Sew 0.5cm along the curved top and bottom edges
- Turn the mask inside out and iron flat
- Fold in the open sides by 1cm. Insert the ear flaps and stitch closed
- Stitch along the top and bottom curved edges of the face mask. This helps the mask to keep its shape as well as adds a decorative touch
- Add any accessories such as ribbon, lace, or buttons
- Try it on for size and be a fashionista!
If you have a bigger face and need a larger-sized mask, you can increase the height and width of your mask pattern by 1cm.
Be a fashion icon
Some of us wear a face mask because we care about the wellbeing of others. Others do it because they don’t have a choice; wearing a face mask is government-mandated. And then there are those of us who use face masks to make a fashion statement. Personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a cheap paper variety in public!
If you really wanna look chic then colour coordinate your face mask with your dress or handbag. Check-out some fashion inspirations below!
And remember, there is no such thing as too many accessories. The more lace, the more ribbons, and the more colour on your face mask, the better!!
Other free face mask patterns
In addition to the official Bossy Flossie face mask pattern, I have also used the free patterns provided by Chiffon Jam and Burda. You can check them out here: four-piece face mask with crisp finish, classic Burda face mask and Burda surgical-square face mask.
Below is a surgical-square face mask that I created using bright silk and yellow ribbon. Eat your heart out Hermès.
Happy sewing everyone! For more insights into the coronavirus and Singapore, read my previous blog here.