- Top 2 face mask silhouettes that my loved ones and I wear the most.
- Pattern adjustments I have made for a better fit or ease of construction.
- Fabric and trim recommendations for sewing your own face masks.
- BONUS VIDEO- Comfy DIY ear elastic tutorial.
Comfy DIY Ear Elastic for Face Masks
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Step 5
Mask Style Recommendations
- Taper upper and lower edges by ⅝” at the back edge and recurve. This helped the mask shape better around the cheek up to the ear. I wanted to avoid any gaping of the mask along the back opening.
- Topstitch the upper edge at ¼” instead of edgestitch (1/16” - ⅛”) to allow space for a nose wire. Read on for nose wire recommendations.
- For narrow faces, press in a small ½” to ¾” pleat along the midway of the back edge prior to pressing in the tunnel for elastic.
- Lengthen back edge by ½” to make it easier to sew the ear elastic tunnel and insert in elastic with ease. This allows for you to be able to fold and press comfortably once at ¼”, then again at ½” to ⅝”. Edge stitching is completed along the second fold line described.
Recommendations for Mask Materials
- Exterior Layer- Typically 100% Cotton. Try for a tightly woven cotton.
- Interior Layer- Fusible non woven interacting or a non fusible polypropylene fabric.
- Lining- Any lightweight tightly woven fabric. I use an anti-bacterial and water-repellent cotton from one of my favorite Canadian fabric shops, Loiseau Fabrics.
Final Thoughts
Stay safe and happy sewing!
Designed, photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios.