View Our Face Mask Kits

How to Make a Fabric Face Mask

First published on by
(Updated 6th January 2022)

This guide will show you how to make a fabric face mask using one of our face mask kits. Each kit includes the template, fabric and elastic to make six face masks.

We have two face mask styles to choose from; a pleated mask and a round mask (both made from two layers of 100% cotton fabric). Choose from our many designs that include vibrant animal prints to traditional floral William Morris designs. The variety of designs means you can create face coverings for your entire family! 

While the style you decide to choose is predominately down to personal preference, we’d always recommend you make face masks out of 100% cotton fabric, which is why these kits are perfect.

The square pleated face mask style gives you the flexibility to adjust the coverage on the face using the pleats. Whereas the round face mask style offers a tighter fit to the face, with no room for alteration.

Both styles allow space to introduce a face mask filter and wire to shape over the nose (filter and wire not included in the kits).

What you'll need

What you'll need

  • 1 x Fabbies Face Mask Kit
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing thread
  • Sewing machine (or by hand)
  • Iron & ironing board

Optional:

  • Face mask filter
  • Metal wire

How To Make a Square Pleated Face Mask

Step 1 How to Make a Square Face Mask

Step 1

Choose the design you want to make and matching lining, cut out the face mask and lining along the edge of the design. Next, pin the pleats following the guides on the fabric and Iron the folds. Stitch these pleats.

Step 2

Step 2

Sew a seam in the bottom using the dotted line guide on the fabric. Fold the fabric at the bottom of mask where the star marks are. Pin pleats in the lining following guides, iron the folds and then stitch pleats.

Step 3

Step 3

Cut two lengths of elastic – we recommend this is cut between 16cm – 20cm depending on individual taste. Lay the lining face up, and pin the elastic onto the lining just under the seam. Marking at the top and above star marking at the bottom. Repeat on the other side and sew in place.

Step 4

Step 4

Pin both of the mask’s right sides together, to secure sides and top of mask, leaving the bottom open. Sew both sides and top of mask together and cut the top corners diagonally. Turn the masks through the bottom and iron neatly. If desired, stitch the face mask all around the edge, remembering to not stitch up the opening at the bottom. 

Additional Steps

Additional Steps

Adding the metal wire:

  1. Cut a piece of iron wire, or chenille of approx. 9cm or use special nose braces
  2. Sew a foot width at the top from the centre front 4.5cm to the left and to the right.
  3. Slide the metal wire through the opening and the stitch both side

Adding the filter:

A filter can be fitted through the opening at the bottom

How to Make a Round Face Mask

Step 1 How to Make a Round Face Mask

Step 1

Choose the design you want to make and matching lining, cut out the face mask and lining along the edge of the design. Place the two parts with the same design, right sides together and pin in place. 

Step 2

Step 2

Sew the centre front seam and press seam open. Next pin the pleats following the guides on the fabric and iron the folds in the lining. Overlock the bottom edges of the mask of both the front and the lining using a zigzag stitch.

Step 3

Step 3

Cut the elastic in two equal parts – we recommend this is cut between 16cm – 20cm depending on individual taste. Next pin each piece of elastic on each side of the lining on the star-marks and stitch the elastic in place.

Step 4

Step 4

Iron and press the seams open and pin both mask’s right sides together, catching the elastic in between the layers and ensuring you fold at bottom using guide to create seam. Sew all around the mask but leave an opening of approx. 8cm at the bottom of the mask in the middle. Turn the masks through the bottom and iron neatly. If desired, stitch the face mask all around the edge, remembering to not stitch up the opening at the bottom.

Additional Steps

Additional Steps

Adding the metal wire:

  1. Cut a piece of iron wire, or chenille of approx. 9cm or use special nose braces
  2. Sew a foot width at the top from the centre front 4.5cm to the left and to the right.
  3. Slide the metal wire through the opening and the stitch both sides

Adding the filter:

A filter can be fitted through the opening at the bottom

Please note these face coverings are not a medical device. Please see government guidance.

(staging) Just Fabrics
We price match

Please get in touch with us on 01242 388390 and we can see if we can price match.