Goldilocks and the 3 Face Masks

Once upon a time there was a girl trying to find a pattern for a cloth face mask. The first one she found was too small, the next one two big, and finally after modifying couple of patterns she found one that was just right.
 

Enough of the fairy tales, but it’s all true. I searched the internet for face masks pattern and instructions and found a great pattern with pleats. I sewed up the mask and couldn’t get it across my face or attached to my ears (the size was 8” X 8-1/2” with a 7” elastic). Then I discovered the CDC had instructions (very basic and no pleats). I sewed a mask up using the CDC measurements and it worked, but I thought it was slightly too big (10” X 6” with a 6” elastic). Well with two masks out of the way I combined the sizes and the methods and came up with my “just right.” Try my size out, but I recommend making one first then adjusting to meet your needs for bigger or smaller faces until you find your "just right." This is an adult size.
 
My "just right" is two fabric rectangles cut  9” X 7-1/2”  and elastic strips cut 6-1/2”

Printable Instructions

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To make a face masks, cut two 9” X 7-1/2” rectangles from tightly woven fabric. I used scraps of cotton and cotton-poly.

Cut two 6-1/2” pieces of elastic. I used 1/4” elastic because that is what I had at the house and it is a nice size. Cording elastic would work great if you have some. Stitch one end of the elastic to the top of the short side of one rectangle, stitch the other end of the elastic to the bottom of the short edge. Attach elastic about 1/2” from the edge on fabric right side.

Pin fabric with elastic and other rectangle right sides together. The elastic should be sandwiched between the right sides.

Stitch 1/4” seam around all side leaving a 2-3 inch opening at the top (long side) to turn.

Turn right side out, press. Stitch opening shut.

Now it’s time to make the pleats. I find it is easiest to mark them with a pin, but you can use tailors chalk or even a pencil to make the marks. Be careful with pencil marks as it will show. To make the pleats, make a mark 1-1/2 inches from the top.

Next make a mark 1” from the first mark.

Repeat, making 2 more marks. Mark 3 will be 1-1/2 inches below mark 2 and mark 4 will be 1” from mark 3.

 Fold mark 1 to meet mark 2. This will make a pleat. Pin the pleat through all layers.

Repeat with mark 3 and mark 4, folding mark 3 to meet mark 4.

Press the pleats. I’ve found pressing is a key to making the masks.

 Stitch 1/4" seam on short sides to hold pleats in place.

Give the mask a good overall press --and that's it one "just right" face mask made. Wear the mask  yourself or share your skills by giving a mask to someone in need.