I sent a text to my neighbours a couple of days ago which read “I’ve sewn face masks if anyone would like one. However, please understand that by taking one, you’re officially joining our gang and now have to get our street logo tattooed on your arm”. (I was joking of course, we don’t have a street logo. Yet.)
I began with this YouTube tutorial by Keiko Olsson and adapted it from there. If you’re interested in sewing these, please watch this first and I’ll explain my slight modifications below…
In my version….
1. I used two pieces of fabric cut into an octagon shape instead of a folded rectangle. I drafted a rough pdf pattern here based on Keiko’s instructions – print on A4 or draft on graph paper.
2. I ironed interfacing onto the front piece to make the mask three-layered, as currently recommended.
3. I didn’t bother with doubling up the elastic casing. Instead, I just overlocked (serged) the side seams and folded them over once, then stitched.
4. I added a small pleat at the bottom of the mask so that it would sit more snuggly around the chin. You can see a bit more detail in the photo below – the mask is upside down and you’re looking at the inside of it…
5. I used shirring elastic for the first batch, but have since moved to lingerie elastic, which is less cutting around the ears. I personally prefer two long ties (45cm/18″ each) which I thread through with a large tapestry needle. I cut the ties from old t-shirts.
. . . . .
I made a couple from a beautiful piece of quilting fabric for Monkey Girl and myself…
And finally, I thought this might make you laugh. Of course I had to try making one from the stripey socks! ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Like you, I’ve made a lot of masks which has been a great way to use fabric remnants that my studio is full of.
Celia, I just stitched one this morning for TMOFW from an ol’ T-shirt he had (and the U.S. Surgeon General’s “how to” video — apologies if I’ve already mentioned that.) I can hardly remember what day it is! Thanks for your timely thoughts and patterns. No plans to get a tattoo soon, but I might consider it. :) Love you!
I’ve made a bunch for myself, the Husband and some friends in Melbourne: she’s immune-suppressed and he is a service engineer and has to face people every day. I’m using the Craft Passion pattern here:
(https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern) which I like a lot, as it has a seam up the front which means it’s more fitted to your face and fits snugly to the top of the cheek and under the chin. I’ve gone a bit bonkers and made several from fabric remnants from tops I’ve made, so I’m colour-coordinated. Tragic, but who says you can’t be stylish while masked? Certainly not you – love the fabrics you’re using!
Main benefit may be that one is less inclined to touch a surface then touch one’s face; remembering not to brush one’s hair back, rub one’s nose etc is actually harder than you might think. BTW – having a lot of fun -not-arguing with officials, who say FIFO only exempts you while working. Workers flying out are essentially quarantined at work, now they want us to have NO time off – either working back to back shifts for 6 months or quarantined during R&R periods. Really?!!! Not quite sustainable!
Thank you, Celia, for brightening our days. It’s lovely to have you back.
I really enjoyed your video! This is an easier take on the 3-D mask I think. Thank you!
I’m sorry if it wasn’t clear, but it’s not my video but one by Keiko Olsson that I found on YouTube. I’ve edited to give credit more clearly. Thanks!