Face masks. Are you wearing one? Have you made them for friends and family or to donate? I've donated more than I can count. Sent masks to friends and family. And I've made them for my own family. We are now required to wear them when we leave our house.

What a world we are living in right now. 

I have made masks using a few different patterns and wanted to share with you, some on my favorites. 

They don't require a ton of time or materials. 

Materials Needed

• Cotton fabrics

• Interfacing- I used lightweight or sheer

• Thread

• Elastic- FOE, 1/8"-1/4", 3/8"

• Bias tape, purchased or handmade

• Ribbon, knit fabric straps, etc.

• Floral wire & a pair of wire pliers

• Sewing machine and notions

• Seam ripper, because... sewing

1.  Sweet Red Poppy bias tape Face mask. This tutorial is easy and my favorite mask to wear. The mask is comfortable and forms to the face. It is not, however, a quick sew. If you want to batch-sew these, you deserve a trophy. These babies are no joke. Easy enough to make 3 or 4, but not so easy if you're making 50.

2. Made Everyday by Dana fabric face mask. Her pattern is super easy and makes for a quick sew! I've made tons of these for donations. I also used ribbons in place of the knit fabric ties. Check below for an altered option I used, to make these.

3. Melanie Ham 10-minute face mask. These are perfect for sewing tons. They're quick and easy. I personally have not made this exact pattern. I did, however, make one similar and used 9x7 measurements for the fabric. I also did 3 pleats. But, this is similar in construction.

4. Mask Video I found on Pinterest. This one is nice, it has elastic ears, nose wire, and a filter pocket. NOTE: can only be made with multi-directional fabric. I mostly buy one directional fabric, but I made one of these. It looks nice and fits well too. It has a very professional finish in my opinion.

5. Check Pinterest and YouTube for other patterns and versions. There are hundreds to choose from.

These are the exact ones I've tried, so I wanted to share. If you have questions, shoot me an email. 

Mask maker, mask maker, make me a mask. Is anyone else singing this song while making these things? Anyone? Please tell me I'm not the only Fiddler on the Roof fan. :D

Below, is my Made by Dana pattern that I've hacked. When the pandemic first started, the elastic was gone, sold out, and nowhere to be found. So, I improvised. I used FOE, fold over elastic. This is usually used for cloth diapers, headbands for babies, and other crafts. I used it to make the full-head masks. They are more comfortable to wear all day too. I cut 13" just like Dana says in her pattern. Easy peasy! 

After you pin or clip the FOE in place, put on the top layer, RST. Sew around and leave a gap for turning. This is the easiest pattern for making batch face masks.

These masks were made following Sweet Red Poppy's tutorial. I love this style the best, but they are time-consuming.

Tiger King was a definite moment in our house. I had to make a face mask to honor his legacy. Free Joe Exotic!!

So, are you ready to make masks or are you burnt out like most of the sewing community? I gifted myself a new sewing machine, so I got a second wind of mask making. Stay tuned for my post on the new machine... she's fabulous!!!

Please share in the comments some mask patterns that have or haven't worked for you. Also, if you have places that are in need of donations, share those too.

Stay safe and healthy.

Warm virtual hugs,

Annette