6 Best Fabric Face Masks to Make

The first fabric face mask on my list of top 6 best fabric face masks to make is this fitted face mask from Art Gallery Fabrics. What I like about it (besides the beautiful fabrics) is how simple it is to sew. The ear straps are sewn into the masks, so you’ll want to be sure you cut the straps at the correct length to fit appropriately. I also like that the sides of the mask are narrower and it fits well under the chin.

To sew this face mask, you simply stitch the outer two pieces together down the center. Then stitch the lining two pieces together down the center. Attach the elastic to the edge of the main fabric mask piece, then pin the lining to the the main fabric, right sides together. Stitch completely around the mask, leaving a 2″ opening for turning. Turn the mask and top stitch.

A couple of things that may be negatives:

1. This mask pattern doesn’t have a filter pocket. You could, however, simply sew a third layer if you want the extra protection.
2. Also does not allow for a wire nose piece – a definite necessity if you wear eye glasses.
3. The ear loops are sewn into the mask, making them less adjustable.

But, I do like the shape and fit of this easy to sew fitted fabric face mask from Art Gallery Fabrics.

• You’ll find the tutorial here.
• Find AGF pattern here.
• And you’ll find the AGF video tutorial here.

Next there is this A.B. Face Mask from Riley Blake Designs. This face mask is designed to be worn over N95 or other PPE face masks. The idea behind these masks is that they help extend the life of N95 or other personal protective equipment (PPE) masks.

What makes this mask different is the pleat at the top (nose) and bottom (under the chin) of the mask. So, it’s kind of a modified pleated face mask. It’s also made with bias tape strips sewn, so it takes a little longer to make, but you could definitely use purchased bias tape if you don’t want to make your own.

If you want to wear this face mask alone, there is also a version of the pattern with an optional filter pocket. This pattern is a modification to a pattern originally shared “by a nurse for a nurse” named Jessica.

• Jessica’s original pattern here.
• Find the Riley Blake tutorial here.
• And find the A.B. Face Mask pattern here.
• View the video tutorial from Riley Blake Designs here.

Third on my list of best face masks to make is this 3D face mask from See Kate Sew. I made this 3D fabric face mask for my husband a few months ago because I thought it might provide a better fit for him. My husband said this 3D face mask was his favorite fabric face mask that I had made him. This pattern is free to download from See Kate Sew and it’s available in seven sizes from toddler to adult XL.

I made the size large for my husband. And although you can add a filter pocket, I chose to simply sew in a third layer of fabric. I didn’t put in the nose piece, but that’s fine for my husband since he rarely wears eye glasses. In fact, one of the really nice features of this 3D face mask is how snuggly it fits across the bridge of the nose and around the chin. It just about fits like a glove, plus it has extra room around the mouth and nose for talking and breathing.

Kate also includes instructions for including a wire nose piece, if you so desire.

• You’ll find the tutorial here from See Kate Sew
• To download the free pattern, simply subscribe to See Kate Sew
• You’ll also find her video tutorial here.

These fitted face masks from Cricut are my favorite. I love the way the face mask fits snuggly on my face. I can talk and the mask doesn’t slide down my nose or up my chin. Cricut has even made the pattern available in four sizes. So, you can easily select the right size face mask pattern that will fit you just perfectly.

You can use this pattern from Cricut whether you have or use a Cricut machine or not. Although the pattern doesn’t include instructions for a pocket or insertion of the wire nose piece, you can add one. I share how in this review of the Cricut fitted face mask.

And, yes, you can use your Cricut Explore Air 2 or the Cricut Maker to cut out your fabric face mask.

Cricut tutorial here.
Find the pattern in Cricut Design Space here.

And you’ll find the video tutorial here.

This face mask pattern from Embroidery Library is quickly becoming my favorite. I really like the addition of the sleeve for the wire nose piece in this shaped face mask pattern from Embroidery Library. Their shaped face mask pattern is available in three sizes. And you can download and use the patterns whether you use an embroidery machine or not.

There is one change or modification I made to this pattern and would recommend you do the same. As I said, this shaped face mask pattern from Embroidery Library includes a wire pocket pattern piece. Depending on the size of the wire you use, you’ll want to adjust the pattern piece.

I purchased the aluminum nose strips from Quality Tooling Systems for use in my face masks. These are long thin aluminum strips that make for the perfect nose piece. The wire pocket pattern piece is simply too big and allows the aluminum strips to move around. So, I simply made the pockets just high enough that I could slide the aluminum pieces in place. I highly recommend you do the same if you want to add the wire pocket to your shaped face mask.

This mask fits on my face and there is just a slight difference in the way the mask fits under the chin that gives it a slightly better fit than the Cricut pattern. But, unless you’re a face mask snob like me, you probably wouldn’t notice.

• You’ll find Embroidery Library instructions here.
• You find links to the patterns on the instructions page, but they’re a little hard to find so I’ll link them below:
• Small Shaped Face Mask Pattern
• Medium Shaped Face Mask Pattern
• Large Shaped Face Mask Pattern