DIY Face Mask with Filter Pocket

My daughters and I have been making face masks for local healthcare workers. They are in desperate need. I’m sure our area is not the only one that needs more masks. This is a time where we can use our skills and resources to help our community. Also, our local grocery stores are requiring everyone that comes inside to wear a face mask. These help you keep your own germs to yourself as well as keep unwanted germs away from your nose & mouth. If you are touching things in a store, do not adjust and touch your mask until you have washed your hands.

Yes, these face masks are effective. They have four layers of protection as well as a filter pocket for additional layers. This specific pattern is the most requested in our area because of the design. They do need to be washed after every use. You need to wash your hands after removing it for the day. If you are making these to donate, do not try them on before donating. Always include a note reminding the recipient to wash before use. Our country has a shortage of medical face masks! These help extend the life of medical masks by wearing them over. We have been told that some nurses and hospital staff are only given one mask per week to re-use! Please help if you can!

Below are the steps and pictures for this pattern. I really did spread out the steps and tried to be really detailed. Even though there are 10 steps listed, it’s not that hard of a project. I just wanted to show every little thing I did while making this mask!

Materials Needed:

• 3 cuts of cotton fabric 9″ by 8″
• 1 cut of flannel fabric 9″ by 8″
• 2 cuts of elastic 7″
• 1 pipe cleaner 6″

Tools I Used

• Singer Quantum 9960
• Rotary Fabric Cutter
• Cricut Sewing Kit

Step 1: Cut fabric 9″ by 8″

Step 2: Layer two pieces of fabric wrongs sides together. Fold the top down about 1/4″ and press.

Step 3: Insert pipe cleaner under fold of front mask fabric. This will be the set with one cotton cut and one flannel cut. Pin & hem the top of both sets.

Step 4: Clip elastic at corners on the right side of the front of the mask.

Step 5: Place second set over first making sure right sides are facing each other.

Step 6: Pin around sides. Make sure to place a pin in each corner of elastic so you can remove the clips. At the top I place only two pins and use them as a guide. Do not sew in-between these pins. It is the filter pocket opening. DO backstitch over each pin to secure the opening.

Step 7: Once you have sewn around the edges, turn right side out and press.

Step 8: About an inch from the top pinch the fabric with your fingers and fold down. Press & clip.

Step 9: Repeat the pinch & press two or three times. Pin the inside of the pleats and remove the clips.

Step 10: Sew along the sides making sure to backstitch at the start and finish.

Remove the pins and your mask is complete!