If you’re planning to DIY your own face mask, you’ve probably asked yourself these questions:
What design should you make? A fitted olson mask, or a pleated surgical-style one?
What materials are best?
What should you use as the filter?
I want to answer these questions using information directly from hospitals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Find out how medical professionals think you should make your mask.
This is part 1 where I share free sewing patterns that health organizations have created themselves or approved. Go to my complete guide to making face masks page for all the other parts.
To download the patterns, look for the blue download buttons underneath the mask pictures. There is no email sign up required.
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Contents list:
Heads up: This post includes affiliate links like Amazon ones, so I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you). Thanks for using them 🙂
Note: this is an informational post, not medical advice. Please talk to a doctor or medical professional for medical advice.
How to make masks for the first time. There are lots of resources here.
How to make adjustable ear loops and head straps for your mask.
The 2 most popular designs are pleated surgical-style masks and olson masks.
Olson masks are a more fitted style. They can fit over N-95 masks according to Cameron Memorial Community Hospital.
12 September 2020 update: I have a new post dedicated to the best children’s face mask patterns. I compare 5 popular patterns and give mask measurements.
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
There are a lot of face mask designs in this article. I realized that it’s hard to choose between them!
Here’s a comparison table to help you choose quicker.
Not all the masks are in this table, however. There are 28 other designs that are not included because they’re very similar. I have a brief summary about them instead.
| Mask Designer | Mask Style | Filter Pocket? | Nose Wire? | Ties? | Elastic? | Kids Version? | Fit Tested? | PDF Sewing Pattern? | Sewing Instructions? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UnityPoint Health | Olson | Filter pocket | Elastic ear hooks | PDF pattern | Instructions + Video tutorial | ||||
| Phoebe Health | Olson | Elastic ear hooks | PDF pattern | Instructions | |||||
| Craft Passion | Olson | Filter pocket | Nose wire | Ties | Elastic around head or ears | Kids Mask Included | PDF pattern | Instructions + Video tutorial | |
| Pins & Needles | Olson | Filter pocket | Ties | PDF pattern | Instructions + Video tutorial | ||||
| Free Sewing Org | Olson | Ties | PDF pattern | Instructions + Video tutorial | |||||
| Deaconess & The Turban Project | Pleated | Ties | Elastic ear hooks | Kids Mask Included | PDF pattern | Instructions + Video tutorial | |||
| Kaiser Permanente | Pleated | Ties | PDF pattern | Instructions | |||||
| Froedtert | Pleated | Ties | Instructions | ||||||
| Bassett Healthcare Network | Pleated | Filter pocket | Elastic ear hooks | Instructions + Video tutorial | |||||
| Gather Here | Pleated | Elastic ear hooks | Instructions + Video tutorial | ||||||
| Selsey Medical Practice | Pleated | Filter pocket | Nose wire | Elastic ear hooks | PDF pattern | Instructions | |||
| Middlesex Hospital | Surgical mask cover | Ties | Instructions | ||||||
| University of Florida Health | Pleated | Nose wire | Ties | Fit tested | PDF pattern | Instructions + Video tutorial | |||
| University of Florida Health | Olson | Nose wire | Ties | Fit tested | PDF pattern | Instructions + Video tutorial |
But first, if you’re making masks for others or to donate to hospitals…
“It is essential that nobody involved in the creation, distribution or delivery of homemade masks have any symptoms of COVID… (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have recently been exposed to anyone experiencing these symptoms or who has been tested positive for COVID…”
Bronson Health. Source: https://www.bronsonhealth.com/app/files/public/8410/OFFICIAL-Bronson-Face-Mask-Template [accessed: 2 April 2020]
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
free olson face mask sewing pattern with hair ties and filter pocket" />
This mask was “developed by clinicians from UnityPoint Health” (released 23 March 2020). They are a nonprofit health system in America.
This mask design is by Phoebe Health. They operate 12 hospitals.
They made this face mask to be worn alone or worn over N95 masks to extend their use.
“The Phoebe team and volunteers are using surgical sheets to make their reusable masks. The masks will be treated with water repellant in the laundering process. In the absence of surgical sheets, a thicker breathable water repellant fabric, such as durable 55%/45% polyester/cotton blend or similar may be used.”
Phoebe Health. Source: https://www.phoebehealth.com/patients-and-visitors/coronavirus/mask-production [accessed: 5 April 2020]
**One Free Sewing Pattern. Every Thursday. Join the Email List 🙂**
free olson face mask sewing pattern for adults and kids with filter, nose wire, and elastic by craft passion" width="600" height="856" />
The Craft Passion blog initially made this face mask tutorial in 2013.
Find out what face mask materials hospitals approve and disapprove of.
This mask was designed by Pins & Needles.
This mask was designed by Free Sewing Org.
This pattern was originally designed by The Turban Project, however Deaconess Health System approved it and created their own instructions and video tutorials for it.
This mask was designed by Kaiser Permanente, a healthcare provider in 8 states: “Kaiser Permanente has developed step-by-step instructions for making non-clinical cloth masks at home.” It was released 27 March 2020.
PS. I also have other posts in the ‘How to DIY Face Masks’ series:
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
Bassett Healthcare run 6 hospitals. They have created their own mask instructions for 2 and 3 layer masks. The 3 layer one includes a filter pocket and is based on the video tutorial by Makers Habitat.
This is for the 3 layer design.
This mask was designed by Gather Here.
This mask was designed by staff at the Selsey medical practice in the UK.
“The project has been designed by our staff here at the practice, notably Jen Hymas and Dr Parrish.
They have based the design on the shape of the paper masks that were issued to us by NHS England. They have made a few prototypes which are quite comfortable to wear.”
Selsey Medical Practice. Source: https://www.selseymedicalpractice.co.uk/diy-mask [accessed: 29 March 2020]
“IMPORTANT!
This is just a DIY Project. The doctors at Selsey Medical Practice wish to make it clear that they cannot endorse it as providing protection against Covid…
This mask may simply help members of the public who do not have access to PPE to enhance the normal measures they are taking.
All of the measures and advice put in place by the Government, 111 and NHS England must always be followed in full.”
Selsey Medical Practice. Source: https://www.selseymedicalpractice.co.uk/diy-mask [accessed: 29 March 2020]
This cover is designed to be worn over surgical masks. It was designed by Middlesex Health.
“Surgical mask covers, or pocket masks, allow a surgical mask to be inserted into the top. The protection provided by the cover allows the surgical mask to be reused.”
Middlesex Health. Source: https://middlesexhealth.org/files/dmHTMLFile/covid-19_directions-for-sewing-masks_final24.pdf [accessed: 5 April 2020]
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
The University of Florida Health (UF) designed 2 mask styles: a pleated style and rounded style.
What makes these masks stand out is that they have passed fit testing and use an interesting material.
For the pleated surgical-style mask:
Here are 2 patterns pre-made for kids:
If you want to make your own, here are suggested measurements for a rectangular mask:
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
CDC stands for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a US organisation that sets guidelines for the medical community to follow.
In their “Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks” document, they say that healthcare personnel (HCP) could consider using “homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf)…as a last resort”.
From this my understanding is that any face covering made from cloth is fine.
The CDC released more guidelines on DIY face coverings on 4 April 2020.
“Initially, the CDC did not advise people to wear face masks in public. One reason was to protect the supply for use by health care professionals and first responders. That remains a top priority.
Another reason was because face masks like the ones discussed here don’t offer significant protection for the person wearing the mask.
Recently, however, medical professionals have determined that COVID… can be transmitted by a person without symptoms. That could be a person who is sick but showing no symptoms, or even a person who has been infected but not yet fallen ill.”
OSF Healthcare. Source: https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/protect-your-community-with-a-face-mask-in-public/ [published: 5 April 2020]
The CDC now have instructions on how to make 3 types of face coverings:
UPDATE: This page on the CDC website was last reviewed on 13 April 2020. The bandana tutorial has been changed to include NO COFFEE FILTER. As far as I can see, they haven’t explained why the filter was removed.
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
Many hospitals have asked sewists to use flat elastic. Normally a 1/8″ to 3/8″ size.
If you don’t have this, you could cut braided elastic to the correct width.
Using wider elastic than this could be uncomfortable to the wearer. Rounded elastic might also be uncomfortable around ears.
Another backup option is using ponytail holders, but not ones with metal.
“Flat elastic in 1/8”, 1/4”, or 3/8” widths will work with the mask pattern shown in the video link [by Deaconess Health].
White is preferred, but other colors are acceptable.
Rounded elastic is harder to sew securely in place, as well as less comfortable to wear around the ears.
What length elastic should be used?
6.5” for the Small, 7” for the Medium, and 7.5” for the Large works well for most people.
I can’t find the appropriate size elastic. Can I use larger elastic?
No, larger elastic would be very uncomfortable behind the ears.
The good news is that wider braided elastic can be cut to the appropriate width using scissors or a rotary cutter. This only works with braided elastic, NOT knit elastic.”
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health. Source: their Facebook page [published: 23 March 2020]
“Elastic hair ties can be used in place of elastic (no metal on ties).”
Gritman Medical Center. Source: https://gritman.org/community-sews-seeds-of-love-for-frontline-health-care-workers/ [updated: 23 March 2020]
“Elastic should be sturdy enough to tolerate multiple laundering. – YOU MAY MAKE THEM WITH TIES IF ELASTIC IS IN SHORT SUPPLY.”
Emerson Hospital. Source: Facebook post by the hospital [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“Elastic should be in good shape, with plenty of stretch and of an appropriate size to fit over the ears.
1/16 inch round cord or 1/8 inch braided work best.”
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Source: https://www.owensborohealth.org/news-events/news-media/2020/fabric-surgical-masks-information/ [accessed: 30 March 2020]
I cannot find elastic anywhere; what can I do?
Locally stores have depleted their stock. Many sewing groups are sharing elastic but also using pony tail holders and scrunchie pony tail holders instead.
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Source: https://www.owensborohealth.org/news-events/news-media/2020/fabric-surgical-masks-information/ [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“Not all facemasks can be re-used.
– Facemasks that fasten to the provider via ties may not be able to be undone without tearing and should be considered only for extended use, rather than re-use.
– Facemasks with elastic ear hooks may be more suitable for re-use.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html
**One Free Sewing Pattern. Every Thursday. Join the Email List 🙂**
Fabric ties are a recommended alternative to elastic. They also provide a more universal fit. A downside is that they could get tangled and knotted when laundered.
“If flat elastic is not available, fabric ties can be sewn on the mask, one tie on each of the four mask corners.
Ties should be approximately 1/4” width, sewn so there are no frayed edges, and approximately 15” for each corner.”
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health. Source: their Facebook page [published: 23 March 2020]
“Needs: Mask that tie in the back for more universal fit”
Request for face mask donations by Auburn Urgent Care on the Deaconess directory
“If elastic is not available, fabric ties can be sewn on the mask.
There will need to be 4 ties (one tie on each of the 4 corners).
Ties should be approx. ¼ inch in width, sewn in such a way that there are no frayed edges, and long enough to be tied into a bow on the top of the head (for the top corner and behind the head for the bottom corner).
…
[Ties] should be 16” in length.”
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Source: https://www.owensborohealth.org/news-events/news-media/2020/fabric-surgical-masks-information/ [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“Please do not add any embellishments, pipe cleaners, lining or filter material.”
Emerson Hospital. Source: Facebook post by the hospital [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“Please do not add metal pieces to masks you are donating to D-H.
Adding nose bridges with twist ties or pipe cleaners is not necessary for a secure fit and can make cleaning and sanitizing the masks more difficult.”
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health. Source: their Facebook page [published: 23 March 2020]
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
“Please use a different material on each side of the mask to ensure that when our team members take their masks off, they know which side has had contact with their face and which side has been external facing.”
Eskenazi Health. Source: https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/news/how-to-donate-face-masks-and-other-supplies-to-eskenazi-health [published: 25 March 2020]
The following are helpful hints shared by seamstresses and sewists which may be useful to you.
– Front and back need to be different colors; in a hurry, easy to tell which is front.
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Source: https://www.owensborohealth.org/news-events/news-media/2020/fabric-surgical-masks-information/ [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“It is essential that nobody involved in the creation, distribution or delivery of new/unused materials or homemade masks have any symptoms of COVID… (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have recently been exposed to anyone experiencing these symptoms or who has been tested positive for COVID…”
Bronson Health. Source: https://www.bronsonhealth.com/news/bronson-welcomes-community-donations-of-unused-personal-protecti/ [published: 25 March 2020]
“Use 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 stitch length on your sewing machine (or 10-12 stitches per inch). Back-stitch for strength where indicated. The seams need to be strong enough to withstand wearing, but also heavy-duty washers and dryers.”
Kaiser Permanente. Source: https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/content/dam/internet/kp/comms/import/uploads/2020/03/02_COVID_Mask-Instructions_v9.pdf [published: 27 March 2020]
“…a well sewn mask with no frayed edges or missed seams or “holes” is important.”
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Source: https://www.owensborohealth.org/news-events/news-media/2020/fabric-surgical-masks-information/ [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“Keep in mind that the goal is to make a sturdy mask that can be washed and bleached repeatedly. No raw edges, no loose threads.”
Monadnock Community Hospital. Source: http://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MCH_Mask_PR_Instructions_Patterns_032320-4.pdf [published: 23 March 2020]
“1. Masks must be able to hold up to commercial washing.
2. Masks must not be too heavy or hot on the wearer’s face.”
Bronson Health. Source: https://www.bronsonhealth.com/app/files/public/8410/OFFICIAL-Bronson-Face-Mask-Template [accessed: 2 April 2020]
**I Find the Best Free Sewing Patterns and Share Them Every Thursday. Don’t miss out. Join the Email List :)**
7 MAY 2020 UPDATE: This section on filter ideas is now OUT OF DATE. I have a much better resource linked below:
Wondering what the best filter material is for a face mask? Particle testing company TSI used industry equipment to test 20 popular materials.
UPDATE: This page on the CDC website was last reviewed on 13 April 2020. The bandana tutorial has been changed to include NO COFFEE FILTER. As far as I can see, they haven’t explained why the filter was removed.
“Acceptable filters include HEPA filters and/or a high grade furnace filter to filter out bacteria.”
Great Falls Clinic. Source: https://www.gfclinic.com/approved-pattern-info-for-homemade-masks/ [accessed: 4 April 2020]
“Recommended cleaning steps
STEP 1: Remove and discard the filter. Spray mask front and back with hydrogen peroxide or equivalent quality solution.
STEP 2: Gently kneed with warm, soapy water. Do not soak. If placed in washing machine, do not place with any other items.
STEP 3: Allow to dry on clean, sanitized surface that is free from high-touch areas.”
UH Hospitals. Source: https://www.uhhospitals.org/-/media/Files/Coronavirus/MaskProductionGuidelines03282020v4.pdf [published: 28 March 2020]
How do I clean a homemade cloth mask?
Homemade cloth masks should be properly cleaned before they are reused.To wash, launder masks in hot water (160°F) using soap or
detergent that leaves no residue.Rinse well with fresh water and hang to dry.
You may also disinfect masks by soaking them for 5 minutes in a solution of 2 tablespoons of bleach per quart of water or 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
University of Utah Health. Source: https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2020/04/face-masks.php [published: 3 April 2020]
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html [last reviewed: 4 April 2020]
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
“Hand-sewn masks are intended for patients who do not have COVID… and/or visitors.
They may also be used to cover a N95 mask that a caregiver is using to extend time of use.”
Allina Health. Source: https://www.allinahealth.org/coronavirus/caring-for-caregivers [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“At this time, these fabric masks will not be used by health care team members caring for COVID… positive patients.
The masks will be made available to:
(1) Visitors to our facilities;
(2) Caregivers who are not involved with direct patient care and are at low risk of catching COVID… from patients or transmitting to others;
(3) COVID… patients, as an alternative to surgical masks to better protect them and others around them; and
(4) Cover N95 masks for extra protection for caregivers on the front lines.
UH Hospitals. Source: https://www.uhhospitals.org/healthcare-update/masks-and-donations [accessed: 31 March 2020]
“UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids has an adequate supply of masks however – they remain in short supply nationwide due to COVID… The hospital is looking to be proactive in addressing the possibility of future supply challenges.
Therefore, St. Luke’s [hospital] is calling all sewing volunteers to help make masks. Our hope is that we won’t need them, but we must plan for the unknown.
Fabric masks offer the benefit of being able to be washed and re-used as each healthcare worker will need to change their mask several times during their shifts, as the mask becomes soiled or damp – for maximum protection.”
UnityPoint Health. Source: https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/sewing-surgical-masks.aspx [accessed: 29 March 2020]
“…Currently we have adequate supplies of medical grade equipment; we are accepting donations of homemade masks. We are putting them in storage and will evaluate the appropriateness of use of homemade masks in case there is a future need).
While Cooley Dickinson is accepting hand-sewn masks, our primary need right now is for medical grade PPE.”
Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Source: https://www.cooleydickinson.org/home/coronavirus-resources/donations/ [accessed: 30 March 2020]
“These masks will be used by PATIENTS who are tested for COVID… but sent home pending results.
Tested patients are sent home with masks and strict home quarantine instructions.
Our regular PPE is designated for patient-facing healthcare workers!”
Lafayette General Health. Source: Facebook post by the hospital [accessed: 30 March 2020]
Sam Caruso Jr., hospital director of business development, wants to be doubly clear that the masks are not for hospital staff.
“The purpose of giving these to people to take home is to use to avoid the spread of the disease,” which can be passed on by heavy droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing, he said.
“Droplets can fall to the ground within six feet. While these cannot stop the virus from getting to you, they can catch the virus to prevent it from spreading further.”
Slidell Memorial Hospital representative via Nola.com. Source: https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/article_8abca22e-6af0-11ea-91c3-ffeb1b9241fa.html [accessed: 30 March 2020]
How is Owensboro Health using the masks?
We will be using the cloth masks for situations where a surgical or N95 mask would not be required. This extends the supply of our disposable surgical masks for those times when procedural care is required.
While we are not out of our current supply of surgical masks we know getting new additional masks will be difficult because the national supply is running out.
The fabric masked could be used over the surgical masks to keep them from getting soiled and extend their use.
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Source: https://www.owensborohealth.org/news-events/news-media/2020/fabric-surgical-masks-information/ [accessed: 30 March 2020]
Note: these research conclusions are NOT about Covid…
“Washable, woven cloth masks have been used in hospitals in some countries. Also, in the absence of any alternative, some members of the public may improvise respiratory protection out of t-shirts, scarves, or other cloth.
Given the lack of sufficient data either supporting or refuting the effectiveness of woven cloth masks and improvised coverings in blocking influenza transmission, the committee hesitates to discourage their use, but cautions that they are not likely to be as protective as medical masks or respirators.
We are concerned that their use may give users a false sense of protection that could encourage risk-taking.”
Professors J. Bailar and D. Burke (2006). Source: https://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=s04272006
“Results obtained in the study show that common fabric materials may provide marginal protection against nanoparticles including those in the size ranges of virus-containing particles in exhaled breath.”
S. Rengasamy and others (2010). Source: https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/54/7/789/202744
How to make masks for the first time. There are lots of resources here.
How to make adjustable ear loops and head straps for your mask.
(Most sources have been linked to within the article).
