Face Mask Patterns

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

Pinup cat masks

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. 

Sweet Red Poppy mask

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.

This is 50 masks in 4 hours. We (my husband, oldest daughter, and I ) made over 50 masks in 4 hours to deliver to his work the next morning. That was a crazy night. Once we found our groove, we worked flawlessly. These were all made with the FOE I was telling you about earlier.

Ignore the bad lighting, these were made at night.

Another early morning make masks to send to friends and family. What a time to be alive.

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!!

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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

Quick and easy baby gift

Embroidered blanket, burp cloths, swaddling blankets, and headbands.

Spring is in the air and this lady is ready for some porch time. I love waking up, going outside, and enjoying my coffee on the back porch with the birds.

I'm a simple person. Ha! 

Babies and weddings usually go hand in hand with Spring. Don't you agree? I've been to a few baby showers lately and thought I'd share some easy handmade gift ideas for you to make and take to your next shower. 

As sewists, we always have extra fabric that we're dying to use up. This gives you an opportunity to use it up or go shopping for new fabric. Win-win! 

Let's get sewing, we've got a shower to attend!

Here’s what you'll need:

• 3-4 yards of soft flannel, cotton, minky, and/ or faux fur.

• Matching or contrasting threads/ matching bobbins

• Ribbon

• Store-bought cloth diapers. I use the extra thick ones (optional)

• Bowl or plate

• All the sewing things

• Sewing machine

• Serger

After you have your fabrics picked out, it’s time to make some baby gifts. 

Swaddling Blanket

• Grab a chalk pen, or water-soluble pen to mark the rounded edge.

• Square up a yard of soft baby flannel. I like to cut the swaddle blankets 40"x 40". 

• Take a bowl or plate and trace the curved edge at each corner. Or, fold the blanket in half and half again so you have all corners on top of each other. Then trace and cut.

• Cut and make a few of these blankets using different patterns of flannel fabric. These are quick and they will be well-loved.

• Serge around the entire blanket edge making sure to go slowly around the corners. If you don’t have a serger, zigzag over the edge. (You can fold over and under, then topstitch, but don’t round your corners if you do that.)

• After you have all the swaddle blankets you want, set them aside. 

Use bowl to trace a rounded edge.

The corners should look like this.

Run through the serger.

I made 3 different swaddle blankets. They are great to keep in the diaper bag, car, and nursery.

Burp Diapers

Every new parent needs burp rags. Buy a pack of store-bought cloth diapers, I prefer the thicker style ones. Measure the width and multiply that number by 2. Cut a strip the length by 4 inches wide. Fold in half like a hot dog. Serge the raw edges together or use the zigzag stitch if you don't have a serger. This is supposed to be quick and easy. Don't stress over edges that aren't perfect.

I didn't gather the strip for the ruffle before I attached it. I folded the strip in half and used clips to attach it at the midpoint and each end of the burp diaper. Then, just eyeballed the gathers.

You can see the raw serged edges above.

Sew 1/4" from the bottom edge of the burp diaper making sure to catch the ruffle.

Use clips or pins to hold the ruffle in place and remove as you sew.

Topstitch the ruffle.

After you attach the ruffle, press the seam up toward the burp diaper. Topstitch the top 1/8-1/4" from the edge. This adds extra security to the ruffle and burp cloth seam. Go slowly, the burp cloth fabric may want to shift.

Grab a cute headband set or some baby bath items to add to the gift set. Or not. Keep it super simple. 

I loved having thin blankets when I had my babies. They're great for diaper changes, sun shields in the car or stroller, swaddling newborns, wiping up spills, etc. Blankets make the best gifts because they're so versatile. 

If you're feeling adventurous, make a nice blanket with a layer of faux fur and flannel. I make these as well and embroider the baby's name on the flannel side. The new mom might not use the fancier blanket for the baby right away, but it will be special for the baby as he/she grows into a toddler.  

Sew the blanket with right sides together leaving a 3"-5" gap opening for turning. Slip stitch the opening closed or top stitch around the whole blanket. And you're done. 

Handmade gifts for babies are the sweetest. With a little fabric and some time, you can create things that baby and mama will both love for years and years.

Other easy ideas to make:

• Bib

• Burp cloths. Sew 2 or 3 layers of flannel together in a rectangle.

• Pacifier clips

• Doll or stuffed animal

• Embellished store-bought baby bodysuits. Add ruffles or applique

• Baby carrier cover

• Diaper bag

• Quilt

• Baby outfits/ dress

• Playmat

• Cart cover for shopping

• Sun hat

Do you make gifts for baby showers or do you purchase them instead? I do a little of both.

Thanks for hanging out today and enjoying all the sweet baby things we made. 

Happy Sewing!

Annette