Learning how to make face masks may have not been at the top of your to-do list until this year, but as masks become mandated for entry at a greater number of restaurants, shops, and common areas, it might be a tutorial you want to tackle.
There are plenty of benefits to creating your own durable, fabric mask. A few include:
- Style: Masks are the new must-have accessory. You can make masks fashionable while showing off your own personal style with various colors, prints, and fits.
- Budget-friendly: Reusable face masks are more cost-efficient than disposable masks.
- Comfort: You can make a mask you don’t mind wearing by custom fitting it to your face.
- It’s Fun! If you’re just looking for an enjoyable at-home activity, you can take up sewing and make items for yourself, your family, or your friends.
- It’s Easy! You can easily sew your own face mask with a few materials and by following a couple of steps.
Whatever the reason, our guide is here to help! This step-by-step guide is based on the methods outlined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Image credit: CDC
Tools
- Needle and thread (or bobby pin)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Mopria mask pattern
- Mopria certified printer or multi-function printer
- Android smartphone or tablet
- Note: Most Android devices come preinstalled with a Mopria powered print service. If your Android device is not yet able to print, you can download the Mopria Print Service app from Google Play or directly from the Mopria website.
Materials
- Cotton fabric (Choose tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric, cotton sheets, or T-shirt fabric)
- Two 6-inch pieces of elastic (or rubber band)
Instructions
- Use mobile printing to get our handy mask pattern.
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- Use your Android device to open this PDF with your mask pattern. Next, find the print option, select a nearby printer, then tap Print.
- For more detailed instructions on how to print from Android, please see our How to Guide.
- Using your pattern, cut two identical 10 x 6-inch rectangles of cotton.
- Stack the two rectangles.
- Fold the fabric ¼ inch over the long sides and hem.
- Fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down.
- Thread the elastic pieces through the wider hem on each side of the mask. If needed, use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight.
- Adjust the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem.
- Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic.
- Adjust so the mask fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.
Pro Tip: Print step-by-step instructions or a photo for reference
If you’re a beginner or just want a little extra help as you complete your sewing project, you can print the project’s instructions or a photo of what you’re attempting to make.
Having the instructions and a photo by your side can ensure that you’re completing your project without any hiccups.
Not only can Mopria help make your sewing projects a breeze, but there are also a number of other benefits to mobile printing. To explore other benefits or learn how to print from your Android device, visit Mopria.org.
