We home sewists and crafters are making masks as fast as we can, without sacrificing quality. If you have fabric (dress shirts work especially well), needle, and thread, you can make your own mask(s). This pattern includes space for a removable filter, sizing adjustment (of the mask itself and of the head strap), and fit suggestions.

Hand-sewing, this mask project takes about 1.5 hours from cut to finish. By machine, with prior sewing experience, it can take as little as 15 minutes.

Find me on Instagram for updates on my mask making mania (@instagwenn) and to ask questions.

This pattern is also available as a cut and sew print from Spoonflower. Their production is limited while they help provide PPE. Until then, we can use what we have to do what we can! Thank you for helping, caring, and sharing love.

On fabric choices:
100% cotton fabric is ideal because it's breathable (you need to be able to breathe through the mask!). I'm using good quality quilting cotton for the masks I'm making. You can also use clothing you have at home. Non-stretchy fabrics are better so they don't distort and the holes between threads stay the same size. Dress shirts are pretty perfect. If you do use tshirt type fabric, just be sure to make a lining - two layers are better than one, but more than two and you'll find it hard to breathe, especially if you add a filter.

On elastic:
See my instagram for ways to make a head strap that requires less elastic. You can use bias tape, hair ties, beading elastic, even a scrunchie or broken hair tie. T-shirt "yarn" also works well!

On fit:
This pattern includes ideas for creating a more snug fit. It does NOT include space for a nose wire, though one could be fitted easily. I found that including a nose wire may make machine washing and drying perilous. We are encouraged to wash masks frequently, so I figured that we don't want to have to wash these things by hand. Instead, I've devised a simple stabilizing technique that helps keep the mask's shape and keep the fabric close to your face. The head straps are also adjustable.
 
On laundering:
If you make your mask by hand, I encourage you to wash your new creationg with care - inside a pillowcase works, or of course, inside a FitKit. The ties have a tendency to tangle (especially if you use beading elastic) or get caught around other things. Washing your mask(s) inside a pouch of some kind could save you a lot of headache by preserving your washing machine.