Mask Tutorials

Below are tutorials for the most requested masks from those in our local Health Care community

There are TONS of tutorials online, and each serves a different purpose. The ones we have chosen below are based on requests coming to us from local health care workers. They are categorized by sewing level. Our biggest request is for the Intermediate and Advanced sewer options because they include a nose mold, pocket, and are large enough to cover the N95. If you have questions, hop over to our Facebook Group and let us know how we can help!

Beginner/Novice Sewer – Basic Mask

This is our most basic pattern and tutorial is from Deaconess Medical (Indiana).  It fits and works similarly to the disposable medical masks. It’s a Flat Rectangle, with 3 pleats and elastic straps to go behind ears.

SEWING TIME: 20-30 minutes per mask

Link to PDF Pattern below:
*Per local requests, please adjust size of fabric to 8”x 10” instead of 6”x9”

https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask/Documents-Mask/Mask-Information

Link to Video Tutorial:
*Per local requests, please adjust size of fabric to 8”x 10” instead of 6”x9”

Intermediate Sewer – Pocket Mask

These masks are similar to the Basic Beginner mask, except it includes a pocket for an added measure of protection. Physicians can place a filtration material like heavy duty paper towels or a disposable mask into the pocket to help extend the life of their disposable mask. Option 1 includes a nose mold. Option 2 does not.

SEWING TIME: 20-30 minutes per mask

OPTION 1: Includes a Nose Mold, pocket and elastic straps (which could also be swapped out for ties if you prefer). In this video below, one of our Admins shows you step by step how to make one of our most requested masks by doctors at the Facebook Live video link below.

Option 1: Link to Facebook Live Tutorial from our Admin

Join me to see how I make one of our more requested types of masks!

Posted by Jessica Thonen on Thursday, March 26, 2026

OPTION 2: Doesn’t include nose mold.

Link to Video Tutorial:

Advanced Sewer – Triple Threat Mask

  1. Fits over N95 Mask
  2. Pocket for added filtration
  3. Nose mold
  4. Ties around the head for a snug fit

SEWING TIME: 30-45 minutes per mask

Supplies Needed:

  • Main Fabric: 14”L x 8”W fabric (1 piece)
  • Bindings for Sides of Mask: 6”L X 3”W fabric (2 pieces)
  • Nose Mold: (1) 6” long twist tie, 18 gauge wire, pipe cleaner or craft wire cut to 6″ and turned in at ends so it won’t pierce the fabric
  • TIES: 80” of t-shirt yarn or t-shirt strips for ties
  • Iron, Sewing Machine, Thread, Pins

Step 1: Prep the Fabric

  • Edge finish all 4 sides of the main fabric piece with a zig zag stitch or serge (NOT the edges of the binding; it adds too much bulk).

Step 2: Create opening for the Pocket

  • Fold right sides together bringing short side (8″) to short side (8″).
  • Along the edge that’s opposite the folded side, measure and mark 2” from each side.
  • Stitch from the corner and stop where you marked 2”.
  • Be sure to backstitch at beginning and end.
  • Repeat this from the other corner.
  • You should now have a secure opening along that edge.

Step 3: Make the Filter Pocket

  • Iron seam allowances flat and flip right side out
  • Top stitch along ONE of the open seams. We’ll get to the other seam later when we assemble the nose mold so leave that side alone.
  • DO NOT SEW THE OPENING SHUT.

Step 4: Inserting the Nose Mold

  • Fold mask to about a ½” above the pocket opening and press.
  • Insert the wire into the opening at the top.
  • Push wire all the way to the top. Center it, pin and top stitch.
    • Make sure wire is centered and top stitch across the top, just underneath the wire. Take care not to stitch on the wire.
    • Topstitch on each side of the metal piece to secure in place.

Step 5: Sewing the Pleats

  • Make 3 even pleats downward toward the bottom of the mask
  • Pin and press with iron
  • Stitch along each side to secure pleats

Step 6: Making the Ties

Cut t-shirt strings/t-shirt yarn into 4 strip

  • 4 @ 20” long pieces for each corner

Step 7: Attaching the Ties

With the FRONT side of the mask facing up:

  • Place each strip of t-shirt yarn at an angle in each corner so the bulk of the strips rest in the middle of the mask
  • SEW the ties down close (1/8” or so) to the edge.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Step 8: Binding the Sides

With Mask right side up:

  • Place 1 binding vertically on top of mask with right sides facing and line up outer right edges.
  • Fold at least 1/2“ over the top and bottom and pin in place.
  • Sew along outer edge. Backstitch top and bottom.
  • Repeat on the left side of mask.

Step 9: Binding the Sides, Continued

  • Pull newly sewn flaps out, fold top and bottom down so they are in line with the top and bottom of mask.
  • Iron or finger press as needed.
  • Fold outer edges in, then fold again. Iron or pin into place.
  • Top stitch the binding closed for the front side of the mask. Backstitch at both ends.