How to Sew a Face Mask Cover
Designed by Carol Mesimer
There is currently a shortage of N95 masks and we are calling all sewers to help make mask covers for health care professionals and first responders in need!
Instructions show two covers being made at once, using the chain sewing method. By working on more than one, pieces can be fed through the machine one after another. This item is a cover for the N95 ONLY. It is not meant to be used for full medical protection.
The intent of this pattern is to COVER a CDC compliant N95 mask. Please use a fabric that is as tightly woven as you can find 600-800 thread count is best, which is tighter than batiks. If that fabric is not available, an extra layer can be added inside to provide extra protection.
By putting a cloth mask OVER the N95 mask, the cloth blocks out some of the larger particles, thus letting the N95 mask be used longer before having to be destroyed. The cloth mask can be cleaned and used again by washing it in the same detergents that hospitals use for their normal laundry.
Gather these supplies…
Tools
- Scissors (Art. No 4941) – purchase on Clover Website or Amazon
- Mini Wonder Clips (Art. No 3188) – purchase on Clover Website or Amazon
Materials
- Two pieces of fabric 7.25” x 13”
- Four strips of fabric 1.5” x 18”
- Pattern Template
Here’s How
Step 1: Cut four strips 1.5” x 18” for ties.
Note: It is being recommended we use fabric ties instead of elastic due to latex allergies
Step 2: Using pattern, cut an outside and inside layer for each cover. Use a tightly woven fabric.
Step 3: Fold strips for ties in the manner of bias tape. Fold one end in and stitch across. Turn and stitch down strip edge.
Step 4: For ease of marking, notch pattern at ends of dart line.
Lay pattern on fold of fabric and mark darts.
Step 5: Chain sew darts.
You can feed each piece into your machine one right after the other without having to stop and cut the thread. This makes sewing speed along. This is called “chain sewing” and you only have to snip the short threads between pieces as you sew.
Trim corners off darts.
Step 6: With right sides together, layer inside and outside layers together, matching darts. Fold dart seams in opposite directions and clip.
Step 7: Stitch along top and bottom edges, using a 3/8” seam. Leave ½” unsewn at sides for ease of turning side seam allowance under.
Step 8: Clip seam allowance along both sides of dart.
Step 9: Turn right side out thru open side. Roll seam edges even and clip together. Turn side seam under ½” and clip.
Step 10: Insert end of ties into each open corner of cover sides. Clip to hold.
Fold three pleats into side edge. Clip folds.
Note: Make sure folds face the same direction on both sides.
Step 11: Stitch around edges, sewing pleats in place. Stitch over sides again, ½” away from edge. Back stitch ends of sewing.
And you’re done! Now you can make as many as you’d like to donate.
You can drop-off your completed masks to your local JoAnn’s Fabric and Craft Stores who will donate to local hospitals.
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