Easy DIY Face Mask with Ear Loops

Ear Loops

Ear loops can be created using narrow elastic or hair bands. I used both materials. Personally, I don’t find them comfortable, but many people do. If you create ear loops and later find them irritating, you can adapt them to a Single Band or Double Band using string, yarn, ribbon, or even more elastic.

Ear loops made from Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics

Use ribbon, string, or yarn to convert ear loops to a Single Band or Double Band mask.

The Basic Face Mask

The face masks I ended up being happiest with are based on the instructions from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I chose this design for several reasons. It is simple to make. I could use items I already owned. It is adaptable for different face sizes and shapes. And my local hospitals will accept donations of this kind of mask as well. I made several small adjustments to the design, however, to accommodate the different materials I have on hand to use and to create a filter pocket.

Additionally, I felt the measurements they provide are a little on the small size, so I made our masks slightly bigger for better face coverage. Maybe we just have big faces! Once you have the basics down, however, you can adjust yours for your own family. Just be sure the mask fits securely over the nose and extends past your chin. You also don’t want gaping on the sides of the mask.

Here are the basics: you are making a rectangular mask with two layers of fabric and an interior pocket for a filter. It an be fastened to the head in a variety of ways.

For fabric recommendations, elastic ideas, and measurements, start at this link and then come back here for the full tutorial:

Making Your Face Mask

Step 1: Cut the Fabric

Cut a rectangle of each fabric — two total per mask.

Adult: 7.5” x 10.5”
Child: 6.5” x 8.5”

Adjust according to your family’s face size. If you are making masks to donate, make adult masks.

Step 2: Fold & Iron

Press the fabric. At the top of each piece, fold and press 1/4” over. Then fold and press again to create a double-fold hem. At the bottom fold and press 1/4” over.

Step 3: Pin Right Sides Together

Place the right sides of the two fabric pieces together. Pin or clip them together. Place a clip at each corner — this will keep the seams from getting too close to the edges.

I use quilting clips — which I love — but straight pins work very well, too.

If you are using flannel instead of a filter, sandwich the flannel between the two pieces of cotton.

Step 4: Sew the Top Seams

The top seam is actually two small seams with a space between. This space will form the access for the filter pocket.

Starting 1/2” in from the corner, sew a 3.5” seam across the top. Repeat from the other corner leaving an approximately 2” gap between the two seams.

Measurements are for an adult-sized mask. Adjust accordingly for smaller masks.

Step 5: Sew the Bottom Seam

The bottom seam goes straight across but starts and stops 1/2” from the fabric edge.

Step 6: Choose your Fastener Method

From here there are several ways to finish your mask depending on how you want it to fit and what materials you’ll be using. See below.

Ear Loops made with Elastic

Step A: Sew top, Bottom, & side Seams

Sew all the way around the perimeter of the mask leaving a 2” gap at the top middle of the mask only. For this technique you do not need to leave gaps at each corner.

Step B: Turn & Iron

Turn the mask right side out. Press the mask.

Step C: Fold & Iron

Fold the side seams as shown creating one box pleat. Secure with pins or clips. Repeat on the other side seam.

Press the box pleats.

Step D: Insert the elastic

Cut a 5” piece of elastic (or measure for your face). Insert one end into the folds of the pleat. Secure.

Repeat with the other end.

Step E: Repeat

Do the same for the other end of the mask.

Step F: Stitch Down the Pleats

Carefully stitch down the box pleats taking care to sew the elastic into the seam.

Completed Mask

Your mask is now done and is reversible! Wear it in good health! If the loops ended up being too long, you can put a small knot in the loop to adjust it so the mask is secure.

Ear Loops made with Hair Ties

Hair ties make great ready-made ear loops. I used Goody hair ties. They have a lot of stretch which makes them adaptable for different ear sizes and shapes.

The process of enclosing the ponytail holders is just complicated enough that I made a video as well as explaining it below. I hope that helps!

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Step A: Sew top & bottom Seams

Follow the basic mask instructions to sew the top and bottom seams.

Step B:Place Hair tie

Insert one hair tie between the pieces of fabric at one corner.

Step C: Clip or pin

Use a quilting clip or a straight pin to hold the hair tie in place.

Step D:Repeat

Repeat Steps B and C at the other corner on that side.

Step E: Clip the Side

Use a quilting clip or a straight pin clip or pin the rest of that side around the hair tie. You will not sew the fabric TO the elastic — you will sew it around the elastic.

Step F: Sew Side Seam

Sew the fabric taking care not to sew through the hair tie.

Step G: Repeat

Repeat steps B-F with the other side seam.

Step H: Turn & Press

Once both side seams are stitched, turn the mask right-sides out and press.

Step I: Pleat

At each end of the mask, create a box pleat. Hold the pleat in place with pins or clips.

Step J: Stitch Down the Pleats

Carefully stitch down the box pleats taking care NOT to sew the hair tie into the seam. Sew as close to the edge of the fabric as possible.

Completed Mask

Your mask is now done and is reversible! Wear it in good health!

No matter what kind of mask you wear, I encourage you to wear a mask when you leave your home. When they asked people in the Czech Republic to wear masks, the entire country adopted a saying, “My mask protects you; your mask protects me.” We are all in this together no matter how long it lasts.

My masks will protect you. Your masks will protect me.