DIY Face Masks for All Skill Levels

No face mask? We’re sharing a ton of tutorials to show you how to make one DIY face masks out of fabric, paper towels, leggings and even bras!

It’s amazing how things have been changing and progressing… we aren’t supposed to wear face masks in public one day and then the next we suddenly are. Never-mind the fact that healthcare professionals and others have needed them but haven’t been able to get them. Suddenly we are ALL supposed to wear a mask. I had mentioned to someone that maybe we should start wearing masks on our occasional ventures outside. And boy howdy did I get read the riot act for being ridiculous. And, yet, here we are.

Since you can’t really find masks to buy, anymore, lots of people are going to turn to DIY. Man, aren’t you glad you’re crafty, now? Did you ever imagine that one day your crafting skills would have such a positive real world impact beyond decoration or entertainment or whatever?

I myself have not made a pattern for face masks largely because I don’t really feel qualified to create something so important. I’ve made rubbing alcohol hand sanitizer and liquor store hand sanitizer, though, which is something I DO feel comfortable making. So check those out if you’re running low on sanitizer because dollars to donuts you’re not going to find it in store.

While doing my research for why we were suddenly supposed to wear a face covering, what would be good enough and how to wear one I found a page on the CDC full of helpful information for DIY face coverings. There are even little quick tutorials for making one out of a cloth, tee shirt or bandanna. And then I found this quick and easy to follow video by the CDC. I mean, you can’t get much more official than the CDC can you? If they state that these methods work I’m 100% down.

But while I was online I found a TON of face mask patterns and ideas that had pretty much popped up overnight. Since I had already compiled this list prior to finding the above link to the CDC and video I decided to go ahead and share. There are lots of options for DIY face masks here…

I’ve divided them up into sections including no-sew and face masks from interesting things (like a pretty lavender bra <– for real!). Then we’ve got sewn patterns easy for beginners and then more advanced sewing patterns that include things like darts. I cannot dart to save my life so the  more advanced patterns are way out of my league.

All together there are well over 20 different tutorials here from pictorials to videos. And since elastic has been almost as difficult to come by as a mask itself, I’ve indicated, in bold, at the end of each description whether it uses elastic or it does not require elastic. This can help save you time because if you don’t have elastic you obviously aren’t going to want to check that tutorial out. Ready to see my collection of DIY face masks?

Be sure to click through to pin any of the projects individually or pin the graphics at the top or bottom of this post to quickly find this post later.

Be safe, be well and, in general, all the best – Allison

No-Sew DIY Face Masks

If you’ve got a an old tee shirt and some pony tail holders you’re golden with this new sew tutorial. Does NOT require elastic.

This reusable face mask from Yori House uses a handkerchief and elastic hair ties and is no-sew. It also shows you how to fold in a filter you can replace each wear. Uses hair ties so it does NOT require elastic.

Easy No-Sew Face Mask by Love Maegan

Using a bandanna, sheet, or pillowcase, this easy mask uses pony tail holders or rubber-bands and can be made quick smart! Does NOT require elastic.

Another bandanna and ponytail holder face mask that is no sew, this one features a quick and easy to follow video tutorial. Does NOT require elastic.

This is a no-sew face mask that uses a t-shirt and can be made with a hot glue gun! It’s easy to do and can give new purpose to old tees you never wear! Does NOT require elastic

Face Masks from Interesting Items

Okay, so this mask doesn’t look like the most secure out of the bunch BUT you have to admit it’s totally unique to use a BRA to make a face mask. It requires light hand sewing but otherwise is super easy to make. And I suppose the more padding you wear the more of a filter your mask will have, right? :)  I just love this project because it’s so fun and right now I think we can use a little bit of anything that will give us a smile! Oh, and because this project uses the stretchy bra straps, it does NOT require elastic.

Easy No Sew Face Mask Tutorial by Cool Mom Picks

This face mask is no sew and uses a coffee filter that can be replaced. It also uses pony tail holders to secure so that it does NOT require elastic.

Not one, not two but FIVE different ways to make face masks with stuff from around the house. (does NOT require elastic)

How brilliant is it to use LEGGINGS to make masks? If like me you might have exceeded the quarantine 15 (like the freshman 15 :) it might be time to retire a pair of leggings or two, anyway! (does NOT require elastic)

No fabric? No problem. Grab the paper towels, tin foil and rubber bands.  Yep, you read that right! (does NOT require elastic)

I think this tutorial is GENIUS because he uses a vacuum cleaner bag as a filter! If you’re like me and have moved to a bagless vacuum, you might still have some old bags in the cleaning cabinet and this is a GREAT use for them! (does NOT require elastic)

Beginner Friendly Sewn DIY Face Masks

Easy Do-It-Yourself Face Mask Pattern by Skip to My Lou

This mask is super easy to make and that fabric is just adorable. For this mask you’ll need cotton material, flannel and it also uses elastic.

Surgical Face Mask with Bias Tape by Sweet Red Poppy

Easy to follow this DIY face mask uses bias tape which is so much easier than making your own ties. (does NOT require elastic)

Face Mask with Hair Ties by The Jolly Jabber

I just think the idea of using hair ties with the lack of elastic is genius! This free DIY face mask tutorial also shares different sizes child, adult small, adult medium, and adult large. (does NOT require elastic)

How to Make a Face Mask by It’s Always Autumn

This is a super informative post is not only about how to make an easy face mask but also the possibility of their effectiveness (or lack thereof). There are also a roundup of other patterns you might want to check out. (does NOT require elastic)

Homemade Face Mask with Elastic by Melanie Ham

This sewn face mask can be made in only 10 minutes and doesn’t use a lot of fabric. Go through the photo tutorial or watch the video tutorial, if you prefer. As indicated by the name, this project uses elastic.

I just love how fun this face mask is in it’s flamingo print. But it’s also a super easy to follow video tutorial for a lined face mask using only share shaped cuts. This project uses elastic.

Easy Make it Yourself Face Masks by Amy Latta

I love that these sewn masks use interfacing to stiffen them up a bit.  This is a fast and easy tutorial that you can use to make a lot of masks very quickly. Alternatives included in this tutorial that does NOT require elastic.

Make Your Own Face Mask from Madam Sew

This DIY Face Mask from Madam Sew has lots of photos making it a good beginner sewist tutorial. It features a pleated, rectangular shape and sewn tie ons. (does NOT require elastic)

This easy to sew mask uses cotton fabric and a liner fabric. You’ll also need elastic for this DIY mask. I really love how easy the video is to follow making it great for beginners. This project uses elastic.

Easy Homemade Face Masks with a Filter Pocket by Amy Latta

Though this tutorial includes a filter pocket, this is still a super easy to follow mask pattern that uses elastic hair ties or jersey knit fabric (like from tee shirts) to fasten on. (does NOT require elastic)

More Advanced Sewn DIY Face Masks

This video tutorial from Project Pterodactyl is for a fairly experienced sewist and isn’t it too cute! Initially created as a dust mask for Burning Man, this project is finding new popularity with the current health crisis. This tutorial requires elastic which you may or may not be able to find right now.

The Olson Face Mask Tutorial by Sew Can She

As fancy as this finished face mask looks, I am in LOVE with the fact that it uses elastic hair ties!  (does NOT require elastic)

Small/Medium Adult Face Mask by Cricut — Also available in Standard Youth Size, Small Youth Size, and Large Adult Size

This DIY face mask requires a Cricut Maker cutting machine. I love this pattern because I DON’T love cutting fabric for patterns :) This project uses elastic.

How to Sew a Face Mask by Ageberry

Not only is this a great face mask pattern, there is also an amazing amount of information on at Ageberry regarding rules for making masks, how to use one and more. This project uses elastic.

This is another pattern by Project Pterodactyl that was created for Burning Man. This pattern is different, however, in that it has tie on strings and does NOT require elastic.

Face Mask Free Sewing Pattern by Craft Passion

I really like how this face mask pattern from Craft Passion has a nose wire that helps it to conform to your face. This also apparently helps prevent your glasses from fogging up which is pretty genius! Also this project uses a shoelace to tie the mask on which is just brilliant! Does NOT require elastic.

This face mask uses water-resistant fabric and is washable. It isn’t the easiest to make on this list, but I really like that this pattern features a nose wire so that it can be shaped to be securely worn over the nose. This project uses elastic.

How to Sew a Fitted Face Mask by Sweet Red Poppy

I love this face mask pattern because it shows you how to make ties rather than using any kind of elastic. This mask is made to be work alone or over an N95 mask. Does NOT require elastic.

Did you find any DIY face  masks you’d like to make?

You can click through the link above to pin and save that project. You can also pin the image below to easily find this post again!