As elastic runs short in many fabric stores and online it’s a great skill to learn how to make a bias tape face mask. This tutorial is for an Adult sized face mask, but once you make the mask it isn’t too hard to see how to measure it on your own to create a smaller mask for a child. This tutorial will also show you how to make your own bias tape if you’re unable to purchase any pre-ironed bias tape. Follow along for our easy and informative tutorial! Supplies For every 30” length of fabric (based on approx. 45” width) you can make 5 masks. Cutting Instructions For the main part of your mask cut a rectangle of your fabric that is 7.5”x15” For the ties for your mask cut two pieces that are 1.5” wide by 36” long. Instructions for Constructing the Mask Fold the fabric, right-sides together, matching up the short ends. Your piece should now be about 7.5” x7.5”. Using a 1/4” seam allowance, sew along the short edge making sure to backstitch at both ends. Turn your piece right-side out and iron your seam and your folded edge so they lay flat. Ironing the pleats 1. Place your mask piece, with the fold at the top and the seam at the bottom. Using the guide pictured above, iron your pleats. Your first pleat will start about 1 1/2” from the top (folded) edge and there will be about 5/8” between the bottom of one pleat and the top of the next. 2. Take your long, skinny strips and fold the two raw edges towards the middle and press in place. 3. Unfold one edge and pin the raw edge of the tie strip to the raw (pleated edge) of the mask. Note you want to take the halfway point of the length of the strip and match it up with the middle point of the mask so that you have an even length of the tie above and below the mask. Machine baste in place. Repeat this step for the other tie piece. 4. Wrap the rest of the tie piece to the back of the mask so that the raw edges are covered and pin in place. Fold the rest of the tie (above and below the mask) in half so that the folded edges meet. You may also wish to pin these edges in place. Sew along the length of the ties, close to the folded edge making sure to catch the mask between the two layers. You’ve made your own facemask! If you can be sure to share this tutorial with as many people are possible as they look to create masks for themselves and essential workers. We appreciate the efforts of every sewist, worker and community helper out there. Thank you for your essential sewing!
