Sigh, with the novel coronavirus circulating it’s a good idea to have face masks for the times when we go out to get groceries or meals. Some hospitals are also asking for donations of fabric masks. I tried a few different patterns and settled on my own version I’m sharing here.

The features I like about this mask are that it’s easy to make and comfortable to wear, as well as conserving elastic, which is hard to find these days.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cotton fabric
• Elastic
• Cord for ties – I used spare shoelaces and some bias tape stitched closed
• Sewing machine, thread, scissors

Here’s how to make it:

• Cut a piece of cotton 8”x 16”
• Fold in half lengthwise and mark the middle
• Pin the elastic next to the middle on the right side
• Pin the ties 3/8” up from the bottom corners

• Fold lengthwise with right sides facing
• Leaving a 3” opening on one of the edges to turn the mask right side out, stitch around the edges with a 3/8” seam allowance
• Using the 3” opening, turn the mask right side out

• Iron the seams flat and top stitch around the edges
• Pin three pleats
• Stitch the two sides to secure the pleats

Here’s how I wear these masks and some of the fun fabric and color combinations I tried:

Hope that helps others who are sewing masks. Stay safe, friends!

Julie aka “Jewels”