The Simple Surgical Style 3 Pleats Face Mask is made of 2 layers of fabric (not including interfacing, if it is used). This is made from one piece of fabric that is folded. While making these masks I wanted to show you the many ways a face mask can be made. The next pattern will be similar to this design, but it will have 3 layers and cut from different fabrics. I will show you the advantages and disadvantages of this design compared to the next.
This design is the simplest to make. The method is quite straight forward and does not create too much complications compared to the next design. The fitting of the mask over the nose bridge will help if you insert strip metal nose bar. This type of mask is not as fitted compared to the Duckbill Style. It may have gapping at the sides due to size and shape of the wearer’s face. Check the fit/width before finishing the binding on one side, for a better fit.
Pros
Faster to make than the 3 layered design.
Less complications with raw edges not matching up due to thickness of fabric or behaviour of the fabrics.
1 less seam to sew.
No raw edges showing. Great if you don’t have an over-locker.
Cons
Only a 2 layered mask, unless you sandwich a filter/lining fabric in between.
The front and back fabric is the same. You don’t have a separate choice of fabric
The fabric has to be long enough. Not good if you have small pieces of fabric.
Can be too thin if you don’t choose the right kind of fabric.
Download the pattern instruction to make this Simple Surgical Style Face Mask. It is made of 2 layers, but I have used interfacing to give the fabric a bit of structure and a nose bar for improved fit.
NEW I have made this pleating template recently. Hopefully to cut out the extra work you have to do. Remember to place at the bottom of the folded fabric before pleating. The pleating template must be printed at 100% scale, on A4 International Paper. Do not fit to page!
FREE ENVELOPE
Here is a little gift for you to keep your patterns together and organised. Lookout for the other designs.
All you need to do is cut it out and dab a bit of glue to the sides, wait for it to dry and you are good to go.
The envelope should be printed Landscape and Fit Page/Media to not waste space on the paper.
I am not able to make the envelope into a PDF file because it will be too large and will cause my website to crash. This is because my web hosting company cannot handle the downloading traffic. Last time it caused my site to be down for 3 days! For now, it will be a JPEG file.
OTHER AVAILABLE PATTERNS TO COLLECT
This Duckbill Style Face Mask is a lot more street, modern and stylish compared to the surgical style designs available. The mask was designed to allow the top edge and the bottom edge to naturally wrap the face without having to insert a nose bar. The shape does not allow the mask to ride upwards to obstruct your sight. The sides are slightly longer than most masks on the market for more coverage around the face.
This Surgical Style Face Mask is made from 3 layers of fabric. You can choose to make a 2-4 layers mask, but the more layers the more difficult it is to fold and keep the edges aligned. This mask is different from the simple one because you can choose 3 different layers of fabric to use while the Simple Surgical Pattern is made from 1 piece of fabric that is folded so the front and back is the same fabric.
This 2 Piece Face Mask is different from the last few because it has a piece of fabric that cups under the chin. The sides contour your face and provide coverage under the eyes and does not allow the mask to ride upwards to obscure your sight. I find this style more suitable for making insulated face masks due to the coverage.
The 3 Piece Style Face Mask is probably one of my favourite face masks. The design is very unique and I haven’t seen many people wearing this design around. The main feature I like about this design is that when you take it off your face, the inside is protected by folding in the flaps. It is made of 3 parts, and takes slightly longer to make compared to the others I have designed. The mask hugs the face but still allow you room to move your lips, so it is easier to talk while wearing it.
Disclaimer/Please take note: My face masks do not replace medical/surgical face masks. These are also not designed to be used on babies or toddlers. Supervision is a must on small children.
These are face masks with basic filtration. It is good for dust particles and maybe blocking out some odours. Most of my masks requires only 2 layers of fabric, but you may consider making a 3 layer one by using water repellent/waterproof fabrics on the outer layer, a filtration layer in the middle, then an absorbent material next to your skin.
In some of my tutorials, I use the patterned fabric on the outside for obvious reasons, waterproof on the inside, then a breathable and absorbent fabric next to the skin. Please do your own mask research if you are planning to make and wear a mask for protection against particles smaller than dust, such as a mask to protect you from airborne viruses.
Recommended Fabrics:
Outer fabrics:
Double gauze
Cotton
Gore-Tex is probably the best. Water repellent/waterproof fabric, and allows you to breathe. Can be quite pricey.
Some Tafettas (Micro-Fibre) are water repellent/water proof, but also breathable.
Be careful when purchasing 100% waterproof fabric for making bags. They are great but you will sweat and can’t breathe!
Inner and absorbent fabrics:
Cotton
Jersey (Be careful it will stretch)
Double gauze
Flannel
You could use a lining fabric next to the skin. It is down to personal preference.
RESOURCES
If you are living in Hong Kong and want to get your hands on some fabric and elastic supplies, I will put links to where I bought my supplies from. Click on the link to download the Map of Sham Shui Po 2020, where I will show you locations of shops. For the elastic, I bought these from my local stationery shop, but most stationery shops in Hong Kong will stock this in their craft section. Otherwise, just pop into the elastic shops/manufacturers located on my map.
Elastic locations: Red dots 1-7. Especially Wing Fung Industries opposite the temple. Red dot 17 is another elastic manufacturer. Blue dots 1, 4, 10. Green dot 4. Middle of Ki Lung Street opposite Pink dot 7. You might be interested in my Sourcing for Elastic in Hong Kong post for other types of elastics. Along the section of the road, Red dots 1-7, are shops selling mask making supplies. Please note: Waterproof fabrics do not allow you to breathe. You could be harbouring bacteria. I do not recommend such kits.
Fabrics
Most of the outer fabrics I have chosen to use are 100% cotton or 100% organic cotton. It is very sustainable, affordable, breathable, easy to sew, and comes in many colours and designs.
I bought my recent fabric stash from Modes4u.com. They also have a sister company called Kawaiifabric.com. If you aren’t sure about the fabric choice and don’t want to splash out too much on one style of fabric, Modes4u.com sell their fabrics in 1/2 metres. Recently I discovered they sell a lot of their fabrics in fat quarter sizes. Great for small projects like these. They ship internationally and they are pretty fast. Click the Modes4U banner on the right hand side bar.
Tools you will need:
Sewing Machine, Fabric, Scissors, Pattern Printout, Sewing Thread, Elastic, Ruler, Chalk/Pencil, Pins, Iron, Ironing Board, Card (Not essential), Hair Grip/Bobby Pin.
Light Weight Interfacing: If your fabric is a bit too light and you want to give it a little body/structure, I would suggest backing it with some light weight interfacing. If you have to use medium weight interfacing, then I will be guessing you are using very light weight fabric. The fabric may not be suitable for making face masks, so you might want to reconsider your choice. This is not an essential item, but it will help.
Make sure you pre-wash your fabric and interfacing before you cut and sew the mask. This will allow for any shrinkage. Remember this is a washable and re-useable face mask. The last thing you want to happen is it shrinks after the first use. Putting the fabrics into a netted wash bag will help stop any loose threads from making a mess in the washing machine.
For those that don’t have access to a printer, here is a larger image with the measurements needed.
Short Tutorial
You are watching the Cut Down Version of the Simple Surgical 3 Pleats Face Mask Tutorial. It has extra scenes cut out for those that want to skip to the making of the mask. If you have pattern cutting and sewing skills, then this is the tutorial for you. I will explain the most important part, then we move swiftly onto cutting and construction.
Extended Tutorial
If you require a bit more help with construction, then you will might want the Extended tutorial. It has extra scenes, information, explanation, tips and a talk through with pattern placement and construction.
The next pattern is out already.
Remember to share. Sharing is caring!
Shan x
You are welcome to download and use my patterns to make items for friends, family, neighbours, or even to sell. I only ask of you to help me share or credit me and state where you got the patterns from.
Hi Gerri, strange! No worries. On the case.
for some reason I cannot download the pattern & instructions for the pleated mask. Would you possibly be able to email to me. Thanks
Hi Jo, I use 3mm Woolly Soft Nylon Elastic. It is like the ones used on disposable masks but a better quality. Very soft on the ears and does not irritate.
Hope this helps?
Hi Shannie
I’m in Australia and I love your site. I’m a beginner sewer and you have a knsck for explaining how to sew that is very easy to follow.
Can I ask you what type of elastic cord you use for your masks (which I am having my firtst attempt at)
Hi Shannie
I’m in Australia and I love your site. I’m a beginner sewer and you have a knsck for explaining how to sew that is very easy to follow.
Can I ask you what type of elastic cord you use for your masks (which I am having my firtst attempt at)
Thank you. Love the matching style!
Hi Cilla, I do. It’s on my facebook page: ShannieMakes Official. Might have to scroll a bit. Let me know if you can’t find it. Stay Safe.
Do u have any display on ur face to see what it look like ?
Hi Cindy, yes! It’s a Youtube tutorial. Did you not see it at the bottom of the page? I don’t have the written instructions. If that is what you mean?
do you have instructions? thanks
Hi Lisa, I will try in future projects, but I’m British. We use centimetres and millimetres. I find it very difficult to give you a 2mm measurement in inches when it is even smaller than 1 line (8th of an inch). I wouldn’t know what to call it. So sorry. Try a conversation table or a new ruler perhaps. I have about 30 rulers. Some in old conversions that don’t exist in the western world. Will take your feedback into consideration for future projects though. Stay safe. x
I wish that the measurements were also given for imperial rather than just metric. I love the simplicity of your pattern and the masks, but living here in the USA we use the imperial measurements and using a simple converter does not really help when using a basic ruler, I can get the measurements with decimals, but that has not been very helpful (perhaps I am just too exhausted at this point).
Thank you Brenda. Believe me, I still have people saying these are for advance sewers. Hahahaa, little do they know I used to teach kids age 8 to grandmas at 70+. Nothing is too difficult. Thanks for you kind message. Stay safe x
I really like your masks and very clear instructions and I am excited to make for my grandchildren. I’ve watched numerous videos with so many variations, but this is the only one I’ve seen, that is easy and has all the details I could ever ask for. Again, thanks and stay safe!
Hi Katinka, could you not click the download (Click picture)? I’ll email anyway.
Like the simple mask. Thank you.
We need them in Tasmania AU
Could you send me a pdf version.
Thanks you, Nikki. Glad it has helped you out. Stay safe x
Thank you for your patterns and tutorial this is the first one after tons of them that I could fully understand and I like your Calming music. Definitely something we all need during this tough time we are all going through. Be safe out there.
Hi Elizabeth, I’ve sent you the PDF. x
Check your email, Elizabeth. Think the web host is playing up again. They can’t seem to cope with a sudden surge of visitors to my website. Sorry x
I cannot find written instructions for the simple surgical style mask. When I click on the download link, I get an error message. I have watched the video but it would be nice to have a written version.
I cannot get a written version of the instructions to make the simple surgical style 3 pleat mask. When I click on “Download the pattern instruction”, it says there is a critical error. I watched the video version, but it would be nice to have written instructions.
On the paper it states it is in mm/millimeters. 10mm is 1cm. 20mm is 2cm. Sometimes I have to work smaller, and if I put a point down, people might not see it. Sorry for confusing you. If it helps, 35 is 3.5cm. Maybe next time I’ll convert everything to imperial measurements. Hope this helps?
Your pattern is very confusing to me. What is meant by 10 Pleat 20 Pleat 10 Pleat 20 Pleat 35 10 5. This cannot be cm. I have a conversion chart because we use inches not centimeter. Please let me knoe what you mean. At this point I am going to make my own pattern using your 19 cm (7.5 inches) width x 23 cm (9.0 inch) length and guess on pleat placement. I like this style mask especiall since the elastic can be adjusted by shortening or replacing.
Watch my video. Surgical Style 3 Pleats Face Mask, 3 Layers. Shan x
What can we use for a bendable nose piece?
I agree. They are not just for virus, but also for people that have allergies, people that are recovering from chemotherapy, and people to hide away from people they don’t want to see. X
Thank you so much for sharing your patterns with all of us. They may not stop all the germs but they’re better than having nothing.
Just click and save. I have a few more patterns to release over the next few weeks.
Wish there was a way to download all this !