This 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. The coverage is good since it does not open too wide at the sides. You have the option to insert a nose bar for better coverage.
If you require an even larger pattern, you could always use the larger pattern, but only sew with 5mm seam allowance. In most cases, the large size pattern is based on the teenage to adult size. This will fit comfortably on most adults. The Extra Small size side be difficult to sew especially around the curves. Maybe just change the design on the side to a straight line to eliminate the problem. Feel free to make adjustments.
Please note: This pattern derived from a Korean mask that was designed for the petite type of Asian face. If you have a Western face and making for an average size adult face, please use the Large size or even use 5mm seam allowance instead of 1cm to maximise the size.
When printing (ideally on A4 International Paper) all patterns should be printed 100% scale with No Scale to Fit Page/Media. The envelope should be printed Landscape and fit Page/Media to not waste space on the paper.
NEW Due to popular request, here’s a new Extra Large pattern to accommodate Western/ European faces. I wasn’t contemplating this to be such a popular design. Click to download.
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.
New STRAIGHT EDGE PATTERN
NEW Extra Large pattern now available to accommodate Western/ European faces.
NEW FILTER LINING PATTERNS FOR 2021
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.
The Simple Surgical Style 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. This design is the simplest to make. The method is quite straight forward and does not create too much complications compared to the one below. 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.
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.
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.
TUTORIAL
You are watching the 3 Piece Style Face Mask Tutorial. I will talk you through the process of making the face mask. In this tutorial I will show you how to sew a straight line without having to draw a line. Great for those that cannot sew straight in the middle of a pattern. I am hoping to teach you some new skills in each of face mask tutorials that I am rolling out.
New for 2021: Modified and Can Use Filter
Next pattern will be coming soon!
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 Barbara, I think the plugging on my website got updated automatically and disrupted the files. I’ll try and sort out when I get back home in a few hours. Shan
Hi, I wanted to download this pattern in a size Medium and Large but I am having trouble opening this document. I receive a forbidden message. Is there any way you can email it to me or send me the proper link? Thanks so much. You do so many nice things!
Hi Linda,
Look up the the same page, but watch the latest 2 part tutorial. I have adapted it so you have have the over head loops.
Hope this helps? Shan
Hi Shannie,
Would you give me a few ideas on how to adapt your 3-piece face mask to make into a head band style and one with ties? My ears don’t tolerate loops well.
Thank you much for the pattern. It’s just what I wanted!
Hi Lea-Marie, printable instructions will not be available for another few months because they take me over a month to write one. It’s a one man band here I’m afraid. My kid has no kindergarten so she has zoom and homework everyday, even homework during holidays. It is in the plan. Sorry, I can’t work any faster. If I get all my work done, I’ll try to squeeze it in the New Year. I’ll try my best, but can’t promise anything. Shan
Would like printable instructions. No computer access in my sewing room.
Hi Judi, https://www.facebook.com/ShannieMakesOfficial you might have to search back to 31st March post. Hope this helps?
Would it be possible to have a picture of someone wearing each style of mask so we can see how they will look before making and to make sure they are best design for the purpose? Thanks. Great job.
Thanks Jamie, you private message me on facebook: ShannieMakes so I can see them. Glad you liked the pattern.
I love this pattern! It has become the primary one I make. I am by no means a pro, I hadn’t sewn in over 20 years, so I really appreciated the instructional video! I’m slow to make them, but most everyone in my family has one now. Thank you for a lovely, unique pattern and video!
Hi Bev, the size I used was the large, but at the 6 minute mark I did say I am making it for a person that is going to need a mask larger than the Large size. I said I used a smaller seam allowance instead because I can’t be bothered sizing up. The finished size for a medium is 19cm across and 7.3cm top to bottom when the mask is folded flat. When the mask is opened and folded flat sideways it is 14 cm straight from the top of nose to under the chin (Not from top of nose over mouth and to the chin in a curve). Find shanniemakes on facebook. You can private message me there. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Btw, the pattern looks small because most people only see it as 2 pattern pieces, even though it is made of 3 pattern pieces. Also it looks very small when folded flat. I am not petite. I can wear the medium, but the large is more spacious. Hope this helps.
I really like your pattern for the 3 piece face mask, but I must be missing something. The pattern pieces seem to be much smaller for the women’s size, medium, than it appears in your youtube video. What is the finished size of the medium mask? The main piece of the mask I began to make measures only
16 cm X 6 cm, at the widest points. I hope you can help me. I do want this to turn out properly.
Thanks,
Bev from Canada
Hi Janie, glad it has helped you. I do try and teach something new in each tutorial. Thanks for visiting and supporting me.
Your tip on how to sew a straight line using the long piece of thread is just brilliant! I have some strips of fabric that I wasn’t sure what to do with them, but now I can use them to try out this pattern instead of them sitting there staring at me not being used.
That’s very nice of you Anna to write me such a great review and recommending my patterns. Great to know people appreciate what I do. I am still very new to making tutorials and teaching online. Still room for improvement. Just glad I could help out during these times. Thanks again! Stay safe and well.
Your new three-piece style face mask is the best mask design I’ve seen and sewn! I love the chin piece for extra protection. I prefer the three-piece style face mask pattern with the curved edges but for those who have trouble sewing curves, check out her newly added (May 2020) flat edge three-piece design.
Here’s what I absolutely love about the three-piece face mask design: When I power walk and find it hard to breathe with a mask on, I tuck up the chin flap and I can easily pull it down when I encounter people.
Your duck bill design is my second favorite.
The added seam allowances in all your patterns make them super easy to sew. It’s a nice touch for “non-sewers.”
Your videos are well done and your tips set everyone up for success! Kudos to you!!
PRINT TIPS: For those who have trouble printing the pattern, change your page orientation settings to landscape and 100% scale (no custom fit) so it will print on one 8 12″ x 11″ paper.
I’m glad I found you online. Thank you for sharing your talents and posting your mask designs online for free. You are awesome, Shannie!
Hi Linda, I can do this in a future post. I have a few tutorials to do first, so I can’t promise how soon I can get this done. I have sent, via email, a pattern for your toddler. Made smaller than the existing XS. Hopefully it fits. Make sure your printer is set to print WITHOUT fit to page. Always check the measurement in the corner. 4cm. I think it is also the difference between paper and metric measurements we use in the UK. I usually us and print using A4 size paper. Hope this helps? Shan.
Hi Linda, I can but it will be a medium size before it can be graded down, which will take me a while to get it to below Extra Extra Small. I am not sure what size your toddler’s face is, but what I have done is down sized it using the computer. I will send you the pattern via email. You could print off the pattern, cut and staple it together to check the size on the face. Remember to fold away the seam allowances for an accurate fit. I have made the pattern 3 pieces so you don’t have to print off pattern piece 2 again on another piece of paper. Hope this helps? You can add yourself to my Facebook Page: shanniemakes. I can be contacted easily there if you have any questions. Shan
Hi Amy. My designs are made to be adaptable. Just thread through the ties instead of elastic or just sew in the corners. As for the 3 piece style you can sew little loops in the corners and thread cord or straps through. Hope this helps? Stay safe. x
I love your designs! Is is impossible to find elastic cording where I live. Also, many people I know prefer ties or the elastic that goes around the head because elastic straps behind the ears does not work for everyone, and some find it uncomfortable as it pulls on the ears.
Can your designs also be made with ties?
Can you show how to attach ties to your designs instead of using elastic cording?
THANK YOU!
Pls kindly post a step by step direction on how to make our own pattern for the 3piece face mask pls. Need to make a face mask for my toddler asap and I love this one. Thank you
Is it possible to post a step by step direction on how to make our own face mask pattern cos I don’t seem to be getting the download right. Thank you
Hi Oui, Yes the medium and and the large looks small. Don’t forget, once it is made it opens up. I am not a small lady, but I find the medium is fine on me. You are suppose to not scale it when printing. Measure the scale in the corner to see if you have printed it properly. Let me know if you have problems. x
Hi Shannie I’ve tried printing the pattern an it looks a little small am I supposed to change the print scale. Thank you
Aww thank you Jeanie. xx
Hi Aris, are you asking if I sell my masks? At the moment, even if I decide to make and sell them, I can’t post out of the country. The post has been suspended. So, at the moment I can’t promise anything. Could you not get someone to make it for you? Everyone, even my mother in law wants that mask! Lol.
Hi Shannie,
I love your 3-piece style facemask. Is there any way to purchase your art? Thanks!
Thanks for the patterns! I thought you’d be interested to know that I’ve sent links of your pages to a friend in Iraq! And I live in Hawaii… So you’re making a difference all over the world!
Aloha! 🌺 Jeanie
Thank you, Maria.The 3 Piece is my favourite. You shouldn’t have too much trouble. It is quite simple. Just make sure your stitching is neat. Best of luck. x
Love your site, and the music and you voice are so clear and calming, lots of information. Thank you
Am trying to print the 3 Piece Face Mask Pattern, wish me luck, am not a great sewer, just do simple crafty projects.
Stay Safe
Hi Azeem, I only provide patterns for you to make your own face masks. I am NOT qualified enough to advise you on which fabrics to use. I can only pass on what the heath minister in my country advised us to use. Which was to use breathable but waterproof fabric on the outside, filter fabric in the middle, then absorbent next to the mouth. The same applies to the 3 ply surgical face masks bought in the stores. Even if I can advise you, the fabrics used for making masks are not easily obtainable by the general public. Don’t forget, masks were used before COVID-19 was around. They are used by people recovering from chemotherapy, for dust, allergies, colds, or generally hiding from unwanted attention. As for the double jersey question, I don’t think any jersey is good. The fabric stretches and when it does, gaps appear in the fabric. I hope you do your research thoroughly before making any masks. Join a mask making facebook group. There are a few out there that could answer your question. Stay Safe.
Hi Bruce, sorry you couldn’t hear me. I do my voice overs around 3-4am so trying to not wake the baby and family up. To be honest, I rather not do any voice overs since it adds 4 days on top of editing time. I will try and speak up if I do continue doing voice overs. Recently on the last 2 tutorials I have turned the music down quite a lot when I talk. I don’t think Youtube has a setting to switch off the music. Have you tried turning on the subtitles? Will definitely take your advice on. Thanks for the feed back.
Hi I want some information regarding fabric. Which fabric is best to halt the microbes like bacteria and viruses. So tell me the that either double layer Jersey fabric is more efficient or non woven 3 layer fabric.?
The 3-piece mask video is very helpful…but…for a someone (me), who has some hearing difficulty, the background “music” makes it impossible to understand the soft-spoken instructional commentary. It would be nice if the background “music” could be turned off, or was much more muted.
Hi Claire, thank you for your kind words. You are definitely a lady with good taste. Lol. A lot of people only want quick masks. They don’t understand not everything quick looks good. You take care. x
Dear Shannie,
Your designs are most unique & elegant, but practical. Great attention to little details that add a flair. Proof that there’s no need to sacrifice style, just because there’s a global pandemic.
Thank you for posting these for free!
<3 Stay safe!
Hi Dawn, you could, but make little loops instead of sewing the ties directly onto the mask. So it can be adjusted. What I mean by this is…..sew 4 little loops where the elastic is suppose to pop out. Use a long piece of string/tie and thread through the 2 top loops, then through the 2 bottom loops. So when you pull it you only need to tie once at the back of the head. Hope you can picture this. x
Amazing resource! Thanks so much!
Could one use ties instead of elastic in this 3 piece mask? I have ribbon and shoe strings…no elastic. Thanks.
Thank you very much!
Thank you Beverley. I am glad I could put my skills to good use at this time. I really feel for the effected families right now. Stay safe and keep sewing! xx
Shannie, thank you for these patterns. My daughter, Coralie, is an essential worker in a govt call centre. They don,t have any masks, handsanitizer or gloves. She is one of 7 team leaders, however, l understand that 4 of them are in lockdown,and one is returning from having had a cold. This morning 7am she was on the floor with approx 50 staff. Hopefully, someone will be in by 9am. Each of the staff’s families are in lockdown and are allowed to be in touch with one other ‘bubble’s (as we call them in NZ), so that means there are a starting point of 100 bubbles involved. Now you can see why l am very pleased to be able to access your various patterns. Thank you very much for making them free, not something l have struck elsewhere. Although l am a sewer this is the first time for this type of mask making. Thank you for the very good tutorials. Will definitely pass you web site on.
Thank you. Stay safe. x
Wonderful Tutorial! Thank you so much for your tips – you are a wizard. I will make a few of this design for my family nurses. Thank you! Jan K from USA
Thanks for the enlightenment! XX
Thank you for sharing…….US hospitals are beginning to be overwhelmed, and in critical need of masks….home sewers are thank you for your guidance and patterns!!
PS When you talk about Goretex, it’s technically a Waterproof-Breathable Fabric. There are gereric makers now. To tell difference between a Waterproof Breathable and a pvc, plastic etc coating (Cordura is one brand name): if you can blow your breath through the back side of the fabric, it’s WPB. Or heat a mug of tea or water, place WPB over the cup, you will see steam pass throng.Turn it over, vapor won’t penetrate from the front side..
Thanks Clara.x Please share your Blog address.
SoooooooLovely♡
I shared your posting in my blog.
Thanks♡☆♡
Hi Fiona, you will need something metal. Maybe those ties with a thin metal in. You get for tying party bags or cakes with. Something that moulds to the nose. Plastic may bounce back. Let me know how you get on. Shan x
Thank you for your site and ideas. I am going to try making the simple surgical mask, and am going to try using a piece of plastic from a juice bottle as the nose bar. I’ll see how that works.
Awww thanks.xx
You are a wonderful human. Thank you for the free pattern (-:
Awww thank you for your support. XX
Arh like your material and your work so nice to follow u