This style of face mask is based on one of the more popular and basic surgical style face masks on the market. The Surgical 3 Pleats Face Mask using 3 layers of different fabric. This pattern will allow you to pick and choose your 3 layers of fabric so you can customise it to your liking. The Simple Surgical Style 3 Pleats Face Mask forces you to use the same fabric for the front and back. If you are on a budget and only have small pieces of fabric, then this is a great pattern to use.
It is easy to make and sew because it is made of straight lines. It has 3 pleats to allow the design to expand and wrap around the face. Because it is only pleated 3 times, this will save you money especially if you want to get maximum face masks from a single piece of fabric. If you notice, the pleats all fold in a downwards direction. This allows any dust particles from falling and get trapped in the folds of the mask. I have tried to keep it quite basic without compromising on the design. This is the only face mask design that may have gaps on the sides depending on the size and shape of your face. You also have the option to insert a nose bar to help the fabric mould over the nose bridge for better coverage on top. Do note, the face mask sits directly on your lips. This may obstruct your speech.
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.
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.
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 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.
SHORT TUTORIAL
This is the Cut Down Version of the 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 than just a tutorial on making, please watch the extended version where I will be explaining and talk through pattern placement and construction. There will be extra scenes, tips and advice.
The next pattern is already out!
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 Daisy, this mask is already 3 layers. You can add as many layers as you want, but it may become bulky to sew. You can find me on facebook: ShannieMakes and direct message me if you need to ask me anymore questions. It’s much quicker.
Is there a way to add a third layer to the 2 layer version of this mask?
Hi Jessica, Hahahhaaa you are not the first to ask me that question! They are anti static tweezers. Usually used for building computers, etc. Stolen from the hub! I’ll add a link on the right of the post. Shan
Where did you get the tweezers you use? The long ones that you use in the 3 pleat face mask video for helping the fabric under the sewing foot. They are great!
I can source nose bars locally in Hong Kong. Sorry post has suspended otherwise I would help out. Stay Safe. x
Hey I was wondering where did you get the Bose bars?
Hi Barbara, it’s called a rouleau loop turner. Try Amazon.com. You can get this from most sewing stores. x
l would like to know again what you called the tool that you used to pull the elastic through with and where could I purchase one? Thank you Barbara
It will work like waterproof fabric. It will make you hot. It needs to be breathable. An absorbing filter is the only way unfortunately. You could give it a go and use it if it makes you feel safe. Take care x
I was wondering if inserting a layer of clear vinyl either in the inside of the layers or on the outside of the mask would help protect from airborne particles better or would it be hard to breath with the vinyl inserted?
Absolutely. With every solution arises another problem. Most of my patterns can be adapted to use ties if people want. My samples were intended as gifts to my family, friends and neighbours. Unfortunately they all want ear loops. I rather them have ties so I don’t need to buy elastic. If I was to make for hospitals and medical personnel, I would definitely adopt what they require and a faster method of making. All the best and stay safe. x
Elastic stretches quickly and so will shorten the life of the mask. Masks that loop over the ears are uncomfortable when worn for many hours. Masks that tie are much more comfortable to wear and can be adjusted to fit. They can also be tied “around the ears” if you want.
(I was an RN working in the Operating Room before disposable masks were available. The fabric masks we wore were made from several layers of thin cotton.
I believe that the disposable masks available now were made with loops over the ears so they can be packaged more easily. They cannot be washed so it doesn’t matter that the elastic doesn’t last as long as the mask)