How to Sew a Face Mask with Bias Tape

Wondering How to Sew a Face Mask with Bias Tape? If you are out of elastic but have plenty of bias tape on hand (hello quilters!) here is how to sew a face mask with bias tape.

Note: Please check the CDC Website for the most current Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings. You can also find their basic instructions for a single layer CDC recommended elastic mask here.

This project has not been tested and while I have made every effort to follow the guidelines provided, this mask is not proven to effectively protect against transmission of germs. Please continue to practice social distancing and stay home whenever possible.

It has been amazing to see veteran sewists and beginners alike, come together (virtually) to sew face masks for their communities. There are so many great tutorials out there right now but since people are using what they have on hand, I thought it might be useful to see the easy way that I made some masks with bias tape.

Supplies:

2 9″x8″ pieces of high quality cotton fabric. The higher thread count the better. This mask fits an adult male (or female with a big head sigh.) For adult females, try 8″x8.”

1 length of wire. I used 6″ of floral wire but you could improvise with a lightweight paperclip, a twist tie or jewelry wire.

2 – 48″ lengths bias tape (learn more about bias tape here)

plus: scissors, pins, a ruler, and, a needle and thread or sewing machine.

Instructions:

Step 1. Cut two pieces of cotton fabric, 9″x8″ and lay them with right sides facing.

2. Sew the two pieces of fabric together along the left 8″ side.

3. Sew the two pieces of fabric together along the right 8″ side OR (optional) If you would like a pocket to add an extra filter later, continue to step 2. if not skip to step 6.

Step 4: reinforce the right side of both pieces of fabric by sewing along edge with zig-zag stitch, or cut edge with pinking shears.

5. Lay flat with right sides facing and along right edge, sew top 3″ and bottom 3″, leaving 2″ opening at the center. Remember to back stitch where you start and stop sewing, to reinforce the stitching.

6. Turn tube of fabric right side out and iron or press flat with your finger irons (wink.)

7. If you created the optional opening, you will have a small pocket on one side.

8. Create two 3/4″ pleats on either side and pin. The finished piece should be 4-5″ in height.

9. Sew along both sides, leaving pocket open, if you have one. Since this one was just for me own use, I sewed straight up both sides.

10. Open Bias tape and fold end in 1/4″ and reclose. Sew along edge to secure with a few back and forth stitches. Repeat on both ends of both lengths of bias tape.

11. Open open piece of bias tape and line up the edge with the top edge of your mask, centered. There is only a top if your fabric is directional.

12. Sew along the crease of the bias tape through the tape and both layers of fabric.

13. Turn a loop at the ends of the wire so that the points don’t pierce the fabric.

14. Tuck the wire inside the bias tape and close.

15. Start at the very end of the bias tape and sew along the long edge, sewing the strip closed. When you get to the mask, continue sewing the bias tape down along the folded edge, enclosing the wire inside. Continue sewing to the other end of the tape.

16. Repeat steps 11-15 on the bottom edge but without the wire.

Your mask is finished! Bend the wire to fit your nose. If your mask is loose that the sides, sew an additional pleat so that it fits snugly at the sides.      

This mask ties behind your head and and behind your neck. It’s really comfortable to wear. While it can be worn on both sides, be sure to wash your mask before reversing it or rewearing it.

by Jacinda