How To Make DIY Face Mask Without Elastic . Washable & Reusable Fabric Dust Mask

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I created this new printable DIY Face Mask without elastic tutorial for all of you who want to make dozens and dozens of face masks for their friends and family. I wanted to create a design that takes less time to put together, is even more comfortable to wear, and requires zero elastic.

This printable sewing pattern is for you.

It all started with a trip to the fabric store to get more cotton and elastic for more face masks. I left in shock. Not only was there zero elastic available, but there was also no parachute cord, bias binding, and even soft ribbons were running low. Everybody was making fabric face masks now that the CDC recommends everybody wear them in public.

While this really is such a great problem to have, there also needed to be a solution. So many creative people are coming together to create masks for everybody, but it also created a problem.

How would we all create masks without elastic? Without bias tape? And how can we make the process faster and more efficient?

And that my friends is how this simple DIY face mask without elastic pattern was born.

In my cotton DIY Face Mask tutorial, I covered several alternatives to elastic when stores run low, but I believe this new face mask template is even better for beginner sewists or hand-sewists. Not only is it quicker and simpler to put together, but it also requires zero elastic and minimal supplies.

See my printable cotton face mask tutorial HERE. It includes a HEPA filter, pockets, and nose wire.

In a pinch, you could even make this DIY face mask from an old t-shirt. After all, any face mask is better than no face mask.

The stretch design of this homemade face mask makes it extra comfortable to wear and doesn’t require elastics, hair bands, bias tape, or any extra supplies at all. Plus, the design is reversible for the fashion-conscious. Win win!

I prefer making this DIY face mask from neoprene fabric for its durability, breathability, and thick nature. You can still get neoprene fabric on Amazon HERE and just 1 yard makes dozens of masks. I’m stocking up before it sells out too.

What is Neoprene?

Neoprene (often mistaken for scuba fabric) is a double-knit fabric that feels soft and luxurious and stable at the same time. It offers the most incredible support to structured pieces and is surprisingly easy to sew since it doesn’t require interfacing or linings like more lightweight cotton fabrics. It consists of two layers of knit sandwiched between a thicker layer of waffle-weave fabric, making it technically 3 layers of fabric in one.

DIY Face Mask Without Elastic Supplies:

How To Make A Homemade Face Mask Video Tutorial

How To Make A Neoprene DIY Face Mask Without Elastic

The first step in creating this simple face mask is to print out the one-page template from ModernSewingPatterns.com.

Cut the template out in the size you like. Make sure to cut the ear hole out as well.

Tip: If you plan on making several neoprene face masks at a time, print your template out on cardstock paper so it lasts longer. You may also want to avoid using sewing pins when cutting your pattern so it stays crisp longer.

If you aren’t sure which size face mask will fit best, you can hold the sewing pattern up to your face to get an idea of which size works best for you but in general:

Small: Fits kids size 5-11
Medium: Fits teens and most adults
Large: Fits large adults

Next, you’re going to need to cut your template out of fabric. I like to use a Rotary Cutter if you have one on hand since it makes crisp, clean cuts on raw edges of fabric. You’ll need to cut out two pieces of this template.

If your Rotary Cutter is too wide to easily cut the ear hole out, just use standard scissors. I found that separating the pattern pieces and cutting out each ear hole individually made it easier since the paper and fabric liked to slide around.

Now that your face mask pieces are cut, it’s time to sew it together. There is a 1/4″ seam allowance across the center-front curve that we’ll be using to finish your mask. You can either sew it together with a standard sewing machine, a serger, a hand-sewing needle, or even use a Permanent Fabric Adhesive.

For this tutorial, I’ll be using a serger and then top-stitching the seam allowance to give this 5-minute mask a professional finish.

Serge/ sew the front, center curve at 1/4″ seam allowance.

Once the two pieces of fabric are attached, you can either stop here and your mask is ready to wear, or you can topstitch your seam allowance to make your mask reversible.

To topstitch a seam allowance, simply press your seam allowance to one side and then use a straight stitch on a standard sewing machine to sew it in place. This will keep your seam allowance flush with the body of your mask and give it a finished look from both sides. It will also make your face mask more comfortable to wear overall.

To wear your facemask, you are just going to slip your ears through the holes on either side and adjust. You’ll know your face mask is upside down if it rises up too close to your eyes. The printable sewing pattern is made to slightly wrap under your chin to hold it in place while being comfortable, breathable, and without pulling on your ears.

I hope you loved this tutorial! You can download and print the sewing pattern HERE to get started making your own.

Not crafty? You can also purchase these handmade face masks from my little Etsy shop HERE. I’ll be donating one mask to somebody else who needs one for every pre-made mask purchase as well.

Stay safe my friends and I hope you loved this tutorial!