This 3D face mask tutorial will help you speed through making a super comfortable fabric face mask in under 10 minutes.
Not only does this mask require minimal supplies, but it also has no center seam & no pleats! I imagine some of you are doing a little happy dance after reading that, am I right?
It’s hard to believe that in just a couple of months, so many of us will have been sewing fabric face masks for a whole year.
In March of 2020, we were trying to mimic the masks worn by healthcare professionals because it was the only thing we knew.
This meant people (myself among them) started by making a pleated mask with elastic over the ears.
After asking for feedback on those first masks, I heard from people that the elastic wasn’t always comfortable (this was before ear savers made their debut) and so I started making a mask with attached ties.
But attached ties didn’t allow for a lot of size and fit variation and the fabric ties didn’t always feel good on a person’s head.
There was also a matter of the pleats. Some people hated wearing pleated masks and even more people had a distaste for sewing them.
So, making a no seam, no pleat face mask with a channel that allowed someone the flexibility to use elastic or t-shirt ties became the next option.
3D Face Masks vs. Pleated Face Masks
Meanwhile, all throughout those months people kept mentioning a “3D fabric mask” (no special glasses necessary).
In fact, a friend of mine’s daughter was making them and liking them a lot, but I didn’t really investigate further because I was already knee deep in face mask patterns.
At that point, I needed to work with something I knew how to make without thinking too much so I didn’t switch it up.
Now, however, I am more focused on the next phase of mask making. For me this means cutting down steps wherever possible so that I can sew even faster than before.
For example, when making a pleated mask using the pre-fab ear elastics (linked below), I don’t worry about hiding the elastic edge in the side seam. I just sew the elastics on after forming the pleats. Since they are soft and pliable you don’t notice and don’t feel them on your face like you would the standard 1/4″ elastic.
I also figured it was finally time to try my hand (yes, I said it) at making a 3D face mask.
My biggest takeaways from the experience? For this fabric mask option you need minimal materials and tools, and you can easily make it in under 10 minutes once you get the hang of it.
So this tutorial walks you through what I found to be the easiest way to approach this fabric mask. I hope you find it useful.
Materials For A 3D Fabric Face Mask
Although I always include an explanation of the materials you need in my video tutorials, I also feel it’s helpful to get a jump start here in the post.
In my haste, however, it appears I decided it was time for a little eye test for all of us. That white arrow is to help your eyes see the adjustable ear elastics.
The materials you need for this 3D fabric mask are:
– One 8.5″ x 9.5″ piece of patterned 100% cotton fabric
– One 8.5. x 9.5″ piece of solid 100% cotton fabric
– Two adjustable ear elastics
You also want to have some sewing clips, a ruler or straight edge, and a marking pencil or pen.
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Video Tutorial
Print-Friendly Tutorial
How To Make A 3D Face Mask In Under 10 Minutes
This 3D face mask pattern is another option to add to your fabric face mask options. You can easily make it in under 10 minutes so it's a great choice if you're in a rush.
This face mask design doesn't have a center seam or pleats and it has a nice overall fit. It is also reversible so you can have fun with constrasting fabrics.
This pattern doesn't include a nose wire, so glasses will still fog up - but one could be easily added if necessary.
Materials
- One 9.5" x 8.5" piece 100% cotton fabric (patterned)
- One 9.5" x 8.5" piece 100% cotton fabric (solid)
- Adjustable ear elastics
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Ruler
- Marking pencil
- Sewing clips
Instructions
GATHER MATERIALS & TOOLS
- One 9.5" x 8.5" piece of patterned 100% cotton fabric
- One 9.5" x 8..5" piece of solid 100% cotton fabric
- Two adjustable ear elastics
SHAPE & SEW THE 3D FABRIC MASK
- Place the fabric right sides together and clip to secure.
- Use a 1/4" seam allowance to sew around all four edges. Leave a 2" turning hole in the middle of a side edge.
- Turn the fabric rectangle right sides out.
- Firmly poke out each of the corners with your finger or your favorite tool.
- Finger press each seam's edge to help the fabric lay as flat as possible.
- Use a 1/8" seam allowance to top stitch around the entire rectangle.
- Place the fabric rectangle down with the long edge horizontal.
- Take the bottom edge and fold the fabric in half, lining up the bottom edge with the top edge.
- Finger press to create a visible crease.
- Open up the fabric.
- Take the bottom edge, fold it toward the center crease and clip to secure.
- Take the top edge, fold it toward the center crease and clip to secure.
- Finger press to crease both folded edges.
- Fold the fabric lengthwise, lining up the two clipped edges and finger press to crease. This helps find the center point easily.
- Take your marking pencil and make a mark at the creased center point at the top and bottom of the fabric rectangle.
- Use your ruler to make a straight line going DOWN from the top edge center point you marked to each corner point.
- For the bottom edge, use the ruler to mark a straight line going UP from the center point to each corner. The lines should look like a diamond shape.
- Use the marked lines as your guidelines for sewing and sew the fabric together.
- You should now have a 3D fabric mask shape that just needs ear elastics.
ADD ADJUSTABLE EAR ELASTICS
- Take both ear elastics and give them a quick tug to loosen them up.
- Take the edge of one elastic and place about 1/2" of it into the top hole of one edge then clip to secure.
- Take the remaining edge of the elastic and place about 1/2" into the bottom hole on the same side then clip to secure.
- Repeat the proces with the second elastic on the other side of the mask.
- Use a 1/4" seam allowance to secure the elastics and finish each side of the mask.
- Wear and enjoy!
Notes
- Placing the turning hole in the middle of a side edge makes it easier to create crisp corners.
- Top stitching the mask helps with the mask's overall fit and adds a nice finishing touch.
- This mask is reversible! Just turn the fabric 'inside out' and push the edges out and the mask will even hold its shape.
- The sizing on this mask is for teens and adults but it can be easiliy adjusted by adding or taking 1/2" off the top and side of the rectangle.
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