How to Make A Linen Face Mask

As countries around the world begin to come slowly out of lockdown, many of us are thinking about wearing face masks when travelling to work, visiting public spaces or doing the shopping. Whilst the medical masks are needed by health and social care workers, fabric masks are thought to help prevent us spreading the virus through coughs or sneezes to others. If you'd like to make your own washable, reusable mask, here's a simple guide explaining how to make a linen face mask.

We've chosen linen for its temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties as this will be more comfortable to wear. Linen is machine washable, so you can wash your mask at the end of each day, and it will dry quickly. 

Step-by-step guide for a DIY linen face mask:

Step 1 – Assemble your materials

You will need a piece of clean linen fabric, folded over; elastic; a cardboard template; thread to match your fabric (or in a bold, contrasting colour if you prefer)

Step 2 – Cut out your template

Use the measurements in the picture above to cut a template for the mask. Place this on your fabric and cut 3 pieces from your folded fabric, so you end up with 6 pieces

Step 3 – Overlock the curved edges of two pieces (or use a zig zag stitch) to prevent fraying

Step 4 – Attach the inner layer

Take these two overlocked pieces and place them right side together. Sew along the curved seam to attach them together, leaving a gap in the middle of the seam

Step 5 – Make the two outer layers by sewing the other four pieces together in pairs

Step 6 – Turn the three pieces right side out,  giving you three layers

Step 7 – Sew together the three outside layers along the long seams on the reverse side, with the two outside layers on top and the inner layer, with gap, on the bottom

This is how it will look:

Step 8 – Turn right side out and hem or overlock the side seams

Step 9 – Measure the elastic to fit around your ears and sew into a loop

Step 10 – Fold over the side seams on both sides of the mask and fix the straps inside each fold

 Ta da! You've finished making your mask! 

Please remember to follow your government's guidelines and observe social distancing, even while wearing your mask. Wash the mask daily (you might want to make two or three to circulate them) on at least a 50°C degree wash, and either air dry in the sunshine or tumble dry.

Take care of yourselves and your community. We are rooting for you.