The Governor of my State announced that we should all cover our faces in public. So I’ve been sewing face masks for my friends and family.

This is a rectangular pleated face mask with fabric ties and a narrow pocket over the nose. You can insert a pipe cleaner in this pocket for a closer fit. Here is my method:

Supplies: 2 rectangles of fabric 8.5″ high and 9″ wide; Quilting cotton is good or other tightly woven fabrics

4 – 12″ bias strips (or ribbon, twill tape etc.)

1. Lay one piece of fabric Right Side up. Pin the ties to the sides. For the top ties, measure down 1″.

For the bottom ties, measure up 3/4″ from the bottom. Keep the ties bundled in the middle of the fabric.

2. Lay the other piece of fabric on top, Right Side down. Pin along the sides and bottom. Do not pin the top. Push any stray ties back toward the center.

3. Sew along the sides and the bottom of the fabric using a 1/2″ Seam Allowance. Do not sew the top. Be careful not to catch any stray ties when you sew! Clip the two corners and turn Right Side out.

4. Press along the edges with a hot iron.

5. Fold the top down 1/4″ and press. Fold again at 1/2″. Press and pin in place. Top stitch along the bottom edge.

6. The next part is making three 1/2″ pleats. You can draw them out, but I’ve been doing it by feel.

Lay the mask Right Side up, with the top facing you. Measure down 2″ and pinch about 1/2″ on each side. Fold forward (away from you) and pin along the edges.

Measure 1/2″ and fold again. Make two more pleats.

7. Top stitch close to the edge along the sides and bottom. Stop sewing when you reach the top stitching along the top and you will have a little pocket to insert a pipe cleaner if you have one.

That’s it! I wash them after making a batch and put them in ziploc bags for delivery. They can be boiled or bleached (although they won’t look pretty), and sent through the washer/dryer.

I hope this was helpful. Stay safe! <3