Hopefully you won’t be in a situation where you need a face mask for your child, but it’s good to be prepared if that happens. Since there is currently a shortage of face masks and elastic, I’m going to show you how to sew a face mask for kids using ponytail holders. I shared a tutorial for how to make a face mask without elastic for adults, and the kids version is very similar.
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How to sew a face mask for kids?
How To Sew A Face Mask For Kids Using Ponytail Holders
Like I discussed in my post on how to sew a face mask without elastic for adults, there are a lot of conflicting articles about who should be wearing face masks. I know that some hospitals are accepting the handmade kind and not only do they need sizes for adults, but they need ones for kids too. I couldn’t find a single article or tutorial on how to make a mask for kids, so that is why I’m sharing this one. If you prefer to add a filter pocket, you can use my tutorial on How To Sew A Mask With A Filter Pocket and just change the measurements for kids.
If your child needs to wear a face mask or you just want to donate some to a hospital, this tutorial is for you! Since there is currently a shortage on elastic, I’m going to show you how to use ponytail holders instead. You could also use elastic headbands and cut them down. Even if you have little sewing experience, you can make one of these face masks. They are so easy. Even if you make your own masks, it is still tricky to get them to fit perfectly. I have a post on 5 Hacks To Help Your Mask Fit Properly for some easy quick fixes!
Ingredients Needed For How To Sew A Face Mask For Kids
Here’s what you will need:
- Fabric – 2 rectangles per mask (measurements listed below)
- Elastic Headbands or Ponytail Holders
- Sewing Pins
- Rotary Cutter or Scissors
- Thread
- Ruler
- PDF Printable of Pattern
1. Cut 2 rectangles the size that you need for your mask
The PDF has all of these measurements, but for a small/medium mask, cut your rectangle to be approximately 6X8, for medium mask (age 5-8). For an older child, make your rectangle about a 1/2 inch larger.
2. Cut the elastic headband into two pieces to the length that you need.
For a small/medium mask, the elastic needs to be about 5 inches. For a larger mask, make it about 5.5-6 inches.
3. Put the fabric, right sides together. Sandwich the ponytail holders along the shorter edges.
Don’t put the elastic all the way to the corner, this makes it more difficult to sew later. Make it reach about 1/2 inch from the corner and pin. Bring the other side of the elastic up to the opposite corner and pin. So your elastic should be sandwiched in between the two pieces of fabric. Repeat this step on the other side.
4. Pin the rest of the fabric together.
5. Sew around the rectangle, leaving a 2 inch opening along one of the long sides.
You can make your seam as big or small as you want. I made mine about 1/2 inch. Go over the elastic a few times with the sewing machine to ensure that the seam is strong enough to hold it.
6. Turn the mask right side out.
Use a pencil or pointed object to poke out the corners.
8. Make 2 pleats along the shorter ends of the mask.
This doesn’t have to be exact, but you want to fold of the fabric and pin to create 2 pleats.
9. Now, make two very small pleats along the top and bottom of the mask
By creating the pleats along the top and bottom, it will allow the mask to fit more snugly around your nose and chin.
10. Topstitch 2 times around the sides of the mask.
You will want to topstitch at least 2 times to make sure the seams are strong.
11. Cut off any remaining threads.
For More Face Mask Tutorials, Check Out These Posts:
How To Sew A Face Mask Without Elastic Or Ties
How To Sew A Mask With A Filter Pocket When You Can’t Find Elastic
5 Hacks To Prevent Your Face Mask From Hurting Your Ears
