Simple Ear Guard for Face Masks

If you’re wearing a face mask using elastic hoops, this simple ear guard will alleviate the pressure they put on your ears by allowing you to hoop them behind your head instead. Two buttons and a few pieces of scrap fabric and batting is all you need to make one! The best part is, they’re incredibly fast to stitch together and can save you a lot of pain, especially if you’re wearing your mask for several hours. Don’t forget to check out our accompanying face mask tutorial to make your own: https://www.wonderfil.ca/blog/easy-diy-face-mask-with-filter-pocket-amp-fitted-nose-crimp/4/8/2020

Materials:

Download the super simple pattern by clicking here.

We used Designer 40wt all-purpose polyester thread to sew our ear guards for added security

We recommend DecoBob 80wt cottonized polyester in pre-wound bobbins as this strong thread offers the most consistent tension for ease of sewing.

2 pieces of fabric cut to the size indicated in the pattern

1 piece of batting cut to the size indicated in the pattern

2 medium sized buttons

Direction:

Before starting, don’t forget to download the pattern linked at the top of our materials list and choose the size you wish to sew. We’re demonstrating using the child size in the pattern. Cut out your 2 pieces of fabric and the batting. These pieces are small enough that we were able to cut them from our scraps!

Place your batting piece together with one of the fabric pieces against the wrong side. Pin together and sew all the way around on a ¼” (0.63cm) seam allowance.

We added two rows of quilting through the middle to further secure the pieces together. This batting adds an extra layer of cushion against your head so that it sits more comfortably.

Lay this stitched piece together with the second piece of unstitched fabric facing right sides together. Pin in place and sew on a ¼” (0.63cm) seam allowance, leaving a 2” (5.1cm) gap to turn the piece through. Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end.

Trim the extra fabric away from the edges, being very careful not to cut into your stitches. Then turn the piece right sides out.

We handstitched the remaining gap closed using DecoBob 80wt thread, the same thread we used in the bobbin while sewing in the machine. This small thread will hide better in the fabric so it won’t be seen. We used a smaller short darner size 11 needle to sew it.

For the final step, we’ll be sewing the two buttons on by hand. Using Designer 40wt thread now and a sharps needle, simply stitch each button to the end of the rectangle.

Your ear guard is now ready to be used! This simple and quick project will help alleviate the pressure face mask elastics put on your ears for a more comfortable wear.

DIY Face Mask By Hand With Filter Pocket & Fitted Nose Crimp

Don’t have a sewing machine at home? No problem, you can still make your own face masks by sewing them by hand using our pattern that includes an optional nose crimp (for a better fit to your face) and filter pocket. The best part is, it can all be completed with items you likely have around your house already! If you’d like to check out our alternative tutorial on sewing this face mask using a sewing machine, click here.

Download the written instructions and pattern PDF here: https://bit.ly/2UTT1fN 

Materials needed:

• Top fabric in 100% cotton -
For Adult: 9” x 8” (22.9cm x 20.3cm)
For Kids: 8.5” x 8” (21.6cm x 20.3cm)
• Lining fabric in 100% cotton -
For Adult: 7” x 7.5” (17.8cm x 19cm)
For Kids: 6.5” x 7.5” (16.5cm x 19cm)
• (option 1) Elastic cord - Note that we found the round elastic more comfortable to wear over a longer period of time, but a flat elastic cord will still function if that’s what you have.
• (option 2) If you do not have any elastic cord at home, you can sew your own ties by cutting 2 of 12” x 1” strips of fabric, folding it in half twice lengthwise, and sewing down the center to secure them.
• Sewing thread - We used Designer™ 40wt polyester for the top thread as it is strong and flexible, and DecoBob™ 80wt cottonized polyester in the bobbin. Cotton sewing thread will also work just fine.
• (optional) Aluminum can or paper clip for the nose crimp

* Note that 100% cotton is recommended to sew your masks from as it offers both breathability while still doing an okay job filtering particles.

Filter:
• Cut to 6.5“ x 2.5” (16.5cm x 6.4cm). If you have access to a non-woven polypropylene fabric (used in the manufacturing of face masks), this would make the best filter to place in this pattern’s filter pocket and would be disposed of after use. However if you do not, you can use another piece of 100% cotton fabric as we did in this video. You can either dispose of it after use or wash it as described below.

Washing your face mask:
• It is recommended that your reusable face mask is washed in your home washing machine with the water settings on hot using regular washing detergent. It should then be completely dried in the dryer on high heat. Wash your face mask after each use.

Direction:

We’ve got two sizes for both adults and kids so you can make masks to help keep your whole family safe! Begin by cutting out your front and lining fabric pieces according to the size you need from the PDF pattern downloadable at the top. Demonstrated below is the adult size.

Press the hem up on both the main and lining pieces by ½” (1.3cm) along one of the long sides.

Then stitch across the hems on the main and lining pieces using a backstitch to secure them.

Place your lining and main fabrics right sides together, centered on the long edge opposite the hems. Pin together, then backstitch along this edge to secure them.

Flip the fabric pieces over so they are now facing the wrong sides together and press the seam so it lays flat.

If you wish you add a nose crimp for a better fit, you can cut a 4” x 0.5” (10cm x 1.3cm) strip out of an aluminum can, or use a cut piece of paper clip of pipe cleaner. Watch our video located above beginning at 1:50 to see how to safely cut open an aluminum can.

Place the nose crimp between the main and lining fabric, centered along the connecting seam. Then fold the fabric back over and pin around the strip to create a small pocket for it. You can use the placement of these pins to act as a guide for where you should backstitch around the nose crimp strip.

Once your nose crimp is secured in place, fold ½” (1.3cm) from the bottom of the main fabric and press it in place.

Flip your mask over to the right side and create 3 pleats by folding down from the top. Press the pleats into place.

Pin your pleats into place along the backside. You can now begin backstitching it all down on each end.

The bottom of your mask will have an opening for the filter to be placed!

Fold one of the ends over by ½” (1.3cm) and press. Then fold it over one more time and press it again to hide the raw edges. Pin it to hold it in place and then do the same on the other side.

Using a whip stitch, sew the inside edge to the lining to create a pocket for the elastic/strap to run through. Be careful not to sew through to the other side of the fabric.

Finally, take your elastics or sewn straps and attach a safety pin to the end to help feed it through the pockets you sewed on each end. If you used elastics, you can tie them in a knot and hide the knot inside the pocket. Sewn straps can be tied behind your head as you don the mask.

Simply place a filter in the pocket and your face mask is ready to be worn! Don’t forget to press the nose crimp around the contours of your nose for a better, tighter fit.

Easy DIY Face Mask With Filter Pocket & Fitted Nose Crimp

To keep both you and your loved ones safe, we've created a face mask pattern and video tutorial with an optional nose crimp and filter pocket. And it can all be completed with items you probably have around the house already! Check out our easy DIY face mask tutorial from the link in our bio. Stay safe, everyone!

Download the written instructions and pattern here: https://bit.ly/2UUTIWl

Materials needed:

• 9” x 8” (22.9cm x 20.3cm) top fabric in 100% cotton
• 7” x 7.5” (17.8cm x 19cm) lining fabric in 100% cotton
• (option 1) Elastic cord - Note that we found the round elastic more comfortable to wear over a longer period of time, but a flat elastic cord will still function if that’s what you have.
• (option 2) If you do not have any elastic cord at home, you can sew your own ties by cutting 2 of 12” x 1” strips of fabric, folding it in half twice lengthwise, and sewing down the center to secure them.
• Sewing thread - We used Designer™ 40wt polyester for the top thread as it is strong and flexible, and DecoBob™ 80wt cottonized polyester in the bobbin. Cotton sewing thread will also work just fine.
• (optional) Aluminum can or paper clip for the nose crimp

* Note that 100% cotton is recommended to sew your masks from as it offers both breathability while still doing an okay job filtering particles.

Filter:

• Cut to 6.5“ x 2.5” (16.5cm x 6.4cm). If you have access to a non-woven polypropylene fabric (used in the manufacturing of face masks), this would make the best filter to place in this pattern’s filter pocket and would be disposed of after use. However if you do not, you can use another piece of 100% cotton fabric as we did in this video. You can either dispose of it after use or wash it as described below.

Washing your face mask:

• It is recommended that your reusable face mask is washed in your home washing machine with the water settings on hot using regular washing detergent. It should then be completely dried in the dryer on high heat. Wash your face mask after each use.

Direction:

Cut out the main and lining fabric as per the sizes listed. On the long side of each piece of fabric, press the hem up by ½” (or 1.3cm).

Using a ¼” (or 0.65cm) seam allowance, sew across the hems on both pieces of fabric.

The right side of your fabric will look like this:

Place the lining fabric on the top fabric right sides together with the lining piece centered in the middle of the long side and the raw edges together. Pin them in place against the raw edge.

Sew along the raw edge with a ¼” (0.65cm) seam allowance.

Flip the pieces around so they’re now facing the wrong sides together and give it a press so it lays flat.

Next we’ll be adding a nose crimp so that the face mask fits around the contours of the nose better. This will result in a snugger and more comfortable fit. We will be making our nose crimp from an aluminum can, however you can also use a piece of cut paper clip as well. If you would prefer not to include a nose crimp in your mask, you can skip this step.

To safely cut open an aluminum can, punch a hole using an exacto knife on each end of the can. Take a pair of sharp and sturdy scissors (not your fabric scissors!) and cut away the top and bottom of the can.

Cut straight up through the center to open the can up and trim away the sharp, jagged edges on each end. You’ll now have a flat piece of aluminum to cut your nose crimp from. Using an exacto knife, cut a ½” (1.3cm) strip from aluminum and trim it down to a length of 4” (10cm). Because the corners will still be sharp, we recommend buffing them out with a sheet of extra fine sandpaper so that it doesn’t tear into the fabric. A nail file will also work in a pinch.

Place the aluminum strip between the top and lining fabric, snug against the seam where they are sewn together. Keep it centered and use pins on either side and under it to hold it in place, while also giving yourself a visual on where you should sew to create a pocket around it.

Next, fold ½” (1.3cm) from the fabric on the opposite edge from the nose strip pocket and press it into place.

Flip the fabric over to the right side and fold 3 pleats all the way down the fabric. Press them into place.

Pin the pleats into place on the wrong side and sew on a ¼” (0.64cm) seam allowance from the edge of the lining fabric.

The opening at the bottom can fit a 6.5“ x 2.5” (16.5cm x 6.4cm) size filter sheet!

To create a pocket for the ear elastics (or straps if you’re sewing your own), fold the raw edges on each side over by ½” (1.3cm), then again a second time, pressing after each fold.

Sew as close as you can to the inner edge to create a hole for your elastics/straps.

Your face mask is almost complete! It will look much like this:

The last step is to put the elastic or straps through the holes. For elastics, cut two 12” (30.5cm) long lengths. If you are sewing your own straps, cut two 12” x 1” (30.5cm x 2.5cm) pieces of fabric. Fold them in half lengthwise twice and sew once down the center to secure them.

Elastics

Fabric Straps

Using a safety pin pinned to the elastic/strap, run it through the pocket to the other side. If you are using an elastic, knot both ends and hide the knot inside the pocket. If you are using straps, they can be secured behind your head when you are ready to wear it.

To fit the mask to your face, put it on and press around the aluminum strip to mould it around the shape of your nose. Please follow the washing instructions listed at the top to ensure your reusable face mask stays sanitary!