sewing tutorials Archives - girl. Inspired.

Ear-Saving Button Band for Surgical Face Masks

April 11, 2020 by girlinspired 14 Comments

Over the past few weeks, seamstresses have been sewing like mad to provide field workers and also their neighbors with fabric face masks. This week, professionals are begging for altered headbands and gadgets to help save their ears from the discomfort and pain of wearing ear loop face masks for their 12-hour shifts. I sat down to start making headbands and found myself wondering where to place buttons to account for different head shapes. Then I realized that we can make an ear-saving button band for surgical face masks by using a short strip of elastic that can stretch around the back of the head or neck. These take literally seconds to make and they are super comfy for men and women to wear. Scroll down for the video and to see how fast you can sew a button on with the proper sewing machine foot!!

white elastic with pink button across the back of woman's head

Let’s Make Ear-Saving Button Bands for Surgical Face Masks

These button bands are so easy to make. The only supplies needed are 3/4″ or wider elastic (wider than the elastic needed for sewing face masks, so you should be able to find this more easily) and 1/2″ buttons! A button foot for your sewing machine comes in SUPER handy. No elastic? No sewing machine? No problem – read on for how you can make these bands for ear loop face masks without elastic or a sewing machine!

Time needed: 1 minutes.

How to Make Ear-Saving Button Bands for Surgical Face Masks

Cut elastic.
Cut your elastic strips. You need one strip for each band. I liked 9″ strips of elastic for a band that can go up around the crown of the head. If you’d like to make straps that rest around the back of the neck, I would suggest 7″ strips.
Turn ends under.
Turn each end under approximately 1″ – just enough to double up the layer under your button.
Sew button on.
Now you sew on the buttons! For ultimate speediness, use a snap-on button foot like this one (aff). You will never sew another button by hand after you meet this baby. I have a lesson on how to use the foot here. Basically, you need to put the feed dogs down and set your machine on a zig zag stitch, adjusting the width of the zig zag to make sure your needle goes through the holes of the button and doesn’t hit the actual button. Don’t have a sewing machine? No problem! All you need is a needle and thread for this project (and a couple minutes instead of seconds.)
Finished!
Repeat until Granny’s button jar is empty and give them to every healthcare worker you know! Good job.

It really couldn’t be simpler. If you don’t have elastic, cut up some knit – the edges don’t fray, but you can fold it over for just a bit more of a base. Easy peasy! I cut up some old Lularoe leggings and made a fabric ear-saving button band for surgical face masks. They’re super soft!

various pieces of elastic and stretchy fabric with buttons attached to the ends

Face Mask Sewing Resources

Still working on sewing fabric face masks? Find the right pattern and supplies in these posts.

Face Mask Pattern Options and Supplies

No Sew Cloth Face Mask from a T-shirt

Fast and Easy Serger Face Mask

How to Make a Homemade Face Mask without Elastic and with Filter Pocket

various pieces of elastic and stretchy fabric with buttons attached to the ends and ear-saving button band for surgical face mask being worn with text overlay

Face Mask Pattern Options and Supplies

April 9, 2020 by girlinspired 3 Comments

I’m hoping to get all the resources for face mask pattern options and supplies into one central spot. I will be keeping this page updated with fresh supply links, any new patterns that catch my attention, and the latest buzz regarding face mask sewing from our sewing community. How many people are sewing face masks for themselves, their family members, friends, and local organizations?

variety of fabric face masks, bias tape, elastic, P2.5 filters, cutting mat, and rotary blade used as fabric mask supplies

The sewing community’s response to our country’s very unfortunate lack of PPE warms my heart. I’m so proud to be a member of the sewing community, now more than ever. If you’re looking for the pros and cons of different types of home sewn face masks, need to know where to find available supplies like elastic and mask filters, or have questions about caring for your face masks, this page should be a good source of information.

variety of fabric face masks, bias tape, elastic, P2.5 filters, cutting mat, and rotary blade used as fabric mask supplies with text overlay

Face Mask Sewing Patterns and Tutorials

A list of options for sewn, serged, and no-sew face mask options. Choose which is best for you by shape, material, and filter pocket options.

How to Make a Homemade Face Mask without Elastic and with Filter Pocket

This mask has a filter pocket, stretchy ties, and a nose shaping wire.

Fast and Easy Serger Face Mask

This mask is made primarily on the serger and takes only 5 minutes to sew up!

No Sew Cloth Face Mask from a T-shirt

No sewing needed for this option and it includes a pocket to add a filter.

Ear-Saving Button Band for Surgical Face Masks

An extremely quick sew to make button bands to provide relief to the ears from long hours of wearing face masks.

More Options

A list of options for sewn, serged, and no-sew face mask options. Choose which is best for you by shape, material, and filter pocket options.

Kid mask template - see kate sew

Photo Credit: seekatesew.com

If your kiddo gets sick or hurt and has to leave the house, make a few of these kiddo size face masks to have on hand.

How to make a face mask using Cricut

Photo Credit: inspiration.cricut.com

What! Cut out your masks using your Cricut with their free svg file

DIY No Sew Face Mask Tutorials

Photo Credit: andreasnotebook.com

This post has a number of other no sew options including a video by the Surgeon General.https://www.sewmuchado.com/fabric-face-mask-pattern/

3 ways to make a DIY surgical face mask for virus shortage

Photo Credit: seekatesew.com

Use bias tape or elastic to make these masks. Free pattern and video instructions are available.

Face Mask Pattern - Free Sewing Pattern • Craft Passion

Photo Credit: www.craftpassion.com

This post has a detailed video tutorial to make this mask shape that goes up over the nose and curved down around under the eyes if you prefer a different shape.

How to Sew a Fabric Face Mask Free Pattern

Photo Credit: www.raegunramblings.com

This mask has an adjustable fit and is made with comfy knit.

Face Mask Pattern – 5 Different Ways

Photo Credit: www.sewmuchado.com

This seamstress sewed five different mask patterns and compared them, giving pluses and minuses for each.

Mask Making Materials – In Stock Supply List

I know it can be overwhelming and frustrating to try to source supplies to make fabric masks when you can’t leave home and supplies are sold out in many places. The supply list (aff links may be included ) below will be updated frequently to reflect current available inventory for mask-making materials.

1/4-inch Elastic is available here – I saw one video suggesting you could just cut any wider elastic – don’t count on this, most elastics will fray and unravel if you cut them up their length.
Beaded elastic cording – that is the thin elastic cord – I like it with my mask that I wear hooked over my ears. The online supply is available, but it looks like delivery dates are pretty far out right now.
Carbon filters are available here – do not wash the filters when you wash your reusable masks. Ideally, they should be discarded and replaced after each use.
HEPA filters can be found here – HEPA filters or vacuum bags can be cut to size and used as a filter.
100% cotton jersey knit – Use strips of this type of knit instead of elastic. The edges won’t fray, you can cut it easily, and it will hold up to hospital sanitation processes if you’re sewing for medical workers.
If you want to use bias tape for your mask straps, you can make your own bias or binding tape – use these bias tape makers to speed things up.
After trying a bunch of different wire inserts to help shape the masks around the nose bridge, I think twist ties were my favorite. I ran out, but just put in a bulk order for more! You can get twist ties by next week here.

Sewing Machines and Sergers

Spending so much time at home may provide the perfect opportunity to get started sewing. I’ve noticed that most of the easy to purchase beginner machines have been scooped up, but I happened to find two of the machines that I currently use in my sewing room and they are available!

The Juki Serger is a great little machine horse. If you’re ready to get started with the convenience of serging, this is a nice machine to work with.
This Singer Quantum Stylist sewing machine is a step up from a beginner machine; mine has been chugging along for years and years. It has some of my very favorite options like the auto-cut button and built-in fancy stitches. If you’re ready to do a little more sewing than once in a blue moon, this is a great machine.

FAQs about Fabric Face Masks

Can I wear my face mask over an N95 mask?

Many healthcare workers are using homemade fabric masks along with their N95 masks to extend the longevity of their protective coverings. Masks with ample accordion folds can be comfortable worn over N95 masks. This pleated type of mask will work.

Which direction do the pleats go on my fabric mask?

Wear the pleated face masks with the pleats folding downward. First, place the mask over your mouth and nose. Gently press from the center of the nose bridge and smooth the metal nose wire down over the bridge of your nose, smoothing from the center down and out so that the mask tucks comfortable over your nose and cheeks.

How do I take off my face mask?

Remove the mask by releasing the straps and carefully pulling the mask away from your nose and mouth without touching the outer material of the mask. Be especially careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth while removing your face mask. If you are using a non-washable filter inside the mask, you would ideally discard the filter after each use. Place the mask directly into a Ziplock bag or a fabric sack to be put into the washing machine. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the face mask.

How do I wash my face mask?

Fabric masks should be laundered on a normal wash setting and dried in the dryer on med-high heat. Use regular laundry detergent. To keep the mask and ties from becoming too tangled while laundering, consider washing your masks in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag like this one.

What kind of fabric do I use to make a fabric mask?

If you have options, the BEST material to use would be a high thread count 100% cotton fabric. In the sewing community, this would be quilters cotton and flannel. A layer of cotton stacked with a layer of flannel is a great combo. Typically a cheaper cotton will be thinner and the weave between the fibers will be further apart. You can feel the cheaper quality and it will allow more light to pass through if you hold it up to a window. More light = more particles getting through.

Does knit or t-shirt fabric really work to protect you?

The recommendation for the general public to wear face coverings is intended to reduce the transmission rate of individuals carrying the disease unknowingly. It’s meant to serve as a reminder to maintain social distancing protocol. Materials with a tighter weave or that are less porous have been shown to be more effective in actually stopping particles from traveling through the material. I’ve read studies that suggest t-shirt masks are a good material choice because they are comfortable and easy to breathe through. I’ve read other studies suggesting that knit fabrics are useless. I am operating under the belief that something is better than nothing. I would suggest using a knit face mask only when you are able to add a tightly woven (quilting cotton, flannel) or non-woven (carbon filter, HEPA filter) material inside the mask. This no sew t-shirt mask has a pocket where a filter can be used.

Can I use leggings as a face mask?

Usually, no. Unless the leggings are made from 100% cotton, they are not the best choice for a face mask covering. Leggings are typically a polyester blend fabric, reducing the breathability. Choose 100% cotton for your most breathable, but also protective fabric.

What do I use for face masks if I don’t have elastic?

I get it. You’re trying to make face masks and all of a sudden elastic is nowhere to be found. Don’t panic. The absolute easiest substitute for elastic is using a knit fabric to make ties. Knit is the dream fabric in this scenario because it won’t fray or break down during laundering, so you can easily just cut strips of knit (you can even cut up an old t-shirt) and now additional sewing is necessary to make a wonderful elastic substitute. What’s more is that the knit will not break down like elastic will under heavy duty sanitation processes (like they use in the hospitals) AND I think it’s way more comfy. You can also use bias tape or binding tape to make straps. This is not my favorite way because it takes a lot more time to sew and ties with no stretch don’t seem to be as comfortable or as well-fitting as stretchy straps. Just use the knit!! Both my filter pocket tutorial and my 5-minute serger mask will show you how to use knit straps in lieu of elastic.

Where can I donate my finished face masks?

I’m not currently organizing or collecting face masks to be donated. Every single organization that I’ve heard about seems to be requesting a different type of mask. If you are going to sew masks to be donated, please contact the appropriate resources in your community so that you know what their requirements are before you begin sewing. Some places are providing the exact pattern they want you to make while others are providing the materials with which to make the masks. Sew masks for yourself or for friends who do not sew.

Do you have other questions? Let me know and I will try to find the answers for you. Please do defer to the CDC website for all official information regarding homemade face coverings. Stay safe and well.

Pencil Pouch Sewing Tutorial

November 30, 2015 by girlinspired 4 Comments

Looking for a great little gift to sew up? Pencil pouches are such a universal gift – EVERYONE has stuff to stash and personalization is easy with so many wonderful fabrics out there! You’ve probably sewn these before – and know that you can sew them together quickly once you’ve mastered the basics. This makes pencil pouches an ideal gift for lots of people on your Christmas list!

I like trying variations on the standard zipper bag like today’s cute pouch with elastic slots on the outside for easy access to your favorite pen! It’s such a fun way to add some visual interest and a little pop of color, along with being totally useful! Let’s get started!

SUPPLIES:

1/4 yard of upholstery fabric for main
1/4 yard of upholstery fabric for lining
1/4 yard of Pellon 987F or Fusible Fleece interfacing
9″ or longer all-purpose zipper
1 package ( 20 inches needed) 1/2″ wide elastic (choose a fun decorative elastic!)
disappearing ink fabric marker
zipper foot

All supplies shown were purchased at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores.

Step 1: Cut two rectangles, measuring 9″ wide by 6″ tall, from your main fabric, your lining fabric, and the fusible fleece interfacing. You will have six rectangles in total.

Step 2: Follow the package instructions to fuse the fusible fleece interfacing to the wrong side of each main fabric piece.

Step 3: Next we will mark the exterior pouch piece for adding the elasticized sections. Position one main piece running vertically as shown in the picture above. Using a disappearing ink fabric marker, make a horizontal line 2 1/2″ down from the top and another horizontal line 2 1/2″ up from the bottom. Now, beginning at least 1″ in from each side, make 5-7 dots spaced 5/8″ apart on the top and bottom line. Be sure that the dots on the top line up vertically with the dots on the bottom.

Step 4: Cut two pieces 7″ long of the elastic. Align each piece with one of the horizontal marked lines, placing each to the inside (toward the center) of the marked lines. Baste the elastic close to the edge of the panel. Keeping the elastic straight with the marked line, stitch short, vertical lines at each mark to form the sections in which the pens/pencils will slip. Be sure to backstitch (or stitch up and back on the same line a couple times) to make sure the threads won’t pull loose during use. These short stitches should be about 1/2″ long or enough to completely extend across the strip of elastic.

Step 5: Time to assemble the pouch! Lay out one main piece of the bag with right side up. Set the zipper, right side up, on the table above the main piece. Measure the zipper to ensure that the metal stops at the top of the zipper align 1/2″ in from the top side edge of the main piece. The zipper should end (with the metal or sewn stop) 1/2″ from the other top side edge. Adjust your zipper length as needed by following the instructions on the zipper packaging.

Step 6: Flip the zipper down onto the main pouch piece as shown. The top side of the zipper should be facing the right side of the bag.

Step 7: Place one lining piece right side down over the zipper, aligning the raw edges of the pouch pieces with the zipper edge aligned and sandwiched between. Stitch close to the zipper without stitching through the zipper teeth.

A zipper foot on your sewing machine will be helpful for this.

Step 8: In order to sew an even distance from the zipper teeth down the length of the bag, you will need to adjust the zipper pull part way through sewing. Stitch about 1/2 way down the bag top starting at the end opposite the zipper pull. Backstitch and remove the pouch from the machine (or simply maneuver while still in the machine); move the zipper pull to the opposite end and continue sewing along the same line. When you’ve finished, open up your seam and your project should look like the picture above.

Step 9: Fold the main and lining pieces so that their wrong sides are facing each other and press the material away from the zipper.

Step 10: Time for the other half – Place the other exterior piece right side up in front of you. Flip the other side of the zipper right side down aligning the outer edge of the zipper with the top raw edge of the exterior piece, as shown.

Step 11: Place the other lining piece over the exterior piece, sandwiching the remaining zipper half between. Stitch the same way that you did for the first half of the pouch.

Step 12: Press well. Your will now have two sides of the pouch as pictured.

Step 13: Pick up the two exterior/main pieces and separate them from the lining pieces. Match the exterior pieces right sides together and the lining pieces right sides together with the zipper in the center.

Step 14: Stitch around the perimeter of the bag as shown, using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Leave a 4″ opening in the edge of the lining for turning. Fold your seam allowances around the zippers in the same direction. If you’d like to include a small elastic loop in the side seam just below the zipper pull, you can do this now before stitching. Cut a 4″ piece of elastic and join the raw ends to make a loop – place the loop just below the zipper in the side seam of the exterior pieces with the looped end facing inward and the raw ends aligned with the raw edge of the fabric. (not pictured)

Step 15: Clip all four corners close to the stitching without cutting through the stitches. Trim out any bulk in the seam allowance from the fusible fleece that you can. Turn the bag right side out through the opening left in the lining.

Step 16: Slip stitch the lining opening closed or use your machine to sew close to the edge. If you use your machine, the stitches will be visible on the inside of the pouch, but no one is likely to ever notice!

Tuck the lining to the inside of the pouch and give it a final press. You are done!! Wasn’t that fun? Now you can make one for everyone!

Easy Flannel Throw Blankets

October 9, 2015 by girlinspired 3 Comments

FLANNEL!! Are you as obsessed as I am? I want all the flannel things! Last winter, I made a simple flannel fringe blanket and we’ve used it throughout the year – you can find the tutorial for that flannel fringe throw by clicking here. I wised up this Autumn and made a fresh stack of easy flannel throw blankets – one for every member of the family! They are soft and cozy and the cheery patterns and trims make the stack look great even when they’re not in use!

This project is so simple because the flannel is soft on both sides and is the perfect weight to use as a single layer which means that the only thing you need to do is finish the edges of your cut of fabric! Today, I’m going to show you how to finish the edge with a couple different types of trim. Also, I’ll show you a different style fringe that can be made with a coverstitch machine for optimal ease and a professional finish!

For each blanket, you will need:

2 yards of flannel shirting (44/45 inches wide) – you can alternately have it cut 44 inches long to make a simple square, which is a great size for kids!
Matching thread for sewing machine and/or serger
Pom-pom trim – enough to go around the perimeter – about 20 feet or 7 yards for the 2 yard x 44 in. blanket
Mini puff ball trim – about 20 feet or 7 yards

Let’s get started! Since you will have the fabric cut to size by the store cut counter, there’s no need to prep the fabric – you can pre-wash and dry if you’d like, though it’s not necessary for the fringe style throws. For the throws with trim, serge the edge first and then wash/dry your fabric to prevent fraying. If there is fraying after washing, you can trim the edges before you begin. For the mini-puff trim, serge a rolled edge around the four sides of the blanket. Then, using your zipper foot on the sewing machine, align the trim with the edge of the blanket and topstitch it to secure it all the way around. This is simple, but takes patience as you will need to slowly sew while holding the trim in place along the edge. Adjust the position of your sewing machine needle to make it easier to reach over and catch the edge of the trim.

For the larger pom trim, you have two options. One – serge the edge and then top stitch the trim, right sides facing, around the perimeter of the throw. Align the trim close to the raw edge, but be sure that your stitches lie to the inside of the serge stitches so that the serging doesn’t show once you turn your trim under. Or Two – Here, I’m going to use a cover stitch machine to topstitch and simultaneously finish the under side raw edge of the fabric, so I’ve placed the trim about 3/8″ to the inside of the raw edge and I’m using a zipper foot to stitch the pom trim to the fabric.

Flip the raw edge to the backside of the fabric and top stitch or cover stitch around the perimeter of the throw.

Finally, for a professional-looking fringe throw, cover stitch around the perimeter of the flannel, stitching approximately 1″ inside the raw edge (or more if you’d like more fringe!) The stitching will secure the fabric and provide an even border for your fringe. To make the fringe, simple remove the fabric threads that are woven together until you’ve unwoven the fabric back to the stitched border. You will need to shave off the selvage edge of the flannel with scissors or a rotary cutter prior to unweaving the fabric. This fringing task take a bit of time, but it’s a cathartic activity in front of the television or in the carpool pick up line and I found it very satisfying!

Now fold up your stack of snuggly blankets feeling prepared for the Fall!

I hope you love this simple project as much as my family does! Be sure to check out the basic Flannel Fringe Throw tutorial which you can complete with just a basic sewing machine!

You might also love these Two Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts!

Sewing Projects with Piping

July 29, 2013 by girlinspired 3 Comments

You may have noticed that I’ve been sticking piping in a lot of my sewing projects lately. That’s because you get a lot of bang for your buck. Once you master how to make your own piping, you’ll need some projects to jump into! You should be able to click on the picture to get to the post. Enjoy!