How to Sew a Face Mask From a T-Shirt - Beginner Friendly - Hand Sew - Pattern - #masksNOW

a N95 or KN95 certified mask is a better choice than the mask in this video. Please refer to your local government agency for the latest recommendations on what mask is best.

T-Shirt material is not the ideal fabric to use for a mask. If a T-Shirt is the only material you have, here is how you can make a mask out of it. The 3-layer mask located on masksNOW.org would be a better choice.

T-Shirt Mask Pattern Download

If you do not have a printer to print the pattern, the video describes how to create your own pattern.

This mask is for personal use only and not intended to be donated to hospitals.

Sizes:
Medium - Large and Small - X Small

Disclaimer:
These homemade facemasks are not surgical masks or Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). These facemasks have not been tested for fluid resistance, particulate or bacteria filtration efficiency, differential pressure, or flammability. These homemade facemasks have not been evaluated by the FDA. These facemasks have no certifications from any regulatory agency.

Materials used:
Any T-Shirt can be used. It is recommended to use 2 different color T-Shirts so it is easy to distinguish the front of the mask and the side that goes towards the face. A shirt that has no painted on graphics is preferred. A hand sewing needle and all purpose thread is also needed.

Important labeling and safety information:

Tips from the CDC:

Professor Pincushion was NOT paid to create this video. Our intention is to provide sewing instructions for creating the T-Shirt mask used by masksNOW.org.

#masksNOW

[ProfessorPincushion]

This video is intended for people that might not have access to obtain more ideal materials. The pattern and sewing instructions can be used with other materials when they become available. The 3-layer mask located on masksnow.org would be a better choice.

[RoundSeal]

This was laser-targeted for me; I don't have better fabric options other than old t-shirts, can't access proper masks, and have basic sewing supplies. I know this isn't a perfect alternative, but it's better than the nothing I currently have. Thank you for posting this.

[monmowimarciga]

Thanks, Professor Pincushion, I always watch your videos. fan here :) I 've been asking family and friends for men cotton shirts, is really good, I cut and discard the parts that I'm not going to use, and wash, dry, and iron the useful parts, is a very easy going fabric. I hope it recommends it.

[meganmccrory]

Thank you - this is the first mask video I've seen that is simple to understand~!

[mje]

Great tutorial. Thank you! But what do you mean it's not ideal? 
I think two layers of t-shirt material is a good mask barrier for COVID-19.

[racheldavis]

Thank you for this video! I have a question, how many masks can you make with just the two t-shirts? To me it looks like I could make about 2 masks including the ties but I'm not entirely sure.

[kmyavillagomez]

Your voice reminds me of Angela Kinsey from the helpful video btw!!!

[reneegordon]

I like how you centered the mask with the ties. Also totally random question, what nail polish do you use? Your nails are nice and I am looking to do a more natural idea with my nails.

[lisaojst]

Can you do this on a sewing machine? Also, is there a way to make the straps into a loop rather than a tie?

[anapena]

@professorpincushion what do you mean by bring the ends of thread together to form a knot? Are we measuring out the thread to be the length of the shirt first, or what? Please let me know, thanks!

[kaptnobviouse]

Oohhh my gooodnessss ... I've been trying to make the type of mask that kind of goes up over your nose and under your chin ... You have to sew the nose and chin part together on each pattern so you so 2 copy patterns together x 2 then sew the top and bottoms of the 2 together then flip it inside out and it hides the yucky parts of the seems and no matter how I see it ... When I flip it inside out and put it to my face to see if it fits and got things correct ... My stitching shows and it seems like the seems are real loose ... Also from watching this video ... I am doing a running stitch ... Someone ... Please help MEEEE 😭

[shyofficial]

I have everything except good scissors, the small scissors in the sewing kit suck 😭

[barbr]

They look very easy to make but I do not trust them because of the material I'm sure I could use other materials