Now that the CDC has recommended people wear a face mask while in public and where social distancing can be more difficult, many people are searching for tutorials for how to sew masks for themselves, family, and even to donate to healthcare workers. And sewing bloggers have responded with LOTS of DIY videos and step-by-step instructions! In an effort to simplify your search for the best face mask tutorial for you, I’ve compiled a simple best-of list here.

> Best for Beginners and My Personal Favorite Tutorial

This tutorial from Deaconess Health System is the one I have been using to make my family’s face masks. It uses elastic (which I had on hand but am running out of) and has a simple, pleated rectangle construction. I started out with a similar tutorial but it had some fussy details that weren’t needed and made making multiple masks at a time more difficult.

One change I made after sewing up a few of these, I’m now using two different fabrics so I can tell which side of the face mask I’ve been wearing facing out.

> Best Fitted Face Mask from Craft Passion

These face masks have a contoured front that forms to the shape of the face without pleats. The pattern comes in 4 sizes (child small, child large, adult small, adult large) and can be used with elastic hair ties, sewing elastic, or cord…even a shoelace! There are options to add a filter pocket and a nose wire as well.

The instructions have been updated regularly over the past month and now include a video tutorial.

> Best Face Mask with Bias Tape Ties tutorial

Sweet Red Poppy has a good tutorial for using bias tape ties in case you run out of elastic or if you just prefer the fit of this style of face mask. There’s also an option for adding a filter pocket and a nose wire.

The CDC has the best information on how to properly fit a face mask and how to properly clean them.

I hope I have successfully simplified your search for the perfect face mask sewing tutorial! If you have one you prefer, please share a link with me in a comment!