Now that masks are becoming a part of everyday life, I’ve been making a few different styles. I’m trying to find the most comfortable way to make them! This 3D mask template will make a protective face mask that doesn’t sit right on your face for more comfort and breathability.
If you are also looking for more face mask options, try this one! The 3d mask pattern is free to download below and comes in 5 sizes for kids and adults.
This style is a folded style, kind of like an origami mask or a Japanese mask style. Since the mask pops up it sits off your face a little bit which gives you some room to breathe.
The 3D mask template included in this post is a free, printable download.
These have been my kids’ favorite masks to wear which is great! I don’t anticipate them adjusting the masks as much as the others and the elastic I used doesn’t bother them!
Plus you can make them in super cute patterns! The flat front of the 3D mask style makes a perfect place to show off cute fabric.
Not only do these homemade 3D face masks look cool, but they are also super fun to sew!
I love how tiny they fold up – so great to stash in a purse or backpack.
This mask may look a little complicated, but I will walk you through the steps to sew a homemade 3D mask easily and quickly!
3D Face Mask Elastic Options
First, let’s talk about elastic! The type of elastic you choose matters as different elastics make a big difference in terms of comfort! Since the 3D Mask Template creates a very comfortable mask, you want to choose equally nice elastic to make the whole mask easy to wear. This mask fits easily over your nose and chin for great protection.
- I recommend this super soft elastic in either 1/8″ or 1/4″ width (affiliate links) I may earn a small commission when you purchase from these links, with no extra cost to you!
- I’m using 1/4″ for this tutorial
- Basic sewing elastic can be found at most craft stores
- Bead elastic is very thin and comfortable – use 1-2mm
- Check out these bright, fun colors!
- You can also find rainbow bead elastic which is fun for school!
3D Mask Template Materials
- 100% cotton fabric
- highly quality quilting cotton is recommended for best protection
- Elastic choice for elastic ear loops, see above for options
- Filter material
- Nose bridge pieces, optional
Print the 3D mask pattern
Click the button below to download the face mask pattern, free for email subscribers! Put your email in the field and you’ll be taken to the download page. If you are already subscribed, just put in your email again and you will be taken to the download page. Use the same email address so you won’t get two emails!
Having trouble downloading the pattern? Join the See Kate Sew Facebook Group and click on FILES.
- Toddler, ages 3-5
- Little Kid, ages 4-7
- Big Kid, ages 8-11
- Adult S, teen/adult
- Adult M, adult
- Adult L, adult
- Adult XL, adult
Choose your size based on your age group. If you know you have a smaller or larger face, feel free to size up or down accordingly. Size can also be adjusted in the length of the ear loops.
Need more sizes? The new extended sizes pattern includes Adult L and Adult XL.
Print the 3D mask template pattern at 100% or DO NOT SCALE. The 3d mask template prints out on two pages. Trim the right edge of the first page and overlap it with the second page if you are making one of the larger sizes. Print on cardstock if you plan to make a batch – thicker paper will last longer!
Elastic Lengths for face masks with ear loops
I recommend trying the mask on before tying off the elastic so you have time to adjust the elastic length if needed. Here are some average elastic lengths for masks to start with. Adjust while trying the mask on. Tie a knot where desired and cut off extra elastic.
- Toddler, ages 3-5 – cut 2 pieces 6-7″ long
- Little Kid, ages 5-7 – cut 2 pieces 7-8″ long
- Big Kid, ages 8-11 – cut 2 pieces 8″ long
- Adult S, teen/adult – cut 2 pieces 9″ long
- Adult M – cut 2 pieces 9″ long
- L Adult – cut 2 pieces 9″ long
- Adult XL – cut 2 pieces 9″ long
Mask adjustments for hard of hearing or ear differences
If you or the intended wearer has an ear difference, like a missing ear, small ears, low or high ears, or wears hearing aids, ear loops may be not be the best option. You can use this same pattern, but create elastic to go around-the-head instead of the ears. Simply cut a piece of elastic long enough to go from one side of the mask and around your head to the other side. Instead of connecting the loop on the same side of the mask to wrap around the ear, around-the-head elastic will connect at the top of the mask to the top of the mask. The other piece will go around the bottom of the mask, around the head/neck to the other side bottom. See an around-the-head mask in this post.
This could be a better option for fidgety children, too!
DIY 3D Mask Sewing Pattern Instructions
Use a 1/4″ seam allowance unless otherwise noted.
I will show you how to sew a 3D Face Mask without a filter pocket first. If you want to add a filter pocket, scroll down and see how to do that! It’s a simple step at the beginning of the process.
Click link below for a printable PDF of these instructions.
Cut out 2 layers of fabric.
Pin layers together with right sides together matching the raw edges. Pin.
Sew along the top and bottom of the mask fabric, leaving the sides open.
Clip the corners to reduce bulk.
Turn right side out through one of the side openings.
Push out corners and press.
Optional: topstitch along top and bottom edges.
At this point you can add a NOSE piece or wire to the mask. Scroll down to the bottom of the post to see how to do this. A nose piece is not essential for this mask since it fits nicely over the nose, but it can add some extra shaping.
Use pattern piece fold and press top and bottom edges.
Center your fabric on the pattern piece and find the fold lines that coordinate with your side.
Topstitch along the folds, 1/8″ from the folded edges. Do this on both sides.
If you open the mask, it will look like this:
Press well again.
Fold side edge under 3/8″ TWICE and press well for the elastic casing.
To avoid having to thread elastic through later, tuck the elastic in the corner of the fold and pin over it.
Add mask elastic
Sew along the edge and backstitch. Be sure you don’t catch the elastic in your stitching.
Tie elastic ends together. Repeat on the other side.
To create the 3D folds, fold the angled edge of the flap up and pin next to the casing.
Repeat on the other side.
Sew. Stitch back and forth over the pleat a few times to be sure it stays in place.
Repeat on the other side and you’re done!
Add a filter to the 3D mask
To add a filter pocket to the 3D mask, cut 1 filter pocket piece on a fold of your fabric.
Fold and press under 1/4″ TWICE on both long sides of the fabric. Sew.
Press in half with wrong sides facing. Pin at the top of one of your mask pieces.
Pin at the bottom as well. The filter pocket is shorter than the mask height so you will have to reposition the fabric in order to do this.
Place the second mask piece over the filter pocket and pin. Sew along the top and bottom edges, just like in the steps above.
Turn right side out and press. Now you have a filter pocket on the inside of your mask. Complete the mask as shown in the steps above, moving the filter pocket out of the way as you sew the main mask pieces.
When your mask is finished, tuck the filter pocket into the mask. You can replace the filters easily with this method and the pocket also creates a more protective barrier.
3D Mask with Nose Wire
To add a nose wire strip to the 3D mask, follow these instructions! I am using these Aluminum Strips from Amazon (affiliate) but you can also use a pipe cleaner as shown in this post. I prefer the aluminum strips because they are a stronger metal and so easy to insert!
Place your wire strip at the top of the mask, after you have pressed and topstitched the top and bottom.
You can mark where the strip will lay with a chalk pen or fabric marker. Then sew a casing around it. You will want to anchor the strip with stitching on both sides, but only sew one at first.
Slip the aluminum nose wire in through the opening at the side seam.
Push it into the mask casing.
Then finish sewing the casing. Make sure to backstitch a few times at the anchor points. Do not sew over the metal!
Then finish the face mask as shown in the original instructions! If you are doing a filter pocket, you can move the pocket out of the way to complete the casing.
Need more help? View my 3D Mask YouTube video.
More Face Masks to Make
Here are a few more free mask patterns plus tips and tricks for customizing your face mask!
- The basic child mask is easy to sew and comfortable to wear
- See how to use pipe cleaners as a nose wire
- These masks don’t contain elastic which is best for sanitizing at high heat
- Best masks for grocery store runs – 3 versions
- Surgical Cap or Scrub Cap Tutorial and Pattern
- Tips for making lots of masks faster!
- Printable ‘Take a Mask’ Download for delivery drivers
Love this pattern. I’d like to try sewing some for my daughter. Is it possible to get measurements to draw out my own pattern if I don’t have access to a printer?
This would be awesome, I don’t have a printer.
Love this style mask. Very popular in my family. Thank you for the pattern.
This would be awesome, I don’t have a printer either, need to draw out.
Hi kate i just found your cool mask pattern , read instructions & pattern but no measurments on pattern 😑
So if possable could you reply with l & w so i can draw a pattern . We have no printer & im in a hurry as usual . Your babies are beautiful 😊
How do I get the pattern?
Yes, I see no button below to press. I signed up for everything and got the Instructions pdf, but all I got in the email was the pattern for the ruffle apron. (Didn’t need that though cute as a bug). How do we get the actual patterns?
I also would like to have measurements because I don’t have a printer ? Thank you these are precious!
Perhaps measure your face and then add extra for seam allowance?
Hello Kerri, I would suggest that you open the pattern on your computer and choose a 100% view, and then you can put a paper over the monitor and trace the lines with a marker. This is how I drew my first mask pattern. Hope it is helpful.
What are the measurements on the 3d mask and the one w/the folds. I don’t have a printer.
Thanks
Does anyone have difficulty stitching thru all the layers of elastic casing?
My Brother locks up every! time when stitching at the ends. After so many times of “safety mode”, the needle falls out. I’ve lengthened the stitch, decreased the pressure on the foot, and tried feeding it thru by hand.
Nothing works.
Any suggestions? I can use help! TIA!
Maybe cut the lining fabric so it’s not as wide as the outer fabric and doesn’t get folded over when you make the casing, but keep it long enough so the outer fabric will cover the raw edges when folded over. (Hope that makes sense!) You could serge or zig-zag stitch the edges of the lining before making the casing to prevent fraying, but not sure if you’d actually need to do that since it won’t be exposed.
Have you tried trimming off a little of the fabric on the inside layer? That would make it less bulky.
Thanks so much for this pattern. I’ve just made one of the teen sized with my daughter and it’s definitely the best pattern that we’ve come across!
You need a larger, tougher needle.Try a 16 or 18 (most household sewing uses employ a size 12). A jeans needle will work very well. Best of luck!
Hi I love your pattern.. Is it possible to get written measurements please. I i don’t have a printer.
Thank you! Shall try soon to make these.
I love this design and your instructions are awesome! Thank you!
Hi Kate
You’re a great teacher! Your instructions are easy to follow. Your pics are amazing!
One question, is this pattern able to be put in the Cricut library?
This would be amazing!! I’m currently searching for a version of this that is available for my Cricut as well!!
I would like the free pattern for the 3D mask please.
Is there a link to just printing out the general instructions without all the pictures? It is easier to reference the written pattern than to rely on my IPad, phone or computer for the instructions. I can’t imagine I am the only one that would appreciate this. Thank you .
I made 2 of these masks today. They are so comfortable! With school starting soon, I wanted to fer a super comfortable mask my son can wear all day. This mask is easy to make with not much skill required (I am a novice seamstress at best!)
Thanks for the great pics and instructions. also the pattern with various sizes!
There is a link towards the top that will take you to printable instructions.
Love the pattern but couldn’t find putting in a nosepiece anywhere. The intro says it will be at the end. If I missed it…please help!
Thanks
It showed just before the comments, at the end of the article on my screen.
Hello, Thank you for the info, I subscribed to your page and I got the pattern but I need the measurements in order to do the pattern, How can I get them. Thank you, love your page!!!
Is there any way that you could post the dimensions for the 3d face mask because I have tried to download the pattern several times and all I get is the spinning beach ball and no pattern.
Love the shape of this mask and all the ways to customize it. Just wondering if the seam allowances are included in the pattern or do we add them?
Cheers.
hello could u please tell me what it means about without seam allowance, why isn’t it there or do I cut out with extra around the pattern, the way mine turned out , it will fit a new born, not little kid, help!
Love your 3D mask instruction.
Would love the pattern.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this pattern! I made one for myself and couldn’t love it more. It’s such a great fit and very comfortable.
Thanks for your instructions.
I’ve been making these 3D masks for quite a while. They are by far my favorite. Once you get the hang of it can be made in less than 15 minutes. Definitely give it a try. They are the only ones I make now. I’m excited about all the different sizes she’s included.
I am going to start making masks for toddlers and children which until I saw the 3D pattern I resisted doing. I’m not keen on the pocket but do want a third layer. I’m considering using three layers of fabric with the middle layer not being 100% cotton but a cotton polyester blend because it’s lighter. I’ve also read that a variety of fabrics works well. Does anyone have thoughts on this?
Toby – Salt Spring Island, BC Canada
I’d like to know the same thing, but with nonwoven interfacing – I need 3 layers but don’t want to worry about making sure everyone’s masks have filters before leaving the house.
I figured I would put the interfacing on the front layer to give it extra shape (my experience with other styles of masks is that putting the interfacing on the outer layer – the no-show side, obviously – makes for less wrinkled masks coming out of the dryer!)
Okay, I’ve made about 15 of these now. I am using “featherweight fusible interfacing” and I cut out the same shape as the other 2 layers, minus 1-1/4″ on either end (it’s way too hard to fold over the ends and sew through all those layers for the ear loops). Works great!
My biggest issue has been the sizing… I am posting a separate comment for that.
What should the dimensions of the Adult M be before sewing, at least length and width? I didnt adjust anything between downloading the pattern and printing it, and the mask I just made for myself is very big. My husband will be able to use it over his beard at least lol but it’s way too big for my face.
I’ve made a few of this style with sew in interfacing as a middle layer and the kids who tried one said, “wow , I can breathe in this mask!”
Hello, this mask pattern looks awesome! Love your website.
I am unable to download and print the pattern and instructions.
I am a subscriber.
I put in my email address and press download but nothing happens – “it” spins around
What am I doing wrong? – thank you.
Penny
I adore these masks as my mom made me one. I’m trying to make one myself but I live in the UK and our paper size is different. We use A4 size so it doesn’t print to the right size. Is there any way to get the actual dimensions as I wanted to make a larger one for my hubby.
Thank You for all the great ideas and patterns!
Thank you — your directions are clear and easy to follow; and I really like how comfortable and cute these masks are!
This mask is brilliant – super comfy and super easy to make (no fuss). I made about 250 masks with a completely different pattern – but this one … No. 1. Thank you for this awesome pattern!
What are the dimensions for the largest size? I’m having trouble getting the scale right on my printer!
Love your pattern but don’t have a printer attached can you give me measurement for your mask please
Love, Love, Love your 3-D mask. 🥰 They are the most fun to make and I really like how it fits your face – you can breathe. I’m now busy making them for my 3 adult children who are in the education field and my 6 grandchildren!!! THANKS!
I like your pattern for the 3D mask. I have done a lot of masks for my 2 kids and my 3 grandkids, and for some others in my family. I’m going to try this one, it looks more easy than others. Thanks for your time and for help with new ideas.
Hi & Thanks Kate …Love this pattern .Mask fit Great ❤️❤️
I tried making this mask yesterday, and just couldn’t seem to get the mask to sit 3D on my face 😕. I am thinking that adding some interfacing to the top flap would help?
I love your 3d mask design, just wish it would download so I could make some for my grand daughters. Unfortunately, it won’t download for me and neither will the instructions.
Love the design I don’t have a printer to print is it possible to have the measurements of the templates please?
Thanks 😊
I look forward to trying your pattern. It looks nice and the directions look to be very well done. Thank you.
I just love this pattern . I’ve been making different styles of masks now since March and this I shall my favourite by far . So please do to have found it .thankyou Kate.
I cannot print out the Filter Pocket instructions. Please help me. Thank you!
I’ve made 6 different mask patters but this one is the best. The way the mask sits off your nose an mouth makes this a favorite for my family. Also my boss has to wear an N95 mask due to medical complications and she LOVES this mask it covers the ugly one that is medically necessary! Thank you for sharing.
I love this mask, but if I may suggest – I sewed the 2 layers together on three sides, then turned it inside out, and sewed the second short side closed when I did the top stitching. It makes for neater elastic casings as you only fold it back once.
This is the best mask pattern out there! Thanks for sharing it!
Look forward to making these. Heading to fabric store but haven’t printed pattern yet – what are the pattern dimensions for adults?
I am unable to print your FREE template for your 3D mask.
Could you please send me your link to print.
Great idea
I would love instructions on how to use two fabrics. Love the look of the top and bottom being different from the center. Also, I will be attempting to embroider in the center. My girls will love the idea of having animal faces or other designs. The stabilizer will give another layer there….
Hi,
Love your patterns! Lately I’ve been making a ton of the 3D mask pattern because it’s the easiest to breath in and I’ve made 4 other style before it. My 2 1/2 year old will wear it without complaint. The type of elastic makes a huge difference, I bought the soft elastic you suggest in your post and both my son and husband both agreed it makes wearing a mask so much nicer. I think this will be our daily go to mask right now. Thank you so much for this pattern!
Thanks for the pattern and printable instructions to keep. But, as with all your designs, I wish ALL the instructions were in the instruction page, including measurements for elastic and how to add optional features ie nose strips and filter pocket. The instructions on the website are NOT printer friendly, so having complete printable instructions would be very good. Please.
Thank you kate for your patterns. I have a question about the nose piece and washing the mask. Do you find that the wire’s Integrity remains in good shape after washing. And do you recommend machine or hand washing? Ive been making a few with a pocket for a better term so the wire can be removed. Im going to give your 3D pattern a go I really liked how your adorbs models fit. And school is suppose to start full time here ugh! Thanks again for all this work.
Kathy
The pattern is great and easy to follow. Love your tutorial. Now that masks are required in any public place, I will be making several of these masks. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Love this pattern! Thanks for posting it. I feel like I’m missing something with the sides. I folded them in 2x and when I sewed them, I could barely get it to go because everything was SO THICK! Any tricks for this?! Thank you!
I was able to download the pattern with no problem … thank you for making this available.
I am having issues with the sizing (and I’ve made about 15 of these now … most were to donate, and they needed a variety of sizes anyway). I tried a “big kid” size on my 6 year old, and it was tiny. I made a “small adult/teen” for my petite 11 year old, and it borders on too small. I made the adult large for me: too small. I’ve checked the 1″ square on my print, and it’s fine. And I’ve measured and traced out every line for the seam allowance, so I don’t know why I’m having this issue.
I also noticed that the part I fold up at the end (not the ear loops but the chin and nose flaps) doesn’t look like your pictures: mine are WAY narrower, with a maximum fold of about 3/4 inch. The folds don’t extend past the top and bottom edges of the rectangle when the mask is flat. I hope that makes sense. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but maybe this is the cause of the sizing issues I’m having. Any ideas?
I love this pattern and sewing it was easier than the traditional pleated mask! Can you share where you bought that cute fabric? Or if you don’t recall, what is your go-to online store for quilting fabric? I’m making masks for children. Thanks!
Agree with Tamilee. I’ve validated with the pattern pieces, but the adult M was way too small. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
We really do need some sort of reference measurement. When I “printed at scale” I got different sizes depending on whether I printed directly from screen, from a download, or from a “save to .PDF” version of the file. Thank you, Kate!
I love how this mask sits. Because I use non-woven stabilizer as filter media I serge this mask pattern then transfer to the regular sewing machine to finish. This patern i find doesn’t seem to need a nose wire like the others do. Thank you.
I really like this one, I feel I can breathe easier in this style.
I am interested if this pattern style aids with someone that wears glasses. I have the ‘fogging’ problem with another shaped design and the pleated style, too. I have a hard time not wearing my glasses- so not an option.
I made this mask last night and tried it on with my glasses and had no fogging issues! I always just make sure that the top of the mask is tucked up under my glasses and I haven’t had any problems :)
J’adore ce masque, il est parfait avec mes lunettes sans buée !!
I love that pattern, it’s perfect with my glasses, no mist !!
Thank you
Thank you very much for sharing this template, our teens prefer this mask’s look & fit best. This mask is easy to make for the newbie sewer and our kids are even making their own now.
Please could you tell me if you have a YouTube tutorial for this face mask.
Thank you, Christine
can’t print template foe face mask
I love this pattern. Very easy and comfortable and I love that it comes in so many sizes. An added bonus is that I was able to adapt the pattern for 40 marching band kids by overlapping pieces in the center for brass and saxophones and adding a little width across the face to create pleats and a horizontal opening for clarinets.
Thank you!
Has anyone tried making this with a filter pocket that is a single layer? I don’t see the point in the 2 layers – I can just put a piece of filty filter fabric between the double-layer mask and a single layer filter pocket insert. Thoughts?
Has anyone tried to make the filter pocket single layer? It seems to add a lot of fabric that is not needed.
Mask pattern is way too small. Made the adult largest and my granddaughter couldn’t even wear it. I enlarged the pattern 125% and the largest original pattern now fit inside the smallest markings of the new pattern. Tying the elastics together is not great. Maybe sew two loops of elastic and then put into the casings.
I love this 3-D pattern. It allows for better breathing and fits on my nose to eliminate fogging my glasses. Please show a pattern temple with measurements for each size because I am not sure I printed with the correct percentage setting to get the actual size needed.
Thank you.
Looks like many of us are having the same question and I don’t yet see an answer – *please* share at least one measurement with us (for example, the measurement between top and bottom of (pick a size) mask? Simply printing “at scale” creates different sizes depending on whether I print directly from download, an exported .PDF, etc. Perhaps another reader would be willing to share if Kate isn’t able to do so? Thank you!
I was a bit intimidated by this pattern when I first saw it but I made my first mask last night and love it so much! I’m about to go somewhere where i’ll have to talk a lot with my mask on and this style is perfect for that. Thank you for this pattern and detailed tutorial!!
Hi Kate! I love your pattern, thank you for sharing it! Do you mind if I sell the masks I make using your patterns? I bought some fabric to make them for my family but I have so much!
Thanks so much for this pattern! Definitely the most comfortable/breathable mask I’ve tried so far. My family love them. Thank you for sharing.
where do I download the tutorial for the filter pocket I can not find it