Last week I shared 3 ways to make a face mask and where to donate them. I’m so happy that so many sewers are coming together to fill this need! Today I’m sharing how to sew a face mask with filter pocket for hospitals wanting a more protective mask. These have a few great features including a pocket on the back to slip a disposable filter into, cotton ties without elastic to withstand harsh sanitation processes and two different fabrics to distinguish the front from the back! 
This face mask is my new favorite to make. The back requires 2 pieces to create the pocket, so it’s actually a 3-layer mask when you’re all done! It feels like a high quality face mask and I hope it will offer more protection.
The ties are made from fabric, too. You can use premade bias tape or make your own binding with this tutorial. Binding is easy to make and you can’t run out of it!
This mask has NO elastic so that it can withstand high heat in the sanitizing process. You can download the pattern pieces for face mask by clicking on the pattern button below.
Face Mask with Filter Pattern Download
The filter pocket is made with two overlapping folded pieces of fabric! See the pocket open above and closed below:
Sewing face masks is a perfect beginner project! If you are wanting to get started sewing, check out my list of best sewing machines for beginners!
Filter Pocket Face Mask Materials
- High quality 100% cotton fabric
- Contrast fabric for the back – Since healthcare workers have to take these on and off, they need to be able to remember which side goes towards their face.
- 1/2″ binding or bias tape
Instructions for Face Mask with Filter Pocket
Click below to download a PDF version of these instructions! It prints on 2 pages so you can have it by your side when you sew!
Use a 1/4″ seam allowance.
First cut out one front and two back pieces with the pattern pieces provided. The front piece measures 9″ by 7″ and the back pieces are both 9″ by 8″.
For the binding cut two strips of fabric 2″ by 44″. 44″ is the length of the fabric from selvage to selvage so you can easily cut strips from yardage.
Fold the larger back pieces in half lengthwise and press. You will have two pieces that are 9″ by 4″.
Pin the folded back pieces to the right side of the front piece. Match up the raw edges at the top and bottom of the mask. The fold edge of the back pieces will overlap about 1″, creating a pocket. Sew the side seams with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Do not sew the top and bottom. Turn right side out and press.
Fold the long edges of the binding over so they almost meet in the middle. Press. Fold in half again to complete the double-folded binding. Pin mask into the middle of the binding.
Sew close to the open edge of the binding, sandwiching the mask inside. Fold under the binding edges and catch in the same seam. Backstitch. Complete at top and bottom of the mask.
Create 3 pleats about 1/2″ each, all facing downward. Pin and stitch well.
And you’re done!
More projects to help others!
Be sure to check out 3 more ways to make a face mask(and where to donate!) for neighbors and friends and find more ways to Sew4Good here!
Also, make some masks for your children with this Kid Face Mask Tutorial in 2 sizes!
I love the new face mask pattern, thank you.
Please may I ask that if possible, could you make the instructions easier to follow with a pdf format as with the mask pattern please. As I find it hard to follow the instructions whilst trying to sew the mask.
Many Thanks
This is an interesting concept, but what kind of filter do you put in it?
Some people use just a coffee filter
You can also use Oly-Fun non woven fabric. Just cut out the piece you need for the pocket.
I saw a tv news program suggest folded over paper towel.
Just last week an independent company did testing, and they found that the blue woven shop towels that come in a roll like paper towel work very well. Google DIY face mask w/ disposable filter and go to the April 2 article at Business Insider. I don’t know how to put a link into this comment- sorry.
I have seen masks with bias tape ties across long sides and also some on the ties on the short sides. Which is better?
I bought some and have been using them. The first time I looked, I tried an auto parts store, and online. I found them, by fluke, at a good price in an Ace Hardware store.
You can also you a shop vac filter.
Question – I’ve made the masks without the filter pocket and now need to make ones with pocket – I’m a bit confused looking at the directions – I know to pleat the front but are you also pleating the back? How would you do that when they are already sewn together? I’m going to go try a few things – but would appreciate how you did that.
You only sew sides. The back has the pleats you are making automatically. The pleats will open up significantly when on, since only sides are sewn.
Thank you for sharing this pattern! I like the simplicity, the filter pocket, and the use of ties so that it can be laundered frequently. I am guessing that someone at home caring for an ill person would need a decent supply and want to change frequently. My question is if it matters if the ties are put on before or after the pin tucks are sewn down? Thank you again.
Hi, Thank you for you post. Just a note.
My local hospital needs all cotton because the sanitation process melts synthetic fabrics.
Yes, I used bias tape on my mask. Laundered at home.
Please make masks with what you have. There is a great need.
I added a 3 inch piece of a pipe cleaner (chenille stick) in the top binding in the middle to help it seal better around the nose. For a filter, I will use either felt, coffee filter or unscented dryer sheet.
Pamela J, I did the same thing. I put a 5″ pipe cleaner and the top binding. The guy in my neighborhood that works at a hospital said they really need the nose form. It worked like a charm.
Unscented dryer sheet is too loosely fiberized to have any filtration value.
Dryer sheet not safe due to chemicals they use!
Nope, you can do that part in any order!
I have printed the pattern for pocket facemask. On the instructions it says cut 1 front & 2 back. The measurements say 9×8 back & 9×7 front. I’ve measured the templates & they are the wrong way round. It should be bigger one x2 for back & smaller one for front.
Can you check & advise please before I cut the back.
Thanks
Jayne
Fold the 2 backs “hotdog” style. Then they are 9” wide and 4 long. 8 total When they over lap one inch, they fit on the front piece which is 9 x 7.
It works out as printed. Then the back pieces are folded, they are 9 x 4. The front piece is 9 x 7. When you sew them together, the folded edges of the back are supposed to overlap by an inch.
I only just figured this out… after cutting thee wrong dimensions for about 30 masks. :(
You would need two for the back in order to gain access to the inside in order to put in a filter.
I have made many…..the instructions are correct…..the sizes are correct as written…..
They turn out perfect.
worked perfectly as instructed. made 2 in 30 minutes. so easy
Fantastic thank you. This is probably a stupid question but are the filters easy to purchase?
What do you use for filters
Been wondering the same thing, and I can’t seem to find anywhere what filters people are actually using. I don’t understand why everyone is posting these instructionals without giving instructions on what filters they’re actually using and where to find!
You can use coffee filters, but blue shop towels on a roll work best or you can but a furnace filter that says it filters out viruses.
Fabulous thanks so much! What type of filters are being used for inside?
I am using micron vacuum filter bags, unused, of course. I cut it open flat, cut to size (approximately 6 by 7 1/2 inches), separate the filter from paper and place carefully into mask.
Filters… please make sure the Vacuum or HVAC filters being used do not contain fiberglass fibers. Some manufacturers use in the making them.
Help support and cause no harm… :)
Thank you so much for the instructions and video. Your directions are clear, and easy to follow; much easier than a number of other sites.
I am so glad I found this pattern. However when I went to print, I got a bunch of print over the picturial instructions. Could you email me the pattern instructions?
Thank you,
This pattern is very easy to follow…until it’s time to stitch the pleats. With all of these layers of fabric, it’s impossible to stitch through. What’s the secret? Simply pinning and stitching is not doing the trick.
I just keep getting a circle going round and round when I try to download the pattern for this face mask :(
That is an issue with your device or network, not the pattern. Just FYI.
What type of filters can be put in these ?
Others have asked this question but I can’t find the answer. What are people using as the filter? Pieces of vacuum cleaner bags? T shirt material? Paper towel? Other suggestions?
Blue shop towels as people have said. Or there is a significant improvement in function with even coffee filter or folded paper towel.
Don’t use vacuum cleaner bags- many of the filtering ones are made of materials that could be harmful when cut and put near the mouth, like fiberglass.
Consider a cut-out made from a blue shop towel. Seems to be getting good reviews as a filter and easy to find
coffee filters
Thank you for this, round elastic been giving me a hard time.
Hi, I am going to make this pattern, but I was curious about pleating the front and back together, does that make it difficult to get the filter in after the fact? Thank you!
Fantastic pattern with very clear directions.
What do you suggest using for the insert filter?
I plan to use a paper towel for my filter.
I cut up a high quality furnace filter that filters out dust, mold, virus, etc.
You can use coffee filters.
I would like to able to print the face mask pattern, please.
Best pattern out there!
Do you have size specifications for a child’s mask? Thanks for this invaluable help!
child’s mask using elastic
Use coffee filters for the filter
Thanks, going to give this a try this weekend. Do you have a recommended adjustment for a child-sized mask?
Would love to get the download for the filter pocket face mask, but the link to submit the email is not working. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Thank you for the pattern! I am using it, but I did copy the more detailed instructions into a Word document, edited the pics down and now have a very usable piece to sit on the machine beside me as I sew! I am making them and donating them as fast as I can. I am also starting to use some single cotton knit material I had in my stash as ties rather than the binding material which takes long time to sew. We will see how it goes. Innovation innovation, sewers is thy name!
I have read about a group in LA that has been testing materials for use in masks. The best they have found is blue shop towels. – here is a link to the story: https://apple.news/ANWRjyL33RVWiS65W4ME2MA
Do you have a recommendation for fabric size for a childrens mask?
Where can I find a filter to go in these?
There is no problem boiling / hot washing elastics. They are approved for that. :-)
Thank you so much for this pattern. I am confused regarding the pleats as well, as other posters have stated. The instructions say to attach front and back and attach bias tape, then add pleats. The pictures only show the front pleated which isn’t possible if the front and back are already connected. Please help us understand your instructions. It would be nice if you had a PDF that had clear instructions. Thanks so much.
I couldn’t find elastic anywhere but luckily stumbled across Xpand, which makes elastic laces at http://www.xpandlaces.com
Being a health professional (ER physician), I so greatly appreciate this effort of yours. Everyone! Cross your fingers!
Love the pattern just don’t understand how to put the pleats in. Can you help me?
What type of Filters are recommended to purchase for these? Please and Thank you
The inventor of the N95 masks suggests using blue shop towels as filters.
What is the total yardage needed per mask?
Any chance you would mind making a YouTube video for those us that are visual learners? I would be so grateful.
Thank you for the pattern. Made several of these now for my daughter, a nurse, to wear with her N95 respirator.
I have made several of these already – fairly easy to follow. I made a few changes, though. I didn’t have fabric long enough to make the straps, so I used ribbon. I also added a piece of wire along the top when I sewed in the ribbon to go over my nose and under my glasses. Tighter fit and won’t steam up my glasses. Finally, for the filter, I have been told to use paper towels or vacuum bag filter.
Thank you!
I cannot print this pattern like you said on two sheets… can you email it to me/ ty..
I’d like to make this. But I do wonder can this be used for a child or is there another measurement you would recommend?
Hi! I’ve loved working with this pattern. You are great at explaining things clearly. Thank you! Do you happen to have the same mask pattern but for younger children, say ages 8/9 years old?
Carlisle
Re:filters. I read that some vacuum and hepa filters have fiberglass in them. Please check your filter before you use it. I would think you could google the exact contents.
I assume the pleats only go on the front piece?
Thank you! My friend is a nurse and is allergic to latex. This will be great!
I fine it easier to sew the ties on before pinning the folds/pin tucks….the fabric stays straight/flat. Is harder once the folds are pinned.
Also made my own ties from same fabric ..2″ strips, 40″ long..fold longwise and iron then sew…fold longwise again and iron…and they’re ready to affix to the mask.
Thank you for this pattern! I wear hearing aids and glasses. There’s just too much behind my ears. This pattern allows me to wear a mask and not interfere with anything else.
I found this mask very easy to make after watching Kate’s video above. Very helpful! (The pleats are on the front and back and sewn at the same time. Just follow the directions.) However, when I tried on my finished mask, there were significant gaps at the sides of my face. Any suggestions on how to remedy this? Thanks so much, and good luck everyone!
Instead of ties how could I use elastic. I love this as it makes a heavier mask.