With the new recommendations to wear face masks in public, I wanted to share a kid mask template so you can have them handy. If you have to go out, sew some of these quick kid face masks to provide the easy protection you need! 
This post includes two sizes for smaller and larger kids and an optional filter pocket in the back. I think the ear loop style is the best for kids to keep on because it is comfortable and easy to wear. If you want ties, you can follow the binding tutorial in this post with the pattern download in this post.
For more face mask tutorials and patterns, see these posts:
3D Face Masks in 5 sizes for kids and adults
3 Ways to make a Face Mask
Filter Pocket Face Mask Tutorial (No Elastic)
Materials:
–Quilting cotton
–Cord elastic 5-6″
–Yarn Needle
–Filter inserts*
*There are a variety of things you can use a disposable filters inside of these masks, like tissues or coffee filters. They also sell carbon based filter inserts that are reusable. I don’t know which is best and since I’m not a doctor, this isn’t medical advice. I have seen people break open Filtrete filters and cut inserts to go inside their masks but the safety of that is debatable!
Children Face Mask Instructions:
Print out the pattern pieces and decide which size you want to use. The smaller kid size is best for younger kids under 5. The larger kid size will work for kids about 5-9. Larger kids can wear an adult size with shorter elastic or ties.
Cut out 1 Front and 2 Backs for a filter mask, or just 2 Fronts if you don’t need the filter pocket.
If you don’t have a printer, the sizes for these pieces are as follows:
Small Size Measurements
- 1 Front 5″ x 6″
- 2 Backs 6″ x 6″
Large Size Measurements
- 1 Front 5″ x 7″
- 2 Backs 6″ x 7″
Fold and press the back pieces in half lengthwise. Pin to the top and bottom of the right side of the front piece. 
Pin and sew all the way around. Clip corners. Turn right side out and press.
Create a casing by sewing 1/2″ from the side edges. Backstitch at both ends.
Thread the bead elastic onto a yarn needle.
Push the needle into the casing.
Pull it all the way through to the other side, making sure not to lose the elastic inside the fabric.
Tie the elastic ends in a knot.
Cinch the elastic and stitch across the elastic to make sure it keeps the mask gathered.
Repeat on the other side.
If the elastic turns out to be too long, just tie a knot closer to the mask and trim the extra off.
Children should be under constant supervision while wearing mask. Consult your pediatrician before allowing children to wear masks.
More Face Mask Tutorials:
- 3D Mask Pattern – the most comfortable!
- 3 Ways to make a Face Mask
- Filter Pocket Face Mask Tutorial (No Elastic)
- The basic child mask is easy to sew and comfortable to wear
- See how to use pipe cleaners as a nose wire
- Surgical Cap Pattern
- Tips for making lots of masks faster!
- Printable ‘Take a Mask’ Download for delivery drivers
Could you please tell me the measurements of the kids mask (the back and front pieces) as I don’t have a printer. And do you use a 5-6” piece f elastics for each side or for one side. I’m guessing each ;)
Thank you for sharing this for folks to use.
Thank you. I have been unable to download the pattern; I suspect your site and the internet as a whole are inundated. Can you tell me the sizes of the rectangles for the childrens’ size masks. Looks like simple rectangles. Thank you.
Thank you for the measurements you do not have the length of elastic for the 2 maids masks
Thanks
What are the measurements of the front and back pieces??? My printer is broken, so I can’t print pdf. I need the large for a 6 year old. THANK YOU!!! I’m using your filtered mask pattern with ties….it’s awesome!!!
Thanks Kate!
Stay safe
I figured it out finally. Disregard my previous comments. Thanks for the kid size pattern. Stay well.
Hi there – thanks so much for this! My printer isn’t working, and I was wondering if you can give the measurements for the fabric instead of just a printable. Seems quite basic to figure out if we had the dimensions? Thanks, and stay safe!
The large ones are 8” x 5”.
The small ones are 7” x 5”.
Thank you, JJ & Kathy Taylor for providing the measurements!!!
adult
front 10 x 8
lining 7.5 x 5.5
I made adult masks using the same pattern with the following measurements:
Front side 1 – 10 x 8
Lining 2 – 7.5 x 5.5
Hi I would love to make one of the smaller face mask for my granddaughter she is 2, but there is no measurements.
Many thanks Linda. X
I don’t see a reply to the size of the pattern for those who do not have a working printer. The small is 5″X7″ and the large is 5″x8″.
Thank you See Kate Sew for the pattern. I made a few from another site for adults but needed a pattern for my Granddaughter.
Is there a substitute for the corded elastic? I can only find it on Amazon with a shipping date of May.
Use elastic pony tail holders. Also make a band with buttons on both ends to put the elastic on instead of around ears…
Thank you for your patterns and tutorials. Every time I want to download one of the face mask patterns it asks me to sign up for your emails which I already receive. Help! Thanks!
Thank you for your patterns! I’m making extra masks today to give to my school. I was wondering though, do you have dimensions for a rectangle and elastic length that would work for an 18″ doll? I thought I would make my granddaughter a mask, and one for her doll, using a single piece of elastic across the back of the doll’s head.
Thank you.
I was able to find the printed sizes for both the smaller and older child. And I was able to print them from my printer. Thank-you! Now to get started for my grandchildren.
Do any of you know the finished length of the small mask? Thank you!
I am confused about the measurement. The downloaded pattern is not consistent with your written dimensions. Are the written dimension the finished mask size?
The small front is written 5″ by 6″ but the pattern is 5 by 7.
The small back is written 6″by 6″ but the pattern is 6 by 7
I just need to know the finished size of the front and I will figure out the seam allowances.
Thanks.
What is the size of the bead elastic (mm)? I have seen different sizes on Amazon. Thanks!
I feel dumb but don’t see how you create a casing by merely stitching down each side.
Please help
Thank you
Hi…I was confused at first too. If you use a yarn needle it is thick enough to create a hole to pull elastic through.
I don’t understand how the casing is made either-would like that explained please
thanks
@ susan, that extra seam along the finished sides of the mask just prevents the elastic cord from moving away from the edges, acting as a casing for the cord. You’ll have to thread the elastic cord through that ‘casing’ with a yarn needle, since all seams are closed. If you don’t have a suitable needle, another option that I’ve been using is to add bias tape (which you can make from the same fabric you’re using for the mask, or a different, complimentary fabric). Then, you can sew it into the sides from the beginning steps ~ layer front panel (good side up), bias tape (separated edges matching raw edge of front panel), then each of the back panels. Or, add the bias tape after you’ve created the ‘pouch’ and turned it right side out. With either option, you can then use a safety pin to push the elastic or bead cord through that casing without damaging the seams of the mask. Then cinch up each side, stitch the ends of the casing to hold elastic in place, and… voila!
Thank you for sharing this pattern. I had a little girl come to my shop today with an adult size mask. Her mother said she couldn’t find child size mask in town. Of course my heart broke as I look at this little girl with her I’ll fitting mask draped across her tiny face. So I raced home to make her a few. All the while thinking, how am I going to adjust my adult size pattern to fit her little face? Needless to say, I was overjoyed to find your pattern. So again, THANK YOU!!! My heart is a ease now <3
I should probably make a few to keep at my shop. Lord knows I'll probably breakdown to tears if I see another little kid walk in without a proper fitting mask.
Like DIane, I am confused. The PDF shows a printed pattern for the large child as 5 x 8 for the front and and 6 x 8 for the back but the instructions above are 5 x 7 and 6 x 7. Which is it?
Thank you for your easy to sew instructions and video! I was able to make masks for all the children in the family. Using a yarn needle is such a good idea! =)
Do you know what the elastic measurement would be for an almost 3 year old? She’s a little on the small side.