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Why sew a face mask?
Today I tried my sewing skills on a dog mom mask. Since I may venture out a few times to the grocery store or to get dog food, I might need a face mask, but I am more interested in making one for my husband. He is currently considered an Essential Employee and still leaving our house for work each day.
The CDC now recommends some type of protection prior to leaving your home! ( I did NOT try to make their DIY mask) The fabrics I ordered online and had it delivered right to my car! Joann has an entire article on the best fabric for masks. I researched mask patterns from two of my go to crafters and made them both this morning. Here is what I found to create my dog mom mask.
Sew Can She Mask, my favorite dog mom mask
Sew Can She is a wonderful site with a ton of sewing resources from quilts to bags. She provides some two different types of mask patterns, the pleated pattern and the Olson pattern. There is a video introduction that recommends the Olson mask with filter. You can find them here.
Sew Can She pattern features
- Video instructions from hospital staff on making masks
- Video instructions on creating a filter from household items
- Olson face mask pattern PDF
- Hair ties/elastic ties
- Filter Pocket
- Finished and Professional looking mask
- Children size available
I created this mask first. It has multiple pattern pieces, but the instructions are very clear and simple. I was able to sew this mask start to finish in under 15 minutes. After practice, it would likely only take a few minutes to sew a mask with this pattern. I loved how all of the edges were completely finished and it is adjustable based on what type of elastic used in the mask.
I used hair ties for a simple solution to keep the mask in place. This worked great with my hair down or up. This solution also allows for using buttons on a head band, or a button band at the back for greater comforting wearing long term. It has a pocket for a hepa filter. Although the pattern didn’t come with the nose piece instructions, I added afterwards after making my second mask. It was a very easy add.
Jennifer Maker’s Mask
Jennifer Maker is the Queen of DIY! I absolutely love her fun crafts. She has included a pattern, step by step instructions and a video to help you create your mask. You can find her DIY Face Mask pattern with filter pocket here:
Jennifer Maker Mask pattern features
- SVG File for cutting included
- Video/PDF available
- Ribbon Ties
- Filter pocket
- Simple pattern pieces
- Available in Small, Medium and Large
- Instructions for creating nose guard for better fit
I made Jennifer’s mask second. Although she does provide an SVG file and I do have a Cricut, I find with really small cuts, it is quicker for me to cut them out by hand. As much as I love Jennifer, I did find that the overall instructions and construction of the mask were more difficult than my first mask even though their was only one real pattern piece.
I did successfully finish my mask, but honestly the ties and all my hair were a big pain in the booty! I don’t think it would be very comfortable to wear the tie mask everyday but if you don’t have hair ties or elastic and have some extra ribbon on hand, this might be your pattern. I created the medium mask but it did seem really large on me. It was a solid second dog mom mask.
The Verdict
My opinion is that I will continue to use the Olson pattern to make my dog mom mask. I will be making one for my husband to wear to work this week. It was quicker, easier and I think it fit me better. Since everyone is different, I invite you to try them to see what you think. Either mask is a great choice and if you have the resources to make, I highly recommend to protect yourself and your family (furry or not).
Stay safe my friends! If you can, make you one of the Dog mom masks! Have a great pattern? Let us know below!!!! Tail Wags and Nose bumps –
