Best Kids Face Mask

Making a kids face mask is simple and with a few variations on my super popular free adult face mask pattern. But if you don’t sew or just want to save time you can buy one from me here.

Whether you are trying to figure out some kind of face coverings for back to school or just wanting get the kids back into society a little more, it seems like face masks are going to be a part of our lives for a little while.  

I love making simple sewing tutorials and this is no exception. It is easy to sew MANY cloth masks at a time. This makes it easy to make a weeks supply so kids will have a fresh clean one for every day.

I worked super hard to get a good balance of well fitting and comfortable while at the same time being fast to make. 

That makes this free mask pattern perfect for when you are in a pinch and need to make something for your kiddo. Or if you want to wipe up a huge selection to donate to your local shelter, school, or refugee program. 

Other Masks Posts You May Be Interested In

• Everything You Need to Know to Sew Basic Face Masks
• How to Make a N0-Sew Face Mask from a T-shirt
• Make a Cute Cat Face Covering
• Save time and just purchased a mask from me

Two Mask Variations for Kids

I have two basic styles for kids face mask that I will be covering today. They both use the same base pattern, but the way the last goes in varies slightly.

Personally I like both styles and we use both styles in our family. The first style is the over the ear mask similar to my adult sewn face covering. Feel free to scroll down if you’re already familiar with that.

The second is the behind the head face mask which is great for little ones who move a lot or may be more sensitive with something behind their ears for long periods of time.

How to Sew a Kids Face Mask

This is the basic mask that has been drafted to fit most kids through teens. I have LOTS of friends and readers report that this is their favorite mask they have tried for their kiddos. 

It fits great and the way I do the elastic you can adjust the size. This is the classic loop over the ear style mask.

What You Need to Make a Child Sized Mask

If you already sew, chances are that you have everything you need to make masks in your stash or craft bins. Otherwise the supplies are very inexpensive. 

• Fabric. Try to use a high quality 100% quilting cotton when possible. This is the most breathable option and tested best in filtration studies. 
• Elastic or stretchy material (I used 1/4 inch elastic since I had that on hand but 1/8 inch elastic, ribbon elastic, elastic cording, extra lengths of knit fabric to make loops, or anything similar would work)
• Loop turner (my personal fabric tool), bobkin, or a safety pin
• Sewing Machine and if you have it a serger is great but not necessary. If you are looking for a great inexpensive sewing machine this is my favorite I’ve recommended them and sew on them myself! 
• Pattern available in the files section of my FB group or get access via by using the widget below)

Download the Free Kids Face Mask Pattern

Enter your name and email in the form below to get access to my free face mask patterns and more. You will be send a confirmation email, once you confirm your email address in that email you will receive an email with a link and password to access ALL my printables and patterns.

Already a subscriber? Go here and use the password at the bottom of the last newsletter to access the download page and this printable now!

If you do not see the form above go here. 

How to Make a Child Sized Face Covering

1. Go here to get access to the printable pattern access emailed to you. 
2. Cut the fabric.
   1. child size: cut a 9 by 10 piece of fabric. If you are using a directional print just make sure the pattern looks right when you have the fabric folded in half to make a 9 inch across by 5 inch up and down rectangle. (for adult sizing mask pattern see this post)
3. Fold in half to make a 9x 5 inch rentable with the pretty sides of the fabric touching. With right sides together sew or serge the long edge together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. 
4. Turn right side out and iron. 
5. If you have a serger, serge down both short sides (yes you are serving the sides together and finishing the edges) if using a knit or if you don’t have a serger skip this step.
6. Mark the dark points with a fabric marker or pin. Use the cutting guide you can get my FB group in the files section or if you sign up for my mailing list you will be emailed the link to my downloads and the password to access them.
   1. To mark without the guide fold the fabric in half length wise then widthwise.
   2. Then fold one side over again widthwise and mark this will be the point of the dart.
   3. Mark the other end of the dart half way between the folded edge and the top edges when folded in half.
   4. You can see me doing the marking in the it sounds more confusing to type out but makes sense if you watch the video (scroll down to the tutorial box or click here)
7. Sew the darts. Make sure to backstitch to keep them nice and secure. 
8. Fold the darts down.
9. Fold the side ends of the mask over 1/2 inch and sew in place with a 1/8 seam allowance. If using woven fabric and you skipped step 5 do this step with a zigzag stitch making sure to go over the end edge of the fabric, this will keep it from unraveling. If you serged it already or are using knit the will not be a problem. Be sure to backstitch at both ends. 
10. For ear loops thread elastic pieces through the casings you just made. I cut the elastic to 11 inches that allows for a knot that will fit a variety of sizes that can be tied tighter or looser!
11. If it is for someone you can fit it to hold the mask to their face and knot the elastic to make a great fit. If it is a gift knot loosely and stop on this step. Have your recipient fit it to themselves after they receive it.
12. Once the knot is tied tightly pull the elastic around to hid the knot in the casing.

Why Make a Behind the Head Face Mask For Kids

But what happens if you have a kid who gets annoyed by elastic around their ears. Or in my case have kids doing activities where they are required to wear coverings but they are moving around and it would be very easy for the mask to pop off?

I did not want my kid (and nieces and friends kids and your kids) to have to fiddle with their mask. I mean ewwwww right? Keep those hands off of the face as much as possible. 

What I decided to do was attached the elastic as one big strap that would form a loops behind the head instead of over the ears. This was great for two reasons.

It made the mask harder to fall off AND if it did come off (or get pulled off) the covering would just be around the kiddo’s neck and not on the floor or on some other gross surface.

How to Make a Behind the Neck Face Covering 

Now I’ve only made the behind the head style of masks for the kids so far since my husband and I are fine with the classic style and no-sew style over the ear mask. But you can absolutely do this in an adult size. Just follow the same directions but use the adult sized pattern for the fabric part!

While this is a great style, there are a few down sides. This uses more elastic and the fit is less flexible. 

That being said my recommendation is if you are making these for specific people that you have them try it on while you fit the elastic. If you are gifting these I would cut a generous portion of elastic and just allow them to retie and cut it down smaller if necessary. 

For example my 12 year old niece’s elastic was 2 inches longer than my 6 year old son’s. In the over the ear style I just need to tug on the knot a tiny bit extra for my son but I cut the elastic the same.

The only difference for this style starts at step 10 in the above directions. I’m going to re-write them out again for the skimmers and those who like to hear things in slightly different ways. But steps 1-9 are the same.

1. Print the pattern (free to email subscribers) or just watch the step by step video (scroll down to the tutorial box or click here) /follow the cutting marking directions below
2. Cut a 9×10 inch piece of fabric. 
3. Fold int a 9X5 inch rectangle with right sides together and sew or serge the 9 inch sides together.
4. Turn right side out and iron. 
5. If you have a serger, serge down both short sides.
6. Mark the dark points with a fabric marker or pin. Use the cutting guide you can get my FB group in the files section or if you sign up for my mailing list you will be emailed the link to my downloads and the password to access them.
   1. To mark without the guide fold the fabric in half length (hotdog bun) wise then widthwise (hamburger bun)
   2. Then fold one side over again widthwise and mark this will be the point of the dart. You can also use a ruler to mark 2.25 inches and then 6.75 inches.
   3. Mark the other end of the dart half way between the folded edge and the top edges when folded in half. 
   4. You can see me doing the marking in the video it sounds more confusing to type out but makes sense if you watch.
7. Sew the darts. Make sure to backstitch to keep them nice and secure. 
8. Fold the darts down.
9. Fold the side ends of the mask over 1/2 inch and sew in place to make a casing, be sure the space is wide enough for your elastic when. If using woven fabric and you skipped step 5 do this step with a zigzag stitch making sure to go over the end edge of the fabric, this will keep it from unraveling. If you serged it already or are using knit the will not be a problem. Be sure to backstitch at both ends. 
10. For behind the neck style. Cut one long pice of elastic for my 12 year old 25 inches worked for the 6 year old 23 inches was best. But head sizes vary greatly so if you have access to the kiddo I’d thread the elastic and then try it on them before I cut.
11. Thread the elastic through the casing to form two long loops across the back. Tie a knot to make it snug. I start but threading through the casing then across the back length of the mask, through the other casing and then bring the ends of the elastic to meet each other.
12. If it is for someone you can fit it to hold the mask to their face and knot the elastic to make a great fit. If it is a gift knot loosely and stop on this step. Have your recipient fit it to themselves after they receive it.
13. Once the knot is tied tightly pull the elastic around to hid the knot in the casing.

I hope this helps you. If you find yourself wanting a little more help please feel free to join my free facebook community and ask questions!

If you make this I would love to hear what size elastic works for your kids and what ages they are.

Kids Face Mask

How to Sew a Face Mask For Kids

Print Project

Pin Project

Supplies 

• Fabric
• Elastic or stretchy material

Instructions

• Download the pattern
• Cut the fabric. child size: cut a 9 by 10 piece of fabric. If you are using a directional print just make sure the pattern looks right when you have the fabric folded in half to make a 9 inch across by 5 inch up and down rectangle. (for adult sizing mask pattern see this post)
• Fold in half to make a 9x 5 inch rentable with the pretty sides of the fabric touching. With right sides together sew or serge the long edge together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
• Turn right side out and iron.
• If you have a serger, serge down both short sides (yes you are serving the sides together and finishing the edges) if using a knit or if you don’t have a serger skip this step.
• Mark the dark points with a fabric marker or pin. Use the cutting guide you can get my FB group in the files section or if you sign up for my mailing list you will be emailed the link to my downloads and the password to access them.
• To mark without the guide fold the fabric in half length wise then widthwise.
• Then fold one side over again widthwise and mark this will be the point of the dart.
• Mark the other end of the dart half way between the folded edge and the top edges when folded in half.
• You can see me doing the marking in the video it sounds more confusing to type out but makes sense if you watch.
• Sew the darts. Make sure to backstitch to keep them nice and secure.
• Fold the darts down.
• Fold the side ends of the mask over 1/2 inch and sew in place with a 1/8 seam allowance. If using woven fabric and you skipped step 5 do this step with a zigzag stitch making sure to go over the end edge of the fabric, this will keep it from unraveling. If you serged it already or are using knit the will not be a problem. Be sure to backstitch at both ends.
• For ear loops thread elastic pieces through the casings you just made. I cut the elastic to 11 inches that allows for a knot that will fit a variety of sizes that can be tied tighter or looser!
• If it is for someone you can fit it to hold the mask to their face and knot the elastic to make a great fit. If it is a gift knot loosely and stop on this step. Have your recipient fit it to themselves after they receive it.
• Once the knot is tied tightly pull the elastic around to hid the knot in the casing.
• For behind the neck style. Cut one long pice of elastic for my 12 year old 25 inches worked for the 6 year old 23 inches was best. But head sizes vary greatly so if you have access to the kiddo I’d thread the elastic and then try it on them before I cut.
• Thread the elastic through the casing to form two long loops across the back. Tie a knot to make it snug. I start but threading through the casing then across the back length of the mask, through the other casing and then bring the ends of the elastic to meet each other.
• If it is for someone you can fit it to hold the mask to their face and knot the elastic to make a great fit. If it is a gift knot loosely and stop on this step. Have your recipient fit it to themselves after they receive it.
• Once the knot is tied tightly pull the elastic around to hid the knot in the casing.

Video

Equipment

• Sewing Machine
• serger (optiona)
• loop turner

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