How to make a face mask using a Cricut machine
March 21, 2020 • Contributor: Cricut Blog Team
We’ve seen so many of you creating projects to support your families and communities during this time. It’s absolutely inspired us. We know there’s a need for face masks and so we’ve created an easy-to-make free pattern on Design Space you can access here (multiple sizes available including youth sizes). Please see our caution notice below regarding use of the face masks.
We want to make sure you know that these face masks can be made a number of ways:
- If you have a Cricut Maker, you can cut fabric on your machine.
- If you have a Cricut Explore machine, you can cut paper to trace the pattern on fabric.
- If you don't have a Cricut machine, we have a downloadable PDF pattern available below.
And if you don't have a sewing machine
We just introduced a no-sew face mask that's easy to make if you don't have a sewing machine. You can check out the no-sew face mask here.
Face mask tutorial using your Cricut Maker
This step-by-step tutorial will cover how to cut a face mask on your Cricut Maker. The project cuts a large adult face mask but additional sizes are available. Be sure to select the size with the best fit. We recommend only using tightly woven 100% cotton or cotton/poly blend fabrics.
Caution: This mask is NOT rated for disease control. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has provided the following information regarding homemade face masks: The role of face masks is for patient source control, to reduce contamination of the surrounding area when a person coughs or sneezes. Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a face mask until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. Most face masks do not effectively filter small particles from the air and do not prevent leakage around the edge of the mask when the user inhales.* When professional face masks are not available, healthcare personnel might use homemade masks for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, caution should be exercised when considering this option since their capability to protect healthcare personnel is unknown.
Watch a video tutorial on how to cut your face mask on a Cricut machine
Watch a video tutorial on how to assemble your face mask cut on a Cricut machine
If you don't have elastic, check out some alternative materials that you can use to fasten the face mask
Supplies you’re going to need:
- Cricut Maker
- FabricGrip Machine Mat - 12" x 24"
- Washable Fabric Pen
- Brayer
- 1/4" (6 mm) Braided Elastic
- For adult large: 20"
- For adult small/medium: 18"
- For youth large: 16"
- For youth small/medium: 15"
- Rotary Cutter
- Scissors
- Small Safety Pin
- Fabric of your choice:
- 8" x 16" (20.3 cm x 40.6 cm) (for outside fabric)
- 7" x 16" (17.8 cm x 40.6 cm) (for inside fabric)
- Nice to have: Cricut EasyPress Mini
Choose the face mask size you want to make in Design Space:
If you don't have a Cricut machine, you can download the face mask patterns here:
Quick prep:
- We recommend reading through all project steps before beginning.
- To make changes to this project, use the Mat Preview screen to move pieces to different mats or colors. We do not recommend rotating the pieces, as they are arranged to follow the grain of the fabric.
- Before cutting, make sure to pre-shrink fabric by pre-washing washables or steam-pressing non-washables.
- Pre-cut fabric by hand to fit on mat. Please note the direction of the grain for each fabric piece.
Cut your pattern:
- All of the piece numbers on the mat preview should be drawing in the direction of the grain.
- Mat 1: Place the 8" x 16" (20.3 cm x 40.6 cm) piece of dark blue fabric right (pattern) side down onto the mat with the grain running the length of the mat.
- Mat 2: Place the 7" x 16" (17.8 cm x 40.6) piece of light blue fabric (pattern) side down onto the mat with the grain running the length of the mat.
Let’s assemble it:
Step 1: Gather all of the pieces and press if necessary.

Step 2: Match up dark blue outer pieces, right sides together and sew the curved portion with a 1/4" (6 mm) seam. Repeat with the liner piece. Snip along the curve, careful to not cut through the stitching.

Step 3: Press the straight edges down about 1/4" (6 mm) away from the edge on the liner.

Step 4: Stitch close to the edge on the liner piece.

Step 5: Press the straight edges down about 1/4" (6 mm) away from the edge on the liner.

Step 6: Fold the outer piece over and press to create the casing for the elastic. Stitch close to the previously pressed edge to leave enough room for the elastic.

Step 7: Press the curved seam to one side and top stitch along that side of the curved seam of each the outer and liner pieces.

Step 8: Align the outer and liner pieces, right sides together, and stitch along the top and bottom with a 1/4" (6 mm) seam. Backstitch to reinforce seams where necessary. Leave the sides open.

Step 9: Trim and snip as necessary. Turn through one of the side openings and press all seams. Top stitch along the top and bottom, reinforcing as necessary.

Step 10: Thread elastic through the bottom casing on one side using a small safety pin. Continue threading through the top of the other side of the mask until you meet back up with the other end of the elastic.

Step 11: Connect the elastic with a zigzag stitch, making sure that elastic is not twisted. Move the stitch part of the elastic into the casing for comfort.

Step 12: Place a filter in the mask through the side openings if desired.

You did it! Now make some more!
For more information regarding respirator use, please click here
For more information regarding face masks, please click here
Thank you to our Cricut community
Keep sharing all your incredible projects that are making a positive impact! We can’t wait to see what your make. #togetherwemake #cricutbekind

Can a video be added
We’ll be posting a video later today!
Where does it tell you the elastic length? I realize each person is different size but there must be an average size for each of these
We updated the length needed in the post above!
I am going to look thru some of my material to see what I can use to make some. A great idea. Thank you.
These can be cut even on the original Cricut? I never thought mine would cut fabric. I’m sort of mass producing to donate and that will make it go faster for sure.
If you do not have a blade that will cut fabric, keep in mind that you can cut a pattern out on plain paper and still make these masks.
Please advise how long the elastic should be.
We updated sizing for each face mask in the post above!
When you have the pdf would you please email me. I do not have a circuit but would love to make these
Email me, I’ll see if I can make it into PDF or at least a picture to send it to you.
PDF pattern links are updated above!
How long is the elastic? I dont see any mention.
I seen in another tutorial that the elastic would be cut 7″ for adult masks.
For adults I used 8-10” per side, and for kids 5-6” per side.
Measure and cut the length of the elastic band needed (usually around 6″-8″ depending on the size of the face).
Please see sizing updated in the post above!
Can you please give some help on cutting sizes for tie-able straps. Not many of us have elastic on hand and I think would help many concour this much needed project.Thank You!
For the elastic, I have read to use 7” on each side. If you are using something to tie, I would probably do 12 inch ties.
Have you thought about a YouTube video for those of us who are not great at following patterns.
We’ll have a video posted later today!
Hi unable to open the sizes patterns, how can I open the link? Please let me know thanks.
I can’t get the patterns to open either? Is there another link? Other than that, guess I’ll check out the DIY’s on YouTube.
Sorry to hear that how can we help?
Please try again and see if it works!
I would like to contribute to this cause. Do we make these as disposable
items or re-use washables? I have plenty of extra supplies on hand may I
substitute how bands are made? EX: ribbon, straps, split hairbands (elastic coated)
Stay Safe,
Tere Amerine
Ive read that they need to be made out of 100% cotton and light colored so it is easy to see if they are soiled .Measure and cut the length of the elastic band needed (usually around 6″-8″ depending on the size of the face).
How much elastic per mask?
Please give us an approximate size chart for the elastic. I have 2 dozen sitting here waiting on that info. I made 1 dozen large and 1 dozen sm/med.
7” for each elastic piece
I have used between 8-10” per side for adults and 5-6” per side for kids
6″-8″ depending on the size of the face
I asked cricut about the elastic length. They said Large size 20″ , Small to Medium 18″ and Kids 15 to 16″
Sizing is updated above in the blog post! Thanks for your feedback.
I used 8” and overlapped an inch.
Please send the pdf pattern to me as well. I do not have a cutter but am a sewer and would like the pattern info. Thanks.
Hi, I don’t have a cricut but would appreciate getting access to a PDF pattern. Also, you mention slots open on the side where you van insert a filter. What are you using as filter please?
Thank you!
Janine in Montréal
Please, Please, PLEASE make a PDF version of the pattern available ASAP!!! I can put my whole family to work cutting and sewing with physical templates faster than using my Maker. PLEASE and thank you!!
It’s available now above!
Something else that I added on mine is a 4 inch piece of coated floral wire (with the ends bent over to ‘curl’ the ends) sewn into the top center of the mask. Put it in before you top stitch) That will allow the wearer to pinch the mask on top of the nose like OR masks do, forming it to the face.
I’m looking forward to the PDF. Thanks!
It’s now available!
I’ve read in other patterns to use 7″. You might want to try one on and estimate the length?
Updated length of elastic needed above!
The links will NOT open. Can anyone send me the pattern via email. Thank you..
How can we help?!
I am trying to make these for my husband who is a critical care nurse to wear over his N95 mask so they last longer. For some reason when I click on the large face mask nothing happens, it just takes me to a blank page.
Do you have to have the cricut maker to make the mask. I have the cricut air
You can use an Explore machine to cut paper patterns and then trace on to fabric. We have that option in Design Space!
Could you please do a YouTube tutorial?
We will be posting one later today!
I love this tutorial. But I wish there was more info concerning the machine and placement of the pen, fabric on mat, etc…I had a hard time at the beginning as I’m a visual learner, a video or step by step pics of cricut and fabric would be amazing. Thanks for the free project though! Perfect for this time!
We’ll be posting a video with that information today. Stay tuned!!
I have been making some of these also. I have found several versions of the pattern, yet NONE indicate the length of the elastic that should be used. I see there are several people in the same situation as myself. Is there anybody monitoring these comments to respond with the info? PLEASE!!!
We updated with elastic length above!
What is the length of the elastic ?
Updated above!
Need elastic width and length for each size. I Love This Idea.
I will be hand sewing some face masks. Please send the pattern to my email. Thanks!
People, just measure on your own head, or your husband’s and add an inch to sew elastic ends together.
Can this be made on the Cricut explorer?
You can cut paper patterns with your Cricut and then trace on fabric! We have that option available in Design Space.
Please send off pattern when able. I dont have a cricut. Thank you.
We updated with the pattern link above!
Everyone keeps asking about the elastic. Measure and cut the length of the elastic band needed (usually around 6″-8″ depending on the size of the face).
We updated length needed above!
I am making these (without a cricut) and I am using 1/4 or 1/2 inch elastic, 7 inches for each piece.
Thank you for this but I can’t find it can someone tell me where I can get the pattern thank u
Did you try clicking on the links for Design Space?
I have used 26 inches of elastic. That leaves a little to fiddle with in case more slack is needed.
We updated with exact sizing above. Thank you!
Wow this is a great idea. Can’t wait to try once the file comes out for us who don’t have the Cricut machine just yet 😊
Re elastic size. Put some in pull i through adjust with a pin until you have the right size for the elastic and then remove and measure it.
We updated the size elastic you’re going to need!
This will take quite a long piece of elastic. Other patterns I’ve used just used two pieces that went around the ears. This one looks like it goes behind the neck and over the top of the head. I used two pieces of bias tape to tie instead. They’ll need to be around 24” long each to tie easily.
We updated the post with the elastic length you’ll need – 20″ is the most for the adult large mask!
A video would be tremendous! Please post a video!
We’ll be posting a video later today!
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My Cricut only uses a 12×12 mat. Is there anyway I can get the patter cut in half? I realize that will mean more a little more work but while I can cut some by hand my Cricut could still help me out some also.
Hope this question isn’t to weird lol 😆
Thanks
LOL I meant only “HAS” a 12×12 mat sorry about that, was multitasking at the time. I may try to find a 12x 24 and just order it.
Thanks again
Gracias.
Has anyone tried to make a three layer mask (with lining for the outer piece?). Do you find it works best to join the outer piece and lining first or the lining and pocket? Would love to hear about your experience!
I was wondering why each mask file comes with 3 pieces. The video and explanation only use pieces 1 and 2. What is the 3rd piece for?
About PDF version, what is number 3 piece in the last page of each PDF? Thanks
We updated the PDF to reflect the video and tutorial. That third piece was originally planned for a filter pattern.
Thank you!!
I was wondering why each mask file comes with 3 pieces. The video and explanation only use pieces 1 and 2. What is the 3rd piece for, filter?
Yep! We updated the PDF to reflect the video and tutorial. That third piece was originally planned for a filter pattern.
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing
You’re welcome!
I can not find the pattern as you specified being ” at the bottom of the page.”
Hi Diana, here is a direct link to the pattern on Design Space: https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5e762b1020032c118c91386b
What cricut machines are the best to use for these masks.. I have an older one and it will not make or accept a pattern for mask. Which newer one would you suggest?
Hi Leslie,
Our Cricut Maker machine can cut fabric with its rotary blade, while the Cricut Explore Air 2 can only cut fabric that is backed with a stabilizer, like Heat-n-bond. Depending on your needs, either of those machines may be suitable to assist you in mask-making.