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:

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

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96 thoughts on “How to make a face mask using a Cricut machine”

  2. 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

  3. I am going to look thru some of my material to see what I can use to make some. A great idea. Thank you.

  4. 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.

  6. When you have the pdf would you please email me. I do not have a circuit but would love to make these

  8. 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.

  9. Have you thought about a YouTube video for those of us who are not great at following patterns.

  11. 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).

  13. 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.

  14. 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

  15. 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!!

  16. 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.

  18. I’ve read in other patterns to use 7″. You might want to try one on and estimate the length?

  20. 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.

    • You can use an Explore machine to cut paper patterns and then trace on to fabric. We have that option in Design Space!

  23. 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!

  24. 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!!!

  28. People, just measure on your own head, or your husband’s and add an inch to sew elastic ends together.

    • You can cut paper patterns with your Cricut and then trace on fabric! We have that option available in Design Space.

  31. 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).

  32. I am making these (without a cricut) and I am using 1/4 or 1/2 inch elastic, 7 inches for each piece.

  33. Thank you for this but I can’t find it can someone tell me where I can get the pattern thank u

  34. I have used 26 inches of elastic. That leaves a little to fiddle with in case more slack is needed.

  35. 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 😊

  36. 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.

  37. 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!

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  41. 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

  43. 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!

  44. 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?

  46. 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.

  48. I can not find the pattern as you specified being ” at the bottom of the page.”

  49. 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.

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