New York Times Surgical Mask

Mask Pattern and Instructions

I make my masks with fabric straps. There are several ways to make fabric straps, wheres one. Cut a fabric strip 1.5” wide to the length desired. Iron in half lengthwise, then fold the sides into the middle and iron again. Iron this in half and sew along the edge.

The pattern states to cut two pieces of fabric measuring 9.5” by 6.5”. I found this to make an unusually long mask. I’d recommend 8.5”x6.5”.

Lay down fabric rectangle print/front side fabric up and pin the straps to the corners.

Lay the second piece of fabric on top of the bottom piece, print side /the side you want showing, faced down. The straps should be tucked inside these two layers. It’s important to use two kinds of fabric for front and back so the wearer can easily identify the front of the mask. If you only have one type of fabric just make sure to mark the front or back to differentiate.

Sew all along the edge of the rectangle keeping a 2” slot open at the bottom of the mask so you can turn the mask inside out. Make sure to reinforce the area at straps by sewing over the straps twice.

Turn the mask inside out.

If you want to sewing in a piece of metal to shape the nose (which I recommend for this surgical style mask), do so now.

Pin three folds on both sides of the mask. Fold should face down.

Side view of mask pleats

You’re done!

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