This year has been a very strange one. Earlier in the year people were encouraged to wear masks to protect each other from this awful virus. Now it is mandatory in pubic places and shops, but no one said they had to be boring!
Why not make them as fun as possible. In this tutorial I am making a candy cane inspired mask for the festive period, but this pattern can be made and decorated in anyway you like. make it fun and make it yours.
First we need to cut out the pattern pieces in the chosen fabric. I found this perfect candy cane striped fabric in my stash. You need to cut 2 front pieces and 2 back pieces. The front pieces are slightly longer than the back pieces to allow for turning the elastic channels later.
Next, with right sides together, sew the curved centre seam and notch/ snip the seam allowance for a smooth curve when turned out the right side out.
Once you have sewn the centre seam on the from and back pieces you can decorate your front pieces. I chose these fun trims out of my stash.I think they look like icing ?
Once you’re happy with your decorations, place your front and back pieces together with right sides facing and stitch along the top and bottom, leaving the 2 ends open.
Notch/ snip along any curved edges for a smooth edge when turned out the right way out.
Turn out the mask to the right side. It should look like a tube at this stage. Give it a quick press and then fold over the ends to form the channels for the elastic.
Once you have made your channels, take your mask and measure how much elastic you will need to make your ear loops. I found a fun red stretch ribbon that I thought worked brilliantly and tied to with a knot. I snipped the ends to stop it fraying g and make it look like a gift wrapped present. If you are using a regular elastic I would have pulled the knot through the channel so it wasn’t visible.
There you have it. A finished mask! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and you make one for yourself. Have fun and be creative. You could even make them as gifts for friends.
Merry Christmas
Sam x