For those of you who are STILL MAKING FACE MASKS, I am going to show you how to make adjustable face mask earloops that are comfortable and don’t require any beads or other hardware. This simple slip knot technique is easy to do and makes adjusting your mask a snap. You can sew these earloops into any of your favorite mask designs.
The secret for comfort is the stretchy fabric strips. You can make your own using upcycled t-shirts, tights, leggings (watch the tutorial HERE) and read this post for some great face mask tie ideas and tips. Or you can simply buy the fabric already cut, stretched, and rolled onto a bolt.
I love this product from FARMYARN. It’s 100% recycled selvage edges from stretchy lycra fabric, and it’s very reasonably priced.
So if you’re making a lot of masks, this is the route I recommend! This stuff can also be used for so many other things and it’s much more comfortable than scratchy elastic! You can purchase it from several places. Here are a few. Amazon, Etsy, and ebay.
Do you have a bunch of tie face masks that you want to convert over to earloops? I have that covered. This post and video tutorial will show you just how to do that.
ITEMS AND MATERIALS NEEDED
- Stretchy fabric strips / 2 – 9 inches (23 cm), 2 – 6 inches (15.5 cm)
- Scissors
- Face mask to put them in (Check out my face mask patterns HERE)
I have a Youtube video that you can watch and it really helps if you’re a visual person (like me). You can access the video at the end of the post.
FACE MASK EARLOOPS INSTRUCTIONS
1-Take the small strip and make a small loop at the bottom of the strip.
2-Wrap the long end around the loop and poke through the loop.
3-Pull it through while you’re holding onto the two ends to tighten. (Don’t tighten all the way at this point).
4-Take the long strip and make a knot at one end. (This will keep the strip from pulling through the loop when washing your mask). Thread the other end through the loop you just made and cinch it up by pulling the strip that slides to tighten. (You want it to be able to slide, but also be able to hold in place).
5-Hold the two slip knot ends and cut to even length.
6-Do the same thing to make a set.
HOW TO SEW FACE MASK EARLOOPS INTO MASK
1-Insert the end of the strip without the knot, into the top side of the mask. (Just below the top seam allowance) Allow the strip to overhang the mask by about 1/2 inch.
2-Place the two slip knot strips at the bottom side of the mask, just above the seam allowance, and sticking out 1/2 past the edge of the fabric. TIP: Take a strip of masking tape and tape the knotted end the sliding stip to the inside and out of the way, so it won’t get sewn into the seam.
3-Do the same thing for the other earloop set.
4-Proceed with your face mask directions sewing the earloops into the side seams of the mask. Make sure to leave an opening for turning the mask inside out.
5- Turn inside out, remove the tape, clip seams, and proceed with your face mask instructions.
Play Video
I hope this was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
Happy face mask making!
Jan Howell
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Jan Howell
Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.
