Learn how to make a pretty neck scarf face mask, with or without a filter pocket. Super pretty and stylish, and no elastic needed!
I recently started a new sewing group filled with kindred spirits, people who love to sew beautiful things! There are many very experienced sewists in this group, as well as many who being introduced (or re-introduced) to the world of sewing through the making of face masks! One of the first requests this group had for me was to create a stylish scarf face mask, the kind that looks feminine, dressy, and stylish! So I designed this pretty neck scarf face mask that can double as a trendy scarf when you don’t need the face mask itself — you just tuck it under! I’m happy to share this pattern with you and show you how to sew this pretty scarf face mask!
Why Face Masks? The CDC continues to recommend that everyone over the age of 2 wear cloth face coverings when leaving their homes. And recently, many states have started requiring that we wear face masks in public. This 2-3 layer face mask with an optional filter pocket is intended to prevent or slow community transmission and fulfill public mask-wearing requirements.
Here’s how cute the scarf face mask looks when you have the mask part tucked in!
This scarf face mask is very lightweight, yet can still accommodate an optional filter if you choose. It ties behind your neck, just like a scarf:
Learn more about face masks and get more answers to your questions in my DIY Face Mask Guide:
Ready to make your own neck scarf face masks? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to do it. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
Materials to Make a Pretty Scarf Face Mask with an Optional Filter Pocket
View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items we used to make this project!
- One yard of stretchy Lyocell (rayon) fabric or stretchy cotton interlock knit fabric— I used this green fabric with gold bees
- (Optional) 1/2″ wide trim — I used this Cluny lace edging
- (Optional) 1/4″ wide elastic, 11 inches (I didn’t use it in this tutorial — I opted to make my ear loops from the same fabric instead)
- Thread
- Pins (for keeping fabric attached while sewing)
- (Optional) Something you can use as a filter — see my Face Mask Materials List for notes, effectiveness, and breathability so you can make an informed decision
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Sewing machine as shown in the video, this sewing machine as another option, or needle and thread for hand sewing
- A way to cut your material, such as a rotary blade or scissors
- Design #224 – My free scarf face mask printable PDF pattern ( available here and in my free resource library—get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)
How to Cut and Sew a Pretty Scarf Face Mask
Pretty Scarf Face Mask
Step-by-step directions to sew a pretty scarf face mask that can double as a fashion accessory.
Materials
Instructions
Step 1: Get my free Pretty Scarf Face Mask pattern
My free printable PDF pattern for the Scarf Face Mask is Design #224 which is available in my resource library (get the password to the library in the form at the bottom of this post), or click here!
Here's what the Pretty Scarf Mask PDF pattern looks like printed out and taped together.
Note: This pattern is not available as an SVG because it is too large to fit on a Cricut cutting mat.
Step 2: Cut out your Scarf Face Mask pattern pieces from fabric
I recommend you use Lyocell fabric for this scarf face mask, as it is hypoallergenic, very soft, and breathable. Lyocell, which is a type of rayon (NOT a polyester), is composed of nanofibrils — literally very, very small fibers — which research has shown at being good at capturing virus particles because moisture particles can get stuck and then cannot pass through. For this tutorial, I'm using a mint green Lyocell fabric. You could also use a 100% cotton interlock stretchy cotton knit, but it would drape a little differently and not be so lightweight.
Tip: Pay attention to the fabric grain and pattern direction noted on the printed pattern.
Just print out the printable PDF, tape it together, cut out each pattern piece as directed, and use it to cut your fabric. Note that your fabric is folded in half before cutting each layer.
Note: I'm using my DIY pattern weights to hold my pattern in place while I cut my fabric in the below photo.
Tip: If you plan to make a LOT of these scarf face masks, print out your patterns on cardstock for tracing!
Here are all the pattern pieces cut out from the fabric (note that the two scarf pieces are on top of each other in this photo):
Step 3: (Optional) Make a filter pocket
If you want to add the filter pocket to your scarf face mask, cut out a piece of fabric with the filter pocket pattern.
Take the layer of fabric that will be your bottom scarf (inside layer) of your scarf face mask, turn it over so the wrong side is showing, and place your filter pocket piece on top of it, offsetting it one inch down from the top edge. Pin in place.
Note: Pay attention to which side of your filter pocket fabric is facing up. If you want to see your pattern, be sure the pattern side is facing up. I chose to put my fabric on facing down because I wanted a smooth surface against my mouth.
Sew the filter pocket to the bottom scarf (inside layer) of the face mask along the two edges and bottom at 1/4" seam allowance with a long zigzag stitch, leaving the top opening (the side closest to the top edge) open.
Note: The zigzag stitch is important for allowing your stitches to stretch with the fabric, otherwise your stitches may break as the fabric stretches with use.
Step 4: (Optional) Add trim to scarves
Sew trim along the long straight edges of both the top and bottom scarf. I've marked the places you can add trim with a red dotted line on the pattern.
I used the same long zigzag stitch to secure the trim to the scarf as I did in step 3.
Note: I put trim on both the bottom and top scarf.
Step 5: Add the ear loops to your scarf face mask
Place the wrong side of your BOTTOM scarf on top of the right side of your TOP scarf, lining up the top edges, so that both right sides are visible like this:
Pin in place.
Cut two ear loops that are 5.5 inches long each. You can cut these from 1/4" elastic, or just cut a 3/4" x 5.5" strip from knit or lyocell. If you stretch knit or Lyocell fabric, it will roll in on itself and form a stretchy band that works like elastic.
Position one end of your ear loop about .5 inch down the side of the top corner of the face mask side. Make sure the ear loop end is mostly flush with the edge of the fabric.
Put the other end of your ear loop about 2.5" down the side of the veil face mask, also flush with the edge. The ear loop itself should be sandwiched inside your scarf face mask layers.
Pin both ends of the earloop in place on your scarf face mask.
Repeat with the earloop on the other side of the scarf face mask.
Pin the edges of the layers along the top together, too. It'll make it much easier to sew if it is pinned together!
Tip: You can fold over the edge of the wings for a neat look:
Step 6: Sew your scarf face mask
Now sew all around the curved and top edges of your scarf face mask with your zigzag stitch. Do NOT sew the long straight sides.
Clip the curves for a smoother look. Just be careful not to clip into any stitches. Clipping allows your curved seam to.lie flatter when you turn it right side out.
Turn the scarf face mask right side out and press if you like.
Congratulations! You made a pretty scarf face mask!!
To wear it, put the ear loops over your ears and then tie the scarf behind your neck.
When you don't need to.wear the face mask part, just tuck it under the scarf!
Then go about your day wearing just a pretty scarf!
Notes
Be sure to use a stretch stitch, like the zigzag stitch, whenever sewing stretchy fabric like Lyocell or interlock knit.
Answers to Your Questions About Making DIY Face Masks
Q: Do both sides of the face mask need to be different fabrics, or can I use the same fabric?
A: Usually I recommend you use different colors of patterns so you can tell the inside from the outside, but this design makes it really clear which side is which, so you can use the same fabric.
Q: I can’t find Lyocell or interlock knit. Can I use a T-shirt?
A: Yes, so long as it’s a stretchy T-shirt! See my list of Best Fabrics for Face Masks. Your goal is to find and use closely knit and STRETCHY cotton. You can tell how close it is by holding it up to bright light — if not too much light is visible between the threads, it’s probably good.
Q: What kind of sewing machine do you recommend? I am new to sewing and want to make these scarf face masks!
A: I am a big fan of Janome sewing machines, and that is the brand I am using in this tutorial. I think they are simple to use, affordable, and long-lasting. This is a good beginner sewing machine and the same one I use in this tutorial.
Q: I need to make a scarf mask for my child. Do you have a pattern that small?
A: I do not currently have a scarf face mask sized for a youth, as I’m not sure kids are interested in this style. If you want to make this style for a smaller person, let me know at [email protected]. Note that the CDC advises that children under the age of 2 should not wear a face covering. For more information on face masks for children, see my post that will answer all of your questions!
Q: Can I have to cut these scarf face masks on my Cricut?
A: No, because the largest pattern piece will not fit on the largest Cricut cutting mat.
Q: How do I wash my scarf face mask?
A: The CDC advises routinely washing your mask in a washing machine. The frequency of washing depends on your frequency of use. We wash our face masks daily after we’ve worn them.
Q: I can’t sew. Do you have a no-sew pattern?
A: Yes, we have a super easy no-sew face mask pattern here!
Read more about the CDC’s Cloth Face Mask Recommendations.
Get my free printable PDF and SVG files to make your own pretty scarf face mask!
Have questions? Come on over and ask in our Facebook group — everyone is welcome! We’d love to see your DIY scarf face masks, too! Please share them in the group or email us at [email protected].
Love,
Take a Look at My Other Face Mask Patterns and Learn More About Face Masks
Want to remember this? Save this Pretty Scarf Face Mask Pattern & Tutorial to your favorite Pinterest Board
Hi I’d like to make the scarf mask but cannot find the pdf for the pattern. I get your newsletter-that’s where I found the info but no pattern. How can I get it? Thank you.
Tracey
Hi Tracey, all of my free patterns are located in my resource library. The scarf mask will be listed near the top since it is a newer design.
Hi Jennifer,
While I love your patterns and tutorials, I find it frustrating that the turorials are not in a printer friendly format ( unless I am totally not seeing them ). Have you considered doing this?
Thanks, Josie
For my mask patterns and more recent projects, I do have the print option. Above the step-by-step instructions, you’ll see a list of Materials and tools. Right above that list, you should see a black print button (If you are seeing the yellow box, scroll down as you’ve gone too far). Please be aware that since my instructions are very detailed, the instructions can be multiple pages. If you are having problems finding the print button, please go ahead and email me at [email protected] and we will be happy to help!
really enjoy your crafts & mask patterns
Love this pattern! I made one in about 45 minutes tonight to wear to an in person job interview tomorrow. I already feel like I will be protected and look professional. Thank you for another option!
Alyssa, I am so happy you’ve enjoyed the pattern. Best of luck with your job interview!
Thanks for the pattern. I’m going to make some for my mother in law. She’s 90 years old and a huge baseball nut. She saw some of the players wearing neck gaiters and thinks she might like these better than the ear loop masks she’s been using. Plus I can make them in a stylish fabric so she can feel pretty! I think the masks are here to stay for a long time so why not try to be as comfortable and attractive as possible. I love the idea of having something that is always on you. I have my own little office at work and I take my mask off in there. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve started to head off for the rest room and had to turn back to grab my mask.
I never thought of making a scarf mask before. I have a tee shirt that is fairly light that will work perfectly for this. Thank you for making this group, with the free patterns (that are easier to use than the ones I paid for on etsy.com). I look forward to making this pattern along with many more of your patterns. Thank you.
on the bottom mask pattern , it says to cut 2 ? so would there be three layers to the scarf
appreciate any help
Hi Bunny! While you don’t have to, you could do a filter layer in between. Hope this helps.