As the world population battles COVID-19, my moods have swung from disbelief to sadness, then anger and fear. I suspect the mood swings are not over, but for me, staying busy keeps the anxiety at bay.
A Facebook group called Crafters Against COVID-19 *PDX* was created March 18. By April 1st , over 8000 Portland area members had delivered 5427 homemade masks to Multnomah County Health Department. The County is distributing them to care facilities and shelters.

Sew Many Good Patterns!
I have made 200 masks using four different patterns. All were good patterns, but not all were suitable for production-like sewing. A few days ago, I found another pattern that I will use going forward. It goes together very quickly. The finished product is attractive and easy to wear. It hugs the face around the edges, while leaving a bit of breathing room at the nose and mouth.
The pattern was created by Liz Schaffner, owner and creative genius (I kid you not) of Moments by Liz. She has many great patterns with innovative sewing techniques. I learn a lot from Liz and her talented group members. Liz shared the free pattern with the members of her private Facebook group.
I modified the pattern to comply with the Crafters group guidelines and to make it more suitable for production-like sewing. After a few trial runs, I was able to make a mask in about one half the time it took to make any of the other masks. And, the mask is so much easier to wear.
I sent Liz a photo of my finished mask and she has generously allowed me to make the modified version public.
The pattern was created by Liz Schaffner, owner and creative genius (I kid you not) of Moments by Liz. She has many great patterns with innovative sewing techniques. I learn a lot from Liz and her talented group members. Liz shared the free pattern with the members of her private Facebook group.
I modified the pattern to comply with the Crafters group guidelines and to make it more suitable for production-like sewing. After a few trial runs, I was able to make a mask in about one half the time it took to make any of the other masks. And, the mask is so much easier to wear.
I sent Liz a photo of my finished mask and she has generously allowed me to make the modified version public.
Download free PDF version here.
Supplies
For each pattern, you need:
Thank you Liz Schaffner, Moments by Liz, for the great pattern and for allowing me to share.
- 8" x 10" 100% cotton outer fabric
- 8" x 10" 100% cotton lining fabric
- two 9" pieces of elastic (updated December 6, 2020) 7" elastic was too short after several washings
Instructions
Cutting and Turning
Folding the "Liz" Pleats
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Fold the bottom up on one side
about 3/8” to 1/2” above the side corner.
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Hold the top of the fold in place and pull the lower corner to the right so the edge is parallel to the side of the mask, as pictured below. |
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Pin in place. |
Top Stitch Finish
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Insert one end of a 7” piece of elastic into the pleat next to the fold and as far as it will go. Top stitch to the side of the mask on top of the pleat catching the elastic inside. Pivot. |
You are done! So easy!
Thank you Liz Schaffner, Moments by Liz, for the great pattern and for allowing me to share.