The DIY Face Mask Book of Sketches

Five mask-making approaches give this practical sewing booklet its appeal: start with a no-sew fabric or sock design, then move on to sewn options such as a fitted neoprene style, a three-pleat mask, or a reversible version. Rorie Higgins keeps the focus on patterns, materials, and clear construction steps—useful for readers who want to make and adapt projects with fabric and basic sewing supplies.

Choose a project to suit your sewing comfort

The designs range from cutting and fitting stretchy fabric without sewing to projects that call for a needle and thread or sewing machine. Each approach offers a different construction method, so readers can explore simple cuts, a custom-fit shape, pleats, or a reversible design.

Follow the details from fabric to finished mask

For the sewn projects, Higgins identifies the materials and tools involved and illustrates steps such as pinning, stitching, turning fabric right-side out, adding elastic, inserting a nose wire, and sewing pleats in place. The three-pleat instructions also give separate rectangle measurements for child and adult sizes.

Make the pattern your own

A particularly useful idea is to test the custom-fit design in felt, try it on, and trim it before using the adjusted shape as a pattern for the final fabric. Higgins also suggests tracing patterns onto felt or cardboard so they can be kept for future use.

A hands-on craft booklet, with an important caveat

This is a project-focused guide for sewing enthusiasts who appreciate direct instructions and room to adjust a pattern. Higgins is clear that the masks made from these designs are not medical-grade personal protective equipment and should not replace other recommended health measures.

For a small, varied set of sewing projects centered on practical pattern-making, The DIY Face Mask Book of Sketches offers several approaches to try at the worktable.