Boat style mask with filter pocket and wire on a home-printed fabric

One popular Asian-style mask is the “boat-shape” or “box-shaped” mask. It creates a 3-D structure to allow more breathing room and it keeps the shape better than the pleated mask after machine wash. You can sew a channel for wire inset and a pocket for any disposable filter.

For this project, I printed out my own peace sign fabric with the help of canva.com, a piece of freezer paper, and a home printer. You can find more info about designing and printing your own fabric on my previous post with the #NY tough mask. You do not need a custom fabric for the mask project. Any woven cotton or cotton blend fabric will work well here.

The video tutorial is at the bottom of this blog.

Material

We are making an average sized adult mask. The ear loop elastic is adjustable to fit different sizes. You can modify the pattern for kids versions.

Fabric: (2) 7 x 10 inches woven cotton – one for front and one for the back.

(1) 6 x 6 inches square fabric – for filter cover, a thin fabric will be enough.

(2) 12-inch long elastic – You can cut longer if not sure about the fit because it will be knotted to adjust the fit.

(1) 4-inch metal wire (optional)

Step by step tutorial

Pattern

The pattern is basically a 7 x 10-inch rectangle, with 2″ marks from the corners and cut diagonally. We need 2 pieces of this shape. And the filter pocket is a 6 x 6 inch square of light-weight cotton fabric.

Custom fabric is optional

Draw the pattern

Cut all 3 pieces

Finish the 2 sides of the filter pocket

Layer them correctly and sew the outline

Turn inside out and sew close the opening

Fold the top and bottom sides to the center line and sew

Fold the angled line in half and turn so it is parallel to the edge before sewing

Sew the nose wire channel leaving an opening for insert

Sew the ear loop channels

Tie the knots or sew up the elastics

Watch our video tutorial for sewing the boat shape mask