Order From Mother Fools Coffeehouse General Store
Order online from Mother Fools to have your order shipped, or choose local pickup or delivery. Browse available styles at the storefront: 1101 Williamson St., Madison, WI | 608 259-1301
I designed this style after feeling discomfort when my first masks would go against my mouth and rub too close to my ears. This more roomy face mask provides extra space in front of the mouth and more options for securing it to the face. Please feel free to use this design by printing the pdf patterns linked on this page. If you match the size of the pattern images using my scale reference marks and your own ruler, you can even trace the outline directly from the screen.
Experimental: Clear View Masks
I have experimented with what I call the Clear View mask, which combines features of the Room To Breathe and Active Roomy masks and adds a clear front with silicone-sealed seams.

Custom Mask Orders

I can sometimes fill limited custom orders directly. Go here to explore this option.
Design Notes
This is a multi-layer mask that fastens either at the nape of the neck or over the ears (or back of head), and it provides enough structure and space so that the fabric stays away from the mouth and the breath has more room to circulate inside. Each fastening style can be made either with a pointy beak (this provides the maximum breathing room) or a rounded snout.
View, Download and Print the Free Patterns
These masks tend still to fit well if they run large, but not if they’re too small to span the bridge of the nose to the bottom of the chin
- Adult size medium is pretty versatile and still fits people with somewhat smaller or larger than average faces. Fits most adults and children over 10. Nape of neck fastening | Over ear fastening
- Adult size large 107% of adult medium – for if you want to be sure to have extra coverage, have a larger-than-average head or a full beard. Over ear fastening
- Child size large 82% of the adult medium size – approx. ages 6-10.
- Child size small 75% of the adult medium size – approx. ages 2-5/toddler/preschool
Directions
- Cut an inside and outside cloth layer (tightly-woven cotton preferred), and one or more inner layers (non-woven polyester interfacing preferred). The number of layers depends on relative thicknesses and intended mask usage.
- Stack layers and finish outer edge with a zig-zag or overlock stitch.
- Stitch nose wire holder to the outside.
- Attach side loops or elastic, and optional top loops or elastic with a sturdy zig zag stitch.
- Fold with right sides together, sew halves together for front seam, then turn right-side out.
Fastening Options
- grosgrain ribbon is great for the nose wire holder
- elastic strips can be sewn on directly or attached to loops
- pony tail elastic can be knotted around sewn-in loops
- string, ribbon, cord or stretchy fabric strips can connect loops
- barrettes or carabiners can provide quick-release connections
- t-shirt hems, lingerie straps, and recycled waist bands can substitute for elastic
- small silicone toggles are perfect for adjustability
Wire Options
- If supply is low, try wire from coffee bean bags, twist ties, pipe cleaners, fake flowers
Hanging on my dragonfly wing hooks Fancy masks on the work table Upcycled denim and rainbows A selection of cheerful over the ear patterns Upside down My favorite way to clean these is to hand wash in warm soapy water and let them dry outdoors Gothic, vintage flower combo A collection of nape of neck fastening variations Four colorful variations Fancy silk satin outer layer, with internal interfacing and soft cotton inner layer Unique design from vintage kerchief Unique vintage kerchief Thick interfacing lined on inside but left bare on outside so it can be custom-colored Top elastic strap and stretchy fabric ribbon back tie Upcycled denim Upcycled denim in adult medium, child large and child small Workwear denim with fabric sash crisscross fastening fabric sash crisscross fastening Fun colors A pointy, flowery beak Round snout with ribbon sash Two of my personal masks, air drying after a day on the town Round snout with ribbon sash Two fun patterns on the work table Round snout in upcycled plaid Fancy satin dragon with head strap A fun child mask, left bare on the outside for coloring with markers My personal collection of masks waiting by the front door Gothic, vintage flower combo Gothic, vintage flower combo Satin dragons mask pair for a special couple A lovely trio Upcycled Tito’s bag in the round snout style Upcycled denim and rainbows Carabiner, elastic and webbing fasten at the nape of the neck An excellent fabric for a glorious beak An excellent fabric for a glorious beak Over the ear and pointy Over the ear, with sunny rainbow cheer
Even More Air with the Active Airflow and Active Roomy Masks
Do you need a solution that allows for even more activity, while still covering your face? The Active Airflow mask and Active Roomy masks are made for this. The looser version is the “Active Airflow” and it comes in a full version or an add-your-own-scarf version. All full versions are $30. You can get only the inner framework and fasteners for $15, so you can add your own scarf or sew on your own fabric.
Active Airflow
Active Airflow – add your own scarf
Active Roomy – showing tighter versus looser stretch
I love to see interesting photos of people wearing these masks! Send me messages here by email.
– Tona