4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (2024)

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Today Iā€™m sharing the best toddler and child face mask patterns. These are all FREE printables.

Iā€™ll talk about 1 popular mask style to AVOID for kids.

And Iā€™ll share childrenā€™s measurements for different mask styles, elastic, and nose wires.

To summarise, the best face mask pattern for kids is:

  • A mask with a gap in front of the mouth. This makes breathing and talking easier. They wonā€™t have a mouthful of fabric when they open their mouth.
  • ā€œOlsonā€ and ā€œ3d masksā€ often have this space.
  • Elastic around the head or something adjustable.
  • Something fun. Young boys were excited to wear batman and superman masks in Cindi Rangā€™s experience.
  • Older kids are more self-conscious about wearing a mask. Some prefer neck gaiters instead.

Avoid:

  • Elastic around the ears. These are hard to fit, hard to adjust, and pull kidsā€™ ears forward.
  • Pleated and rectangular masks. These are too close to the mouth and make talking harder.
  • Using ear savers. These get caught in long hair. They also pull the mask tightly over the mouth. Itā€™s uncomfortable and makes talking harder.
  • Making masks for children under 2.

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Iā€™m getting a lot of my information from Cindi Rang. She was a nurse practitioner for 20 years and now runs a quilt shop called The Fabric Patch.

She and her team have made and donated over 167,000 masks!

During this process, they have tested multiple mask designs and measured many people.

Iā€™m going to summarise what Cindi shared about making kids masks.

Bookmark this post for later by pinning it šŸ™‚

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (1)

Before we start, I want to highlight something the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has said:

ā€œWho should NOT use cloth face coverings: children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.ā€

CDC. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html [updated: 6 July 2020]

Contents list:

  • The 4 best mask patterns for kids. (Skip to this)
  • The worst pattern for kids. (Skip to this)
  • Mask measurements for children. (Skip to this)
  • How to solve common fitting problems. (Skip to this)
  • Design advice: fabric, ties vs. elastic, nose wires, and adjustments for glasses. (Skip to this)

Related post: 41 free face mask patterns approved by hospitals.

Related post:

Related post:

Best face mask patterns for children & toddlers

  1. The Jesse mask
  2. Olson masks
  3. 3d face masks
  4. Neck gaiters

I recommend sewing each option and letting your child test wear them. Theyā€™ll be able to compare and pick their personal favorite.

1. The Jesse face mask

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (2)
4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (3)

This was the most recommended pattern by Cindi.

Itā€™s a fitted face mask with a ā€œbeakā€ at the front. This gives the child a 1ā€ gap in front of their mouth.

Easier to talk and breathe

Thanks to the 1ā€ gap, the childā€™s mouth wonā€™t touch the mask. This space makes talking and breathing easier.

Less shifting

The mask isnā€™t touching the mouth. So when the mouth moves when talking, the mask wonā€™t shift down.

This reduces the need for your child to touch and adjust the mask throughout the day.

Good fit

The Jesse mask has few gaps around the top, sides and chin.

The chin coverage is long and curved for a snug fit.

The top of the mask curves further away from the eyes. This stops the mask from riding up into the eyes.

If you insert a nose wire, the gap at the top will be reduced.

Cons

The sizing for the Jesse mask is different to most patterns. You pick your size based on your nose-to-ear measurement and chin measurement.

If youā€™re making masks for a child you canā€™t measure, itā€™s going to be tricky picking the right size.

If you want a mask with 1 elastic head strap (like in the photo below), youā€™ll need to make the sides of the mask shorter yourself.

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (4)

Hereā€™s how to make the adjustment (itā€™s explained in this video at 27:55):

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (5)

Sewing tutorial

The sewing starts at 23:18.

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2. Olson mask by Craft Passion

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (6)
4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (7)

Cindi and her team made thousands of masks using the Olson pattern by Craft Passion.

This pattern is extremely popular. It has been used by thousands of people and recommended by 11+ hospitals.

Lots of options

The Craft Passion pattern includes 2 sizes for children and a teen size.

It comes with lots of design options. You can include filter pockets, nose wires, elastic, and ties.

Fitted design

This is a fitted design, so it has fewer gaps.

Youā€™ll need to insert a nose wire to close the gap at the top.

Cindi liked the rounded shape. It doesnā€™t provide as much breathing space as the Jesse mask, however, which has a curved ā€œbeakā€.

Cons

Cindiā€™s feedback on this mask is:

  • She didnā€™t like the elastic ear hooks. These are hard to fit correctly. If the elastic is too big, the mask keeps falling down. If itā€™s too tight, itā€™s sore around the ears.
  • She and her team thought the curve at the top of the mask needed to be deeper. Some had issues with the mask riding up into their eyes.
  • She and her team wanted the mask to cover the chin more.

Sewing tutorial

3. 3d face mask pattern

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (8)

This mask pops away from the face so the child has more breathing room.

I donā€™t think it creates as much space as the Jesse mask, however, which has a ā€œbeakā€.

The interesting folds also look great. Theyā€™re trickier to sew than other masks, however.

Sewing tutorials

A quick tutorial for sewists with experience:

A beginner-friendly tutorial:

4. Neck gaiter

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (9)
4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (10)

This is a tube of stretchy fabric. You wear it around your neck and pull it over your mouth when needed.

Cindi found that boys over 10 preferred this over masks. They look more ā€œcoolā€.

Pros

  • Theyā€™re comfy to wear thanks to the soft, stretchy fabric theyā€™re made from.
  • Theyā€™re easy to put on.

Cons

  • Theyā€™re tight across the face by design (thatā€™s how they stay up). Your child might prefer something with more breathing space.
  • Theyā€™re normally a single layer of fabric. For those looking for more protection, like 2 layers, you could fold the neck gaiter so itā€™s doubled.

Sewing tutorial

The worst pattern for kids: pleated / rectangular masks

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (11)

According to Cindi, the worst design for kids is the pleated, rectangular mask.

These flat masks donā€™t pop away from the face.

Thereā€™s not much space between the fabric and mouth. Your child might get a mouthful of fabric when they talk.This makes talking and breathing harder.

If you need to use an ear saver, this will make the problem worse. The mask will be pulled tightly over the mouth.

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Mask measurements for children:

Rectangular mask with pleats:

Height
(top of nose
to under chin)
Width
(ear to ear)
Recommended byā€¦
5ā€³ or 13cm7.5ā€³ or 19cmAtlantic Health System (source)
5ā€³ or 13cm7.5ā€³ or 19cmCayuga Health System (source)
5ā€³ or 13cm8ā€³ or 20cmThe Turban Project (source)
6ā€³ or 15cm for toddlers

7ā€³ or 18cm for 5-8 years

7.5ā€³ or 19cm for 9-13 years

8ā€³ or 20cm for 14-adult

7ā€³ or 18cm for toddlers

8ā€³ or 20cm for 5-8 years

8.5ā€³ or 22cm for 9-13 years

9ā€³ or 23cm for 14-adult

Popular sewing blogger Made Everyday (source)

Olson / fitted mask measurements:

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (12)
4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (13)

These measurements are from the popular Craft Passion mask.

3 ā€“ 6 year olds

What to measureMeasurement (cm)Measurement (inch)
(A) Top of nose to underneath chin (outward curved line)12.4cm4 7/8ā€³
(B) Top of nose to side of face, just before the ear (inward curved line)8.9cm3 1/2ā€³
(C) Side of face, from top of ear to jawline (straight line)7.3cm2 7/8ā€³

7 ā€“ 12 year olds

What to measureMeasurement (cm)Measurement (inch)
(A) Top of nose to underneath chin (outward curved line)13.7cm5 3/8ā€³
(B) Top of nose to side of face, just before the ear (inward curved line)10cm4ā€³
(C) Side of face, from top of ear to jawline (straight line)7.9cm3 1/8ā€³

Teens

What to measureMeasurement (cm)Measurement (inch)
(A) Top of nose to underneath chin (outward curved line)15.4cm6 1/8ā€³
(B) Top of nose to side of face, just before the ear (inward curved line)11.2cm4 3/8ā€³
(C) Side of face, from top of ear to jawline (straight line)8.4cm3 3/8ā€³

Measurements for elastic:

Cindi said this is hard to suggest a general measurement for.

Kids ears and head circumferences differ a lot.

Here are some starting points:

Type of elasticMeasurement (cm)Measurement (inch)
Elastic around ears18 to 20cm7ā€³ to 8ā€³ per ear*
Elastic around head (from ear to ear only)46cm so the child can cut it down or tie it later.Cindi said this ranged from 7 Ā½ā€ to 13ā€. 18ā€³ is a good length for elastic so the child can cut it down or tie it later.

*I recommend making the ear elastic longer and doing this hack to make adjustable ear hooks. Youā€™ll need a few pony beads.

Measurements for nose wire:

Cindi recommends a 3 Ā½ā€ long nose piece for kids. Thatā€™s about 9cm.

This is an inch shorter than the adult size.

How to take your own measurements (best fit):

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (14)

(A) Measure from the top of the nose to underneath the chin. This measurement will be the height of your mask.

(B) Measure from the top of the nose to the side of the face, stopping just before the ear. Double this measurement to get the width of your mask.

(C) Measure the side of the face, from the top of the ear (where it connects to the head) to the jawline. This will tell you how long the sides of your mask should be.

Donā€™t forget to add seam allowances to these measurements.

How to fix common mask fitting problems

ProblemSolution
The mask seems too big and loose. It keeps falling down.Your elastic ear hooks are probably too big. Make them smaller.
The sides of the mask gape.Make the sides of the mask a shorter length.
The mask doesnā€™t cover the chin.Lengthen the height of the mask (from top of nose to underneath chin). 1/2ā€³ is a good starting point.
Your glasses fog up when wearing the mask.Place your glasses on top of the mask. This closes the gap there, making it harder for your warm breath to escape and fog up your glasses.

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Mask design tips for kids

Which fabric to use?

Tightly woven cotton

Tightly woven cotton is the most recommended material.

Data shows that it isnā€™t the best at filtration, but it will capture some droplets and itā€™s breathable.

Are you not sure if your fabric is tightly woven?

Hold up your fabric to light. If you can see lots of gaps and light coming through, itā€™s loosely woven.

If it blocks a lot of light and you canā€™t see gaps between the threads, itā€™s tightly woven.

WHOā€™s recommendation

If you want to go the extra mile, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a water repellent outer layer, and absorbent inner layers to absorb droplets better.

Make the right and wrong sides obvious

Use different fabrics for the front and back of the mask. This will remind the child which way to wear the mask.

2 or 3 layers of fabric?

WHO recommends 3 layers of fabric. However, this might be too hot and hard to breathe through for a child.

If you want to try 3 layers, you can make a 1 layer mask with a 1 layer filter pocket (total = 2 layers). Then you can add the third layer inside the filter pocket, and if itā€™s too uncomfortable for the child, remove it.

Should you use elastic?

Elastic around the ears

Cindi doesnā€™t recommend elastic around the ears:

  • Elastic ear hooks that are too big will make the mask loose. It will keep falling down the face.
  • Elastic ear hooks that are tight will give the child sore ears.
  • They arenā€™t adjustable.

I agree with her for the most part.

However, many people like how easy elastic ear hooks are to put on. Itā€™s much easier than ties.

I also found a way to make ear hooks adjustableā€¦

How to make adjustable ear hooks (cool hack!)

Hereā€™s a simple way to make ear hooks adjustable! You just need pony beads.

Elastic around the head

Elastic around the head is a comfy option.

  • It avoids the problem of sore ears.
  • Itā€™s easy to put on and take off.
  • If you make it big, the child can easily tie a knot to make it fit better.
  • It might slip on long hair, however.

Cindi prefers buttonhole elastic that goes around the head.

  • This is comfortable for the child.
  • Itā€™s also adjustable. As the child grows, they can make the elastic bigger very easily. They just insert the button into a new hole (see photo below).
4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (15)

What type of elastic is best?

If you want elastic ear hooks:

  • Skinnier elastics will go around the ear easier.
  • I would avoid anything wider than 2/8ā€³.
  • Round elastic might be harder to sew. If youā€™re just inserting elastic into a casing, this wonā€™t be a problem.

No elastic? Try this

  1. Cut up knit fabric (this is stretchy fabric) in 1ā€ strips.
  2. Pull the strip so that the edges curl in.

You can use this instead of elastic ear hooks or elastic around the head. Itā€™s a much softer alternative, so itā€™s great for kids.

You donā€™t need to finish the edges because knit fabrics donā€™t fray.

If you donā€™t have knit fabric on hand, cut up old t-shirts instead. These are made from knit fabric.

Should you use ties?

Ties that go around the head will also avoid the sore ears problem.

However, the ties might slip on long hair.

And young kids might struggle to tie and untie it by themselves.

You can make ties using bias binding, ribbon, or a strip of fabric.

Include a nose wire? (great for glasses)

A nose wire creates a better seal at the top of the mask. This will reduce breath escaping through the gap there.

If your child wears glasses, this will reduce fogging.

TheUniversity of Florida Healthrecommends using a 16-gauge craft wire. If unavailable, use 20-gauge.

They recommend cutting and bending the ends of the wire with jewelry pliers (that have tapered round ends) and a cutter.

Pad the nose wire

Having a hard wire on the nose might feel uncomfortable.

To avoid this, you can encase it in felt or terry toweling. This will pad the wire with something soft.

4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (16)
4 BEST Toddler & Child Face Mask Patterns + Measurements (2024)

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