DIY Essential OIls Diffuser Face Mask

Etsy has been essentially begging sellers to make and sell face masks due to high demand. This is a perfect project for me because I have tubs full of mask-sized fabric and elastic scraps! Etsy is the only platform who has not banned the sale of face masks so it's a good opportunity make money and provide for others at the same time. I would never try to price gouge, but I also am not going to work for sweatshop wages; my daughter and I both sewed all day yesterday so my masks are fairly priced for us as well as buyers.

That said, I am painfully aware of all those out of work at the moment. I have also been having some trouble with my sewing machine. Therefore, I am providing a free PDF pattern to print at home as well as selling kits to make masks at a discounted price. Everything in the kit is pre-washed in hot water and pre-cut. All you have to do is sew it together. If you don't have a sewing machine you can buy our pre-made masks. As always, I am making no medical claims about these masks; I am simply following the CDC recommendation for us to all wear masks when we leave the house. If you are using your own fabric researchers recommend 100% cotton and natural fibers, tightly woven. They say you should avoid synthetics, particularly Spandex. If you have any old cotton dress shirts past their prime those would be ideal. Pre-wash all fabrics, including the reusable filter material, in hot water and tumble dry before cutting and sewing (this step has already been completed if you are using my mask kit).

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Download the PDF file above to print at home. Please note, this is my exclusive pattern for your personal use or to make donations; it is NOT for resale. The pattern is scaled for adults and the finished mask will measure approximately 10 inches wide by 5 inches tall. You can print it at a reduced scale to make a smaller pattern for children. I prefer foldover or hair tie elastic because it can be cut and knotted to size and comes in fun patterns. These masks are designed to have a pocket for a removable filter. You can use a folded tissue for a disposable filter or a coffee filter. For a reusable filter hospitals recommend interfacing fabric or tightly woven flannel, such as shop towels from the hardware store. I am using interfacing.

I found during my personal use the interfacing is perfect to make the mask into a diffuser for essential oils. Just a couple drops of Thieves, Raven, or the "allergy trio" (peppermint, lemon, and lavender) makes for  much more pleasant experience in my opinion. You can order masks, mask kits, and essential oils from the links on my Home page.

Once you've cut out your mask pieces mark the triangles (which are called "notches") with chalk or a tiny clip. Start with the lining pieces. Stitch the notched long end, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance,  and leaving an opening between the notches as shown below. This is the opening of the filter pocket.

Sew wide gathering stitches between the notches marked along the upper and lower horizontal edges of each piece. Pull the threads to gather the pieces. This adds elasticity that will allow the mask to fit more snugly over the nose and chin.

With right sides together, place two 12 inch elastic pieces as indicated by the notches on one side of the mask, sandwiching the elastic between the main and lining fabrics as shown. Pin in place.

Sew the pieces together as shown on one side. Then repeat as above on the other side.

When your sides are joined, pin the top and bottom edges of the main and lining fabrics and stitch, being careful not to catch the elastic in the stitching.

Cut the corners and clip the curves, making sure you don't cut through the stitching.

Turn right-side-out through the filter pocket opening.

Adjust your mask to help it lie as flat as possible.

Iron your mask to help it look more professional.

Your finished mask should look like this.

If desired, use a few drops of your favorite essential oil on your reusable filter. The CDC recommends you do not touch your mask once you have placed it on your face. As soon as you return home remove your mask and wash it, along with the reusable filter if applicable, in hot water and tumble dry.

You can purchase my masks and mask kits from my Etsy shop and the essential oils from my Young Living shop. Both links are on the Home page.