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If you don’t have any elastic for face masks, no worries! In this tutorial, you’ll see how to make ties for face masks using knit fabric from t-shirts, leggings, and other extra fabric you have at home. These stretchy face mask straps are the most comfortable way to secure your DIY face masks and they are easy to make.
No elastic? No problem!
If you are sewing homemade face masks or thinking about making your own cloth face masks, you probably know that there is an elastic shortage. All of the fabric stores are sold out of 1/8″ and 1/4″ elastic and online deliveries will take weeks, if not months, to arrive.
In fact, I PREFER to use knit fabric strips instead of elastic on my cloth face masks.
So if you don’t have any elastic and you don’t want to spend time folding and ironing bias strips, you definitely want to make knit fabric ties for your cloth face masks.
How To Make Comfortable Masks
First, watch how to make the actual face mask in our face mask pattern and tutorial video which includes sizes for adults and children.
What is the Best Fabric for Face Mask Straps
When I first started making DIY face masks, I used bias tape fabric ties on some and 1/8″ and 1/4″ elastic on others.
But I quickly started using knit fabric and decided that knit fabric makes the best face mask ties because knit fabric straps are way faster to make than bias straps, they don’t slip as easily as bias tape, and they are way more comfortable than elastic.
As well, I have tons of knit fabric in my fabric stash and old clothes that I can upcycle. I have t-shirts and leggings, including some extra white leggings my daughter and nieces had rarely worn when they were younger, and that fabric is perfect for face mask ties!
As health officials are recommending people wear cloth face masks in public, it is clear we’re
What Is Knit Fabric vs Woven Fabric?
If you are not sure what I mean when I refer to “knit fabric” and “bias tape,” let me quickly explain…
Knit fabric is the stretchy fabric that is used for t-shirts, leggings, etc.
Bias tape is made out of woven fabric – such as the woven cotton fabric we are using to make our face masks.
Woven fabric is any textile formed by weaving. As an example, think of a cotton dress shirt. It frays and unravels if the edges are not stitched.
On the other hand, the knit fabric does not fray and unravel as the woven fabric does.
Woven fabric does not stretch if you pull it vertically or horizontally. But when woven fabric is pulled or cut on the diagonal, there is some stretch.
Therefore, to make woven fabric flow or stretch, you cut it on the diagonal. Bias tape is made from strips of woven fabric cut on the diagonal and then folded and ironed to enclose the raw, fraying edges.
But now that I am making hundreds of masks, I have switched to making stretchy knit fabric straps. Not only is making bias tape much more time consuming than cutting knit fabric strips, but I have decided that I prefer the stretchier, more comfortable finish of knit fabric straps.
How Do You Make a Face Mask Strap with T-Shirt Fabric
Making knit fabric ties is as simple as cutting strips of fabric 3/4″ wide and then stretching it so that it ravels and forms soft, stretchy “strings” of fabric. (If the knit fabric is very lightweight, this method will not work. Read on to find out the fix so you can also use lightweight knit for straps.)
STEP 1 – Cut Fabric Strips
To make these comfortable face mask straps, you can grab a t-shirt, leggings, or extra piece of stretchy, knit fabric that you have on hand and within seconds you will have the best fabric ties for cloth masks.
The knit fabric that works best is a medium weight knit, such as a good quality t-shirt or pair of leggings. If your knit fabric is too heavy, like a sweatshirt, it will not work well.
After you have washed and dried your fabric, lay it out on a flat surface.
Using a sharp pair of scissors or a rotary cutter, cut long strips of fabric approximately 3/4″ wide.
STEP 2 – Stretch Fabric Strips
In order to turn the fabric strips into your ties, all you need to do is stretch the long fabric strips so the fabric curls at the sides and forms “strings” of fabric.
PLEASE NOTE: If your fabric is too light, it may disintegrate and drop tiny fragments of fabric. But do NOT despair! You can sew lightweight knits into soft, stretchy spaghetti straps. See the photo tutorial later in this post to find out how to make knit spaghetti straps.
Once you have cut the lightweight knit fabric into long, 3/4″ wide strips, fold in half lengthwise and stitch along the raw edges with a small zig-zag stitch. Then use a loop-turner or a bobby pin to turn the long tube inside out and cut the lengths you need for your straps.
STEP 3 – Thread Knit Straps Through Sides of Mask
Using a bodkin, safety pin, or bobby pin, thread knit ties through the sides of the mask.
For your mask, you can use two knit fabric ties, each about 30″- 34″ long, and thread through the sides of the mask, (or sew in place if your pattern calls for sewing in your ties.)
Or you can use just one knit fabric tie, about 34″ long, and thread it through the sides of your mask, leaving a loop at the top of the mask.
The top loop fits around the top of your head and the bottom ties at the back of your neck. Because you have the tie threaded through the sides of the mask and the ties are NOT sewn in place, the ties can be adjusted to fit snugly around the top of your head and the back of your neck.
Using just one tie, threaded through both sides saves me fabric and is so quick and easy, and fits so snugly. Now, I have switched to almost exclusively using the one 34″ knit fabric strip method for my cloth face masks.
For children’s masks, and for adults who prefer masks to tie around the ears, I still use knit ties. I just cut the fabric strips about 8″-10″ long.
How to Make Knit Spaghetti Straps
If your knit fabric is very lightweight, when you try to stretch it out to make straps, it will disintegrate and drop tiny balls of fabric.
But the great news is — lightweight knit fabric makes comfy, stretchy “spaghetti straps” that are perfect for face mask ties.
To make knit spaghetti straps, cut long 3/4″ wide strips of lightweight knit fabric.
Then fold in half, lengthwise, with right sides together, and stitch along the raw edge with a small zig-zag stitch.
Next, turn the long tubes of fabric with a loop turner or a bobby pin. (A loop turner is a long, wire tool used to turn fabric tubes, such as bias tubes and spaghetti straps, right side out.)
Now you have long spaghetti straps that you can trim to size. We recommend 8″-10″ long knit strips if using as ear loops and about 25″-30″ long knit strips is using as one piece that loops at the top of the head and ties at the back of the neck.
Once you have your straps the correct length, simply thread through casings with a bodkin, safety pin, or bobby pin.
I hope these methods of making ties for your DIY face masks help you and I would love to know how your mask making is going? Are you making masks for friends and family? Are you donating some to local organizations? Are you selling face masks to help cover your time and costs?
Free DIY Face Mask Pattern for Adults and Children
If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch our DIY cloth face mask tutorial and download our free face mask pattern which includes sizes for adults and children.
No Sew DIY Bandana Face Mask Tutorial
If you are in a hurry or you don’t have a sewing machine, you can fold up a DIY cloth face-covering in two minutes or less — and you can also use knit fabric ties instead of rubber bands or elastic bands. Simply swap out the two elastic bands for two strips of knit fabric about 8″ long, stretched and knotted to form “elastic” bands.
Written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
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cordybrown says
your pleated mask pattern is my favorite!! great design. easy to follow instructions. the long wire top and bottom make for the best fit!!! I do use a disposable filter in mine . the pm2.5 are easy to get on amazon now . they filter out wildfire smoke and provide some covid protection. we are going back to mandatory masking indoors on Aug 22. and the wildfire smoke seems to be a regular late summer occurrence now even here in Seattle.
for ear loops (I prefer loops to ties) I use rings cut from cheap socks (dollar store or from the lost sock bin). they have the perfect stretch and are a good size. one sock makes many many ear loops.
thanks for a great series. good instructions.
Janice says
Oh, thank you so much!!! And great solution for comfy ear loops!
Lisa ann says
Hi I want to make sure how long could I cut the elastic? And I will inset the adjustment into the elastic. Is every mask have same length of elastics as for 4 sizes of adult and 5 size of children.
Please reply me sooner thanks
Janice says
Hi Lisa ann – the length of the elastic really depends on your own preference, the method you are using to tie them, and how stretchy your elastic is.
If you are making for yourself or your family members, it is best to test on them and choose what works best.
I usually cut mine about 10″ long if I am using around the ears and then I tie them with a knot to make them fit snugly.
If using one strap that fits around the head and ties at the back of the neck, I usually make them about 30″ long. As long as you have enough length to tie a knot or to stitch them together while making the mask snug and secure, you are good. 🙂
Aime Augsburg says
I have used T=shirt fabric exclusively for the more than 70 masks I have made and given away. I just followed my nose and did what I thought made sense. I did much the same as you have, except the way to make the ones that go behind the ear adjustable. I just thread a pony bead through the two ends of the straps, and leave a couple inches hanging. : ) Works good.
Susan says
How awesome that you’ve made so many masks for people. Way to go! And that’s a great way to make the straps. Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas.
Suzanne says
Hi Janice,
I’m trying to order the knit fabric for the ties on the mask online. Not sure what it is I need to order. Any guidance will be appreciated. Thank you
Janice says
Hi Suzanne – most knit fabrics that you can make leggings or t-shirts from will work – so look in the description to see that the fabric will work well for athletic wear, leggings, t-shirts, etc. But if it is very lightweight, the fabric may unravel and come apart. I have a very lightweight, white knit fabric that I had in my fabric stash that was too thin to just leave with raw, uncut edges. So for that fabric, I simply sewed the long sides together and turned them inside out as if I were making spaghetti straps for a dress. Worked perfectly. So, really, you will be able to use most knit fabrics that are intended for stretchy clothing, such leggings, t-shits, etc. I hope that helps! I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy!
Shellie says
What length should the ties be for kids masks?
Janice says
For ties that go around the ears, I make them between 7″-10″ – depending on the stretchiness of the fabric, age of child, etc. In general, I give extra length and knot the ties so that the wearer can adjust for themselves.
Grandma Deb says
Are these washable with the Pipe Cleaner inserted?
Susan says
Yes, they are washable. Perhaps over time the pipe cleaner might rust, but we’ve been using ours and washing them for several weeks with no problems.
Aime Augsburg says
Another good thing to use as a nose piece, I found, especially for this mask pattern is the things … I don’t know what to call them … but the things that you close a package of coffee with. They’re usually plastic with something embedded inside that makes them cinch well … wire I suppose. But these then, would not rust either, because it is embedded in the plastic.
Susan says
Yes, we’ve used those also. They work well.
debra heisel says
on average what length tie (continuous) do you recommend for children’s masks?
Bernice Townsend says
I can’t imagine T-shirt material being suitable for straps on a mask .Do they not give (stretch) too much and become loose while wearing them. I want something that is going to be snug the entire time I am wearing it. I have used elastic til I ran out, am now using bias tape and kind of match it up with cottons that I am using. I am not well off at all, but I give these masks to family and friends no charge.
Dee Collins says
I leave the tails of t-shirt ties a bit longer and slip both into extra large hole pony beads. I cut my t-shirt ties at 1 inch. Then knot the ties. That way they are very adjustable and comfortable behind the ears!
AmyInNH says
Thank you, Dee. This is a helpful recommendation.
Donna says
Ugh! My knit ties don’t form a circle. They just stretch curl slightly and look very ugly ugly ugly. What an I doing wrong? Thinking about trying some fleece cut lengthwise. Love your tutorial
Janice says
Hi Donna – I am sorry about that! Can you try cutting your ties in the opposite direction? So if you cut them vertically on your fabric, can you try and cut horizontally?
I have one very lightweight white knit fabric that I cut into strips and it was just too lightweight and it drops little balls of fabric. I think it is just too lightweight. But all of the other knit fabric I have used, including from bolts of fabric that I have and different kinds of t-shirts have worked for me. Some stay rolled better than others, but they all have worked as ties.
Can you try and different t-shirt? Perhaps you could email a picture so I can try and troubleshoot with you.
Janice says
One more thought Donna – if your knit ties are not naturally curling, you can sew them with a small zigzag stitch down the long sides and then turn the long tubes with a bobby pin, safety pin, or loop turner, just as if you were making spaghetti straps for a dress or top.
With my very thin white knit fabric, that is what I am doing. It is so lightweight that it falls apart on the raw edges. So I am sewing the raw edges together with a small zig zag stitch and then turning the tubes with a loop turner.
Paula D says
These are awesome! You said you have made ‘hundreds’. Are you selling them?
Janice says
Hi Paula – I have sold some to help recoup some of my fabric costs, as I spent a ton on fabric. And others I have been making for family and friends. I have limited time to sew though, so at the moment I have paused taking “orders” while I try and catch up with my posts and tutorials here. I am working on writing different patterns and no-sew options for our readers. I wish I had more hours and more energy to get everything done!