A button band helps make a face mask with elastic straps more comfortable. The elastic loops around buttons sewn on the band, instead of tugging around your ears.
How to Make a Button Band for Face Masks
Ears tired of elastic? Make a quick and easy button band from a little bit of fabric and two buttons that secures the face mask around your head.
Use the button band with a commercial face mask or one you've made at home.
We've got three ways to make face masks.
A pleated face mask provides space for your mouth and nose, but isn't as effective.
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A fitted face mask comes in several sizes, and fits well .
Making a lot of face masks? Buy the face mask acrylic templates and use your rotary cutter to cut out several at a time.
Materials
- One piece of fabric cut 5" x 4"
- Two (2) buttons
- Thread
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Hand sewing needle
- Corner turner, bodkin or knitting needle
Instructions
- Start with your 5" x 4" rectangle of fabric.
' - Fold the rectangle in half so it is 4" x 2-1/2".
Sew around the open edge, leaving about a 2" gap in the middle of the long side to turn it inside out. I like to start on the long side and then pivot at the corners.
- Trim the corners to reduce bulk when you turn the button band right side out.
- Carefully turn the button band to have right side out. Using your corner turner or bodkin, gently push out the corners. You can also use the end of a knitting needle, or any other tool. Be gentle so that you don't stretch out the corner or push through the fabric.
Press the band flat, turning in the seam allowances.
- Topstitch all around the band. This closes the gap.
- Sew the buttons on each end of the band. I like to use two-hole buttons as they lay flatter, but you can use shank buttons.
New to sewing buttons? We've got a great post on How to Sew Buttons and a video below! - Here are the finished masks and the finished button band. Stay safe!
Recommended Products
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Dritz 3150 Bamboo Point Turner & Presser -
OHOCO Wool Pressing Mat for Quilting - 17" x 24" Extra Large Felt Ironing Pad 1/2" Thick, 100% New Zealand Wool for Ironing, Sewing, Cutting on Ironing Board, Tabletop, Dryer, Countertop -
Panasonic 360º Freestyle Advanced Ceramic Cordless Iron, Pest Repeller v.57, Teal
Don’t know how to sew on a button? We’ve put together this quick video on how to sew a button or check out our article on How to Sew a Button, making it easy for you to sew your button onto your band.
Here is a quick video on how to make a band for face masks.
Why would I want a button band for my face mask?
A button band help secure a face mask around your head instead of around your ears. This makes it more secure. It is perfect for people who have sensitive ears, where face masks end up hurting their ears with wear. You can use one for a variety of styles of face masks that stay secure looped around ears.
Check out our how-to directions for a fitted face mask and a pleated face mask. Making a lot of face masks? Consider purchasing acrylic templates so that you can use your rotary cutter to cut out several at one time. We’ve tested them and wrote this article about making face masks from templates.
