This week’s Inspiration Friday project was inspired by my son, Jared! He asked me the other day if I could make a neck gaiter mask for him for work. Effective last week, Washington State rolled out a new requirement that all employees have to wear a mask. He wanted something that was easy to take off and on. He had seen other people with gaiters. So, I went to work and determined how to make a gaiter. This blog post with give you detailed step by step directions to make your own gaiter.
The reusable neck gaiter masks are soft and breathable. They are a great alternative to a standard cloth face mask. It can also be used in various outdoor activities. My son and his friends wear theirs fishing and I have seen lots of them made of fleece worn during the winter months.
What Type of Fabric Should I Use for Neck Gaiter Mask?
I had lots of fun going to the fabric store and looking for something other than cotton fabric. I started looking in the knit section for fabric. I found lots of fabric combinations that will work for neck gaiters. The different types of fabric offer different stretch ability! Let’s take a look at what I have tried so far:
- Knit Print Brush Poly Span 85% Polyester 15% Spandex (My Favorite Fabric)
- Knit Solid Rib 97% Cotton 3% Spandex (Lots of Stretch)
- Knit Solid Papyrus 68% Polyester 29% Cotton 3% Spandex (Lots of Stretch)
- Knit Fabric 83% Polyester 14% Rayon 3% Spandex
- Knit Fabric 75% Polyester 21% Rayon 4% Spandex
- Jersey Knit 95% Rayon 5% Spandex
Fleece is another great fabric if you are making them for warmth in the winter months. Once you learn how easy it is to make these Neck Gaiters you will never have a need to buy one!
How Much Fabric do I need for a for Neck Gaiter Mask?
I have made two different size neck gaiter masks. A large neck gaiter masks starts with a 20″x20″piece of fabric. A medium neck gaiter masks starts with a 18″x18″ piece of fabric. A Youth mask starts with a 17″X17″ piece of fabric.
Supplies:
- Knit or Stretch Material 20″x20″ = Large 18″x18″ = Medium 17″x17″ Youth
- Serger or Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Needle
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors, however, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Step #1 Cut Fabric
Determine the size of the neck gaiter mask you want to make. Cut out fabric either 20″x20″ (L), 18″x18″ (M) or 17″x17″ (YOUTH)
Step #2 Stretch Fabric
Fold the square in half so it measures 20″x10” or 18″x9″, checking to see that this folded rectangle stretches the long way.
Step #3 First Seam
Serge or zigzag stitch the 20- or 18-inch seam, creating a long tube. (NOTE: This is essential that this first seam stretches. This is how they neck gator will pull over your head. If you cannot stretch the tube around your head, STOP and take out the seam and fold the other direction.) 
Step #4 Second Seam
Now we need to sew the vertical seam. This is the seam that will be the back of the neck gaiter. Turn the tube right side out. Now fold the tub into itself with right sides together and match up the first seam. Serge or zigzag stitch around the tube close to the edge, to within 2 inches of where this seam starts, leaving an opening. (NOTE: This is a very important step. This is the opening we will use to turn the neck gaiter right side out.
Step #5 Finish Stitch
Turn your Neck Gaiter right sides out. Then turn the remaining 2-inch raw edges under, and straight-stitch or hand stitch the opening closed, Turn right side out.
There you have it a great alternative to the traditional face mask! I can’t wait to see you Next Gaiter Mask!
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*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors, however, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
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4 comments
Love this project and so easy Thank you for sharing
Do you need to use a special “stretchy” thread?
No, just use a zig zag stitch on your sewing machine or a serger.
[…] If you are interested in an adult size Neck Gaiters I have a couple option already available. My first Gaiter tutorial was DIY Neck Gaiter Face Mask […]