DIY Gaiter Mask with Ear Loops

This week’s Inspiration Friday project was inspired by one of my YouTube subscribers, Debi! She asked for a Neck Gaiter Mask with Ear Loops! Her is what she said!

I am trying to make neck gaiters for my grandsons, ages 8 and 10. I was wondering if you might do a video on how to make a neck gaiter with ear loops. Thinking for children they might stay up even better. I have seen neck gaiters with ear loops to purchase but I would rather try to make them myself.

So, I went to work and determined how to make a neck gaiter with Ear Loops by altering my original Neck Gaiter Mask post. This blog post gives you detailed step by step directions to make your neck gaiter with ear loops. 

 

Please do your research! The DIY Gaiter Face Mask is not a protection from the COVID19. It will merely an added barrier between you and the outside world. The tutorial of this masks come with the disclaimer. I do not know the exact effectiveness of the Gaiter face mask, but I know it provides an added layer of protection.

How Much Fabric do I need for a for Neck Gaiter Mask?

I have made three different size neck gaiter masks. A large neck gaiter masks starts with an 20″x20″piece of fabric. A medium neck gaiter masks starts with an 18″x18″ piece of fabric, and a Youth mask starts with an 17″x17″ piece of fabric.

Supplies:

• Knit or Stretch Material 1/2 Yard
• Serger or Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter
• Needle
• Erasable Fabric Pen

*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). Ear Loops 2″x14″ for (M and L) and 2″x10 for (Y)

Step #2 Stretch Fabric

Fold the square in half, so it measures 20 “x10”, 18 “x9” or 17 “x8 1/2”, checking to see that this folded rectangle stretches the long way. (NOTE: This is essential that this fold stretches. It is the direction that the will pull over your head. If you cannot stretch the tube around your head, STOP and fold the fabric in the other direction.

Step #3 Cut Gaiter for Loops

Now it is time to cut material for the ear loops. The fabric is folded in half, as mentioned in step #2 and folded over the rectangle to make a square. See the example below.

 

Mark the center of the fabric with a marking pen or fabric chalk. Measure 4 inches on either side of the center point and mark with a pen or fabric chalk.

The next measurement will be 2 inches down from the ends of the fabric.

The next measurement will be 2 inches down from the ends of the fabric. Using a ruler draw a line from the mark on the top to the mark on the side on each side. You should have a diagonal line. Using your rotary cutter or scissors cut along the line. See the example below.

Step #4 Sew Ear Loops

Take the fabric you have cut out for the ear loops and fold right sides together the long way. Either serge or sew a zig-zag stitch the length of the material, creating a tube. I would suggest a 1/4 seam allowance if you are using a sewing machine. See the example below.

  

Then using a safety pin turn the tube right side out and cut the tub in half.

Step #5 Place Ear Loops

Now it is time to place your ear loops. Open up your main fabric section with the right side facing up and align one side of one ear loop 1/4 inch away from the area that we cut aware. I like to place my loop with the seam side up. See the example below.

Then clip the other end of the loop two inches down the diagonal cut. Clip in place and repeat on the other side.

Fold over the main section of fabric sandwiching in the ear loops and clip or pin along the diagonal line. Now either serge or sew the diagonal like on each side making sure to capture your ear loops in the seam along the diagonal line.

 

Step #6 Creating a Tube Seam

Serge or zigzag a 1/4″ stitch the bottom of the folded fabric, creating a long tube. 

Step #7 Back  Seam

Now we need to sew the vertical seam. The seam 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 zig-zag 1/4” stitch around the tube close to the edge. Make sure to leave a 2 inches opening. (NOTE: This is an essential step. The opening will be used to turn the neck gaiter right side out.

Step #8 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 your  Next Gaiter Mask with Ear Loops! Don’t forget to check out my All Things Fun Stuff Crafting Shopping List! *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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