This week’s Inspiration Friday project was inspired, by my subscribers. I have been getting lots of questions about youth gaiters. So I asked my niece to help me out! This tutorial will give you detailed step by step directions on how to size a youth gaiter with ear loops and a filter pocket. Youth gaiters can range in size depending on the age of the youth, plus the different types of fabrics stretch different.
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
and my next one was DIY Gaiter Mask with Ear Loops.
Before we start, I want to ask you to please do your research! The DIY Youth Gaiter Face Mask with ear loops is not a protection from the COVID19. It will merely an added barrier between you and the outside world. This tutorial comes with the disclaimer. I do not know the Gaiter face mask’s exact effectiveness, but I know it provides an added layer of protection. 
How Much Fabric do I need for a for Youth Gaiter?
So let’s start with the key areas to measure. I have found that three measurements help to make sure a youth gaiter fits right. I like to start by stretching the fabric around the head.
It is hard to have a standard size because each type of fabric stretches differently. It might look funny, but understanding how your fabric stretches is essential. So I found that if you pull the fabric around the head, it will give you a good idea of the fit. The next measurement is the width of the ear. This measurement will determine the length of the ear loops. 
The third measurement is the distance between the ears across the front of the face. This length will determine the first cut of our youth gaiter and the placement of the ear loops. 
Check out the video to see these measurements in detail.
Supplies:
- Knit or Stretch Material
- Dimensions I used
- 16″x20″ Main Section of Gaiter
- 5 1/4″ x 4″ Filter Pocket
- 2 “x 8” Ear Piece
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissor
- Rotary Cutter
- Heat Erasable Pens
- Filter
*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
After I made the measurements, I determined that I would use a piece of fabric 16” width by 20” length. The width was determined from our first measurement. The length can be the same on all sizes of gaiters or your can make is shorter depending on the length you would like. The picture below shows my fabric folded in half. So the measurement of the fold below is 16 “x10”.
Step #2 Stretch Fabric
No that you have the fabric folded into a rectangle that measures 16 “x10”, check to make sure that the 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 recut your fabric!
Step #3 Cut Youth Gaiter for Loops
Now it is time to cut material for the ear loop placement. The fabric is folded in half, as mentioned in step #2 and fold over the rectangle to make a square. See the example below.
Mark the center of the fabric with a marking pen or fabric chalk. Based on my second measure measurement, I measure 4 inches from the center. My second measurement was 9 inches. So I subtracted 1 inch and divided it in half to come up with the 4 inches. 
The next step will be to mark 2 inches down from the end corner of the fabric. Using a ruler draw a line from the mark on the top to the mark on the side. You should have a diagonal line. Using your rotary cutter or scissors cut along the line. See the example below. 
Step #4 Filter Pocket
If you want to include a filter pocket, this is the time to insert it. I like to center my pocket and measure down 1 inch from the middle. I sized my filter pocket based on the size of the filter I was going to insert. My pocket is 5 1/4″ x 4″. See the example below. 
Step #5 Sew Ear Loops
Take the fabric you have cut out for the ear loops and fold right sides together with 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 #6 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 next to 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 edge. 
Step #7 Creating a Tube Seam
Serge or zigzag a 1/4″ stitch the bottom of the folded fabric, creating a long tube. 
Step #8 Back Seam
Now we need to sew the vertical seam. The seam will be the back of the neck gaiter. Turn the right tube 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. If you inserted a filter pocket in step #4 make sure your 2″opening is on the side the pocket stitch is showing. This way your finishing stitch will be on the inside of your Youth Gaiter. (NOTE: This is an essential step. The opening will be used to turn the neck gaiter right side out.)
Step #9 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. Watch the video tutorial to see this up close-up!
There you have it a great alternative to the traditional face mask! Please share, I can’t wait to see your Your Gaiter with Ear Loops!
Let me know if these tips for measuring to make a youth gaiter work for you! I now that Chloe loves her Youth Gaiter with Ear Loops!
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