In response to our current pandemic, like many sewists out there, I have been making face masks to distribute to family, friends, nursing homes, and other places. However, thin elastic has become difficult to find.  When I ran out of elastic, I thought what do I do now? After experimenting with scraps of spandex with great success, I decided I needed to share my solution with you. If you have access to any spandex type fabrics, you can use them to learn How to Make Spandex Cord for Your Face Mask.

I have a huge stash of spandex scraps from various figure skating and colorguard costume projects that I have worked on over the years. I was so happy to finally put those scraps to good use! After a little bit of trial and error I came up with this ¼” elastic substitution for my face masks. I call it “spandex cord”. My daughter has been wearing these face masks a lot, and she says the spandex cord is much more comfortable on the ears than regular elastic.

Cut Spandex into Strips

It’s pretty simple to make. Cut ⅜” wide crosswise strips from your spandex fabric (selvage to selvage.) You can cut pieces about 8-9” long or cut across the entire width and subdivide into individual pieces later.

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Grab Both Ends and Pull

Grab both ends of the strip and give it a firm pull. Watch, like magic, as the edges of the spandex strip curl and the strip turns into a stretchy piece of spandex cord. If your strip doesn’t curl, try cutting your strips parallel to the selvage instead of crosswise. Let the spandex cord “relax” for a few minutes before you cut it to size. It may shrink up a small amount after all the stretching and curling.

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Cut to Size and Apply to Face Mask

You will need to experiment with your mask pattern to determine how much cord you need to be comfortable wearing your face mask.  On my face mask pattern I use 7.5” of spandex cord for each ear (and 9.75” of ¼” elastic). So I actually use a shorter piece of spandex than I would for elastic.

Jen’s Face Mask Pattern

If you are interested in trying the face mask pattern that is shown in this blog post, go to https://overtheedge.blog/tutorials/jens-face-mask-tutorial/

It’s pretty easy to make, but don’t be scared off because of the length. It’s a long tutorial because I included a ton of photos to make it easier to understand.  I use a serger for finishing the edges in a couple of steps (or you could use a zig zag stitch on a sewing machine.) The mask is mostly made on a sewing machine.

I tried several different face mask patterns, and I find this one to be the most comfortable for my face. I also included information on how I wash my face masks in the tutorial.

Video – How to Make Spandex Cord for Your Face Mask

Follow along with me as I will show you how to make spandex cord for your face mask in my YouTube video below.

Disclaimer

Make and wear fabric masks at your own discretion. I’m trying to help where I can, just like everyone else. I am definitely not an expert in anyway in face mask protection. Face masks made from this pattern are not considered personal protective equipment (PPE) and may not protect you from pathogens. I have included links to the CDC and other sources about face masks in my full tutorial. 

Keeping the world healthy, one face mask at a time.

Happy Sewing and Serging!

Jen