by Irene Davault

Created on: December 12, 2011   Last Updated: December 18, 2011

To make a custom beard start with a measurement from ear to cheekbone add ½ inch. Measure from cheekbone to cheekbone plus ½ inch. Cut a square piece of muslin using the measurement from cheekbone to cheekbone plus the ½-inch. Then round the bottom sides of the square. This will be the bottom of the mask. With a pencil or disappearing marker, space ¼-inch lines from top to bottom on muslin, from side to side. Make a ¼ moon cut across the top using the nose for the center and fading near the cheekbones. Make sure you do not cut it too deep. You just want it to cup your nose. Stitch a ¼-inch seam around the muslin. Starting at the bottom of muslin and using yarn of desired color cut six-inch pieces. Fold these pieces in half and sew onto the muslin using the lines for placement. The more yarn pieces you crowd on the lines the fuller will be the beard. Each row will over lap the previous one until you reach the top.

After completing the yarn, ending at the top row, cut a piece of elastic the half the length of the measurement from cheekbone to ear and add 1 inch, cut 2, one for each side of mask. Stitch both ends of the elastic together to the top edge of the mask. These will be placed around the ear to hold the mask over the face. The mask should fit under the nose. If you need a mouth opening, you can cut out a small slit where your mouth comes to when you have the mask on. You will need to measure this. Cut about one row.

This method is a quick and easy way to make a costume beard. If you want, a longer beard just cut the yarn longer and then folds in half. When stitching the yard onto the muslin, leave about a ¼ inch above the line and stitch the yarn on the line. This line is your guide for yarn placement. It is best to adjust the length of elastic before sewing it to the mask. If you cut it too short, it may pull the mask up over your nose.

If you do not have a sewing machine or know how to use a sewing machine, you can hand sew your mask. It just takes longer. It seems to work out better when using a sewing machine.

Learn more about this author, Irene Davault.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.