READ ALL OF THIS. This is an INTERMEDIATE project. You need to know how to run a sewing machine and basic sewing skills. I do use a serger, but it is not necessary if you have zigzag on your sewing machine. I am using an Industrial machine that only has straight stitch. This video has very detailed, but easy instructions, so you will have SUCCESS ON YOUR FIRST TRY. Start to finish for one mask is 20 min. This pattern is versatile in style, fits both men and women, and includes 4 different style options, with or without elastic. Because the elastic is NOT sewn in, it is easily replaced. This video is hearing-impaired friendly.
This mask has a filter pocket to hold a non-woven fabric, such as meltblown fabric or coffee filter, which is what the CDC suggests. The aluminum nose wire is adjustable, comfortable and keeps your glasses from fogging up (Big Bonus).
100% cotton fabric means it is washable (in a mesh bag), breathable and very well made.
You can get 2 masks from one fat quarter (22"x 18").
FILTER SIZE: This mask is to PROTECT OTHERS FROM YOU, so make the filter big enough to cover your mouth, not your nose. Do not restrict your breathing.
DO NOT use a mask on a child under 2 years of age p/the CDC website.
Each time you wear it, you must discard the filter and wash the mask. ALWAYS HANDLE THE MASK AS IF IT'S CONTAMINATED after you wear it and wash your hands immediately.
I washed one, in a mesh lingerie bag, with a big load of blankets, with hot water and dried in the dryer. The wire survived wonderfully and easily straightened out to re-fit.
DISCLAIMER: I do not make any claims that this mask will prevent illness. It keeps you from touching your face and will keep back any droplets from YOU. It makes sense that it may also keep out some droplets from others but I do not claim that it will 100%. It is up to YOU to PRACTICE PROPER SAFETY HYGIENE and DISTANCING. We can do this!
HERE ARE THE SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED:
* 100% cotton fabric, enough to cut one 15"x 7.5" rectangle and two 2.5"x 4" rectangles
You can get 2 masks from one fat quarter. Washed, dried and pressed.
* 1 yard of 1/4" elastic (this will be enough to make either style that uses elastic)
For this style cut (2) 10" for women and 11" for men sizes
* 7" of Wire for the nose (14 or 16 gauge aluminum (I used 14 gauge 1.5mm), 18 gauge soft copper, or plastic coated twist ties like from the garden center on a spool (not my favourite choice but will do, so they say)
* Coffee filters cut to fit inside when it's expanded, to cover your mouth area.
* Thread, scissors and/or rotary cutter, ruler and mat, a regular ruler, clips or pins, paper for making a pattern if you are using scissors to cut out your pieces, wire cutters, marking pencil or chalk, round nose pliers or needle nose pliers to turn ends of the wire for safety
* Sewing machine with zigzag stitch and/or a serger to finish the raw edges.
* Steam iron
COMING SOON: Video on mass-producing this mask in bulk and child sizes.
My sewing machine is a 25yr old Singer industrial, my serger is an 18yr old Janome and my iron is an Oliso Pro that I got on Amazon.
Amazon is my go-to for everything.
Here are the links to some of the materials I purchased on Amazon.ca:
FOR THE CLIPS, search "clips for sewing" and take your pick. They are super cheap and some come with a nice variety of sizes.
ALUMINUM WIRE-14 gauge (1.5mm) If you cannot find 14 gauge, get 16 gauge. I tried 12 gauge, it works but is too thick for comfort.
UPDATE ON WIRE: I just purchased 100m on Pandahall.com. It takes 15-18 days to arrive.
200 yds 1/4" ELASTIC
UPDATE: I just purchased this same spool of elastic on Pandahall.com
MELTBLOWN FILTER FABRIC
Thank you for watching and for your support.
Stay safe and healthy!
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