Masks

Now, with many areas requiring the use of masks in public, along with social distancing, I watched a lot of you-tube videos before starting to sew masks, and developed my own version, using parts of various masks I saw on the videos. My oldest daughter makes them with elastic that goes around the head, rather than around the ears, and I liked that idea, so that’s how I make mine.

Masks, with filter pocket:

Materials: 

fat quarter or 9" strip of 40" fabric

24" of 1/4" elastic

2 plastic-coated wire twist ties, layered together

Scissors or rotary cutter with mat

ruler

sewing machine

thread

One fat quarter makes 2 complete masks with literally no waste, if the fat quarters are truly 18” x 21”.

Cut fat quarter down the middle, making 2 rectangles, 9” x 21”.

Cut the 21” length into three 7” pieces. It’s helpful to cut these two strips right sides together, so the pairs are ready for marking and sewing.

This results in six rectangles, each 7” x 9”. Three pieces are needed for each mask, 2 for the back and one for the front.

Mark a line in the  middle of the back of one of the 7" sides, about 2-3/4” long, from the top and bottom, leaving the middle part without a line.

These are the sewing lines for the back.  Put two rectangles, right sides together with wrong sides facing outward, and sew along each of the short lines, back stitching to reinforce the stitching at the end of the line that is at the middle portion of the mask. The portion that is not sewn will form the slit for inserting a filter, if one is desired.

Fold one side of the back over to the outside edge, with the stitching inside the fold. Flip over and repeat for the other side. The slit in the middle is now exposed, and the right side of the fabric is showing on both sides of the backing. Press.

Cut two 12” pieces of ¼” elastic. Pin elastic about ¾” from edge of backing, with slit horizontal to the elastic bands. Be careful not to twist elastic bands. Pin front to back, right sides together, and

stitch ¼” from edges all the way around, taking care not to catch the long part of the elastic in your seam.

 Remove pins, and clip all four corners to reduce the bulk. Turn right side out through the slit in the back. Carefully poke all four corners out. Press well.

Layer 2 plastic-coated wire twist ties and insert into the slit in back, pushing them into the center of one long side, clipping them into place.

Using a zig-zag stitch, stitch over the wire ties to secure them in place. These wire ties will enable the wearer to shape the mask to the bridge of their nose. 

Form two pleats in each side of the mask, with folds away from the center in front. It helps to bring the pleat to the edge of the elastic. The side should measure about 3-1/2”, with both pleats in place.  Sew a generous ¼” seam along each side, stitching the pleats in place. Hint: I used a hem marker to make sure the mask measures close to 3-1/2", but you could also cut a template 3-1/2" long from a piece of cardboard (such as a cereal box) or a manila file folder.

Topstitch about 1/8” from all 4 sides. The mask is complete.

I ordered some Halyard fabric, which is supposed to be one of the best materials for filtering out any virus or bacteria in the air. I read to make the filters 5” x 5”, so I cut the fabric into squares that size (there are two layers that are not bonded) and zig-zagged around them to join the layers.  The two layers are the same, but different colors, so you know which side has been close to your face. This is the fabric hospitals use for protecting sterilized tools, etc., and is not washable. It can be sterilized by putting in a 165 degree oven for 30 minutes. Some people use other materials for filters, such as interfacing or coffee filters. My daughter does not put a filter pocket in hers, but she bonds interfacing to the inside of the mask, giving it a third layer of protection. This mask has three layers of fabric, but the Halyard filter will offer additional protection, if you choose to use that.

I think life as we knew it will change, probably for an extended time. If it will prevent deaths, it is worth making some changes. Self-isolation is not a difficult switch for me, since I seldom go anywhere. The difference is that now my family does not come over regularly, and although they call to check on me daily, I miss the human contact. We are a family of huggers, and hugs are in short supply when I live alone. Tonight, my oldest daughter stopped over to bring me some prescriptions and dinner from Chipotle’s… and picked up some more fabric for making masks. In return, I got a big, warm hug that will last me for a few days! 

My stash of fabric is coming in handy at this point! Many of the quilters I know are making masks… some, by the hundreds, to donate where needed. I’ve read some negative remarks on social media about people selling masks. It makes me sad to read those comments, because fabric is not free, nor is elastic or thread, and although some seamstresses have said it takes 10 minutes to make a mask, it takes me longer than that to cut and mark them! Many people have lost their jobs, or are on minimal pay at this time. If some people can use their skills to help get through this difficult period financially, then I think it’s wonderful they have this opportunity. If they don’t need the money and donate their time and materials, that’s wonderful, as well. It’s heartwarming to see how people are stepping up to help where help is needed. Who knew that sewing would become a Super Power and our fabric stashes could be saving lives?  Stay safe, where ever you may be... and wear your mask with pride!