How To: Make a Face Mask (Not a Substitute for a Medical Mask)

*This mask is NOT a substitute for a Surgical or Medical Mask. This blog post- whereartandlifemeet.com/2020/03/24/how-to-make-… - explains in more detail the research I did and includes multiple links, including to the CDC's recommendations as well as other important information regarding homemade face masks. *

UPDATE: After wearing this mask, you must sterilize it before wearing again. Boil in water for 15-20 minutes to be safe. Dry in hot dryer.

How To Make A Face Mask - A step by step tutorial on sewing a face mask with a liner, wire adjustments and elastic.  I used 100% Cotton Batik, which is a bit denser than most cotton fabrics. You can add a filter to this mask, which is another reason I chose it. The mask I walk you through is a version of the mask designed by ashevillejm at Instructibles.
I've listed all materials you will need below as well as in the video.

Instructibles DIY Face Mask: This is where you will find the PDF to download (I used Mask 1- regular size) I based my tutorial on this pattern, though I did make a few changes... instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/

What You Will Need:
Download Mask #1 - Regular Size. Be sure to check your scale and adjust your printer as needed.
A Cotton Fat Quarter was more than enough to Cut 2 of Pattern A (Outer Layer) and 2 of Pattern B (Liner or Inner Layer).
I read that some people were adding an interfacing and I tried that, but found it claustrophobic and difficult to breath through. I would not recommend using a fusible as whatever chemicals are used in a fusible you will then be inhaling.
As for throw away inserts - there are all suggestions by non-medical people: Kleenex, paper towel sheet, Duster sheets (that go onto those Swiffer Mops). The idea is to put one of these between the outer layer and the liner for added protection. I have not found any articles regarding the efficacy of doing this.
2 - 7" lengths of wire. Some people said they'd used pipe cleaners and others have used paper clips that they straightened.
Elastic - 1/8" - 1/4" or corded elastic - all will work. I couldn't find any so I used hair ties. You will need 2. I recommend using the thinner hair ties if you can find them as the ones I used are a little thick. Still they do work.
I used cotton thread in my sewing machine.
Sewing Machine.

Other Links Related DIY Face Masks:
Smart Air Filters: An article rating various material vs surgical masks. smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make…

Forbes Article: forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2020/03/20/calling-all…

Come along and stitch with me!

Have a stitch that you just can't figure out how to do? Tell me in the comments below. Have a question? Ask away.

These stitch tutorials for Left Handers (and Right Handers) are following the stitches as laid out in Sue Spargo's Creative Stitching Book. To purchase the book, Sue's threads, wools, needles and most of the things I use in these tutorials head over to her website: suespargo.com

All jewelry worn in this video are designed by Ariane Zurcher available at: arianezurcher.com

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