PLEASE NOTE: I am NOT in any way recommending that you DO OR DON’T wear masks. I am not a healthcare professional and I am not providing medical advice. The masks referenced throughout this post are not meant to replace medical grade masks or any other type of PPE. Please do your own research and decide what is best for you and your loved ones in regards to wearing masks. Consult with your healthcare professional if necessary.
Why I started making masks
If you know how to sew, chances are a friend or family member has already asked you to sew a mask for them.
I was late to the party with the mask sewing. During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I kept myself busy focusing on other things. I stayed as busy as I could doing anything and everything that had nothing to do with COVID-19. Keeping myself busy at work, sewing, and reading books is how I filled my time.
A dear friend of mine got me hooked on a great series of books. It has been a perfect distraction to all that is going on in the world right now. That same friend came to me and asked if I would be willing to make her a mask. Coincidentally another friend reached out to me at the same time asking if I would make her a few masks also. Both are very close and dear friends that I have known for many years. Friends that don’t normally ask for anything, but have always done so much for me in the past. I absolutely was going to make them masks.
Experts say masks will not prevent you from contracting the virus. Masks are worn to protect others, not for your own protection. Regardless, I wanted to make a mask that I felt would offer as much protection possible as far as homemade masks go. Making masks made me feel like I could do something to provide a small feeling of comfort for my friends while they are in the workplace or out in public.
Choosing a pattern
I looked at many different mask patterns, watched several YouTube videos, and I even made a few sample masks that were not to my satisfaction. However, in the end, I found a pattern that met all the criteria I was searching for.
The pattern I chose was created by the very talented Lorrie Nunemaker. She has a wonderful YouTube tutorial that you can watch here. She also includes the pdf download links in the description box of her tutorial.
Sewing it all together
For all of you new to sewing, the pattern is beginner friendly and a great scrap busting project. Fat quarters worked great for making both the mask and the ties. The tutorial suggests using 20″ strips of material for the ties, but I found that using fat quarters and cutting strips in the 18″ direction worked well for a woman’s mask. However, for a men’s mask, I do recommend using 20″ long ties.
I love using my Brother 1034D Serger to make the ties. Fold the ties in half, wrong sides together, and serge just shaving off the edges of the fabric. Chain stitching made the process so quick and easy.
After serging my ties, I sewed the outer, inner, and filter pocket material right sides together on the curve as shown below.
I layered my pieces of material together as instructed in the tutorial.
I used my Wonder Clips to hold all of the layers together.
My favorite feature of the mask is the filter pocket. The mask consists of 3 layers of quilting cotton. The innermost layer of cotton also serves the purpose of the filter pocket. The pattern includes a filter template. I use paper towels for my filter material.
I also made some masks for my family pictured below.
My husband is required to wear a mask during his work day. At his request, I modified his mask by using 1/8″ elastic shock cord and cord locks instead of ties. He really likes the modified version and says it is much easier to take on and off.
Some final tips
- Dig out all of your scraps. Mask making is a great scrap buster
- Prewash all fabric to prevent mask shrinkage
- Serge edges of all fabric scraps prior to washing to prevent fraying
- Use 18″ fabric ties for women and 20″ fabric ties for men
- Chain stitch as much as you can to make the most of your time
- Modify strap material to suit your needs
- Cut out a stash of filters in advance
- Be creative and have fun sewing ♥
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