For long now, I have used masks. Both made of only fabric and a special one (with replaceable KN95 filters and dual valves) that is for pollution and pollen. I don’t only have terrible allergies but have asthma and had a lung collapse in my early 20’s (all fine now). This “special” mask I keep and only use when needed in times like haze or travelling to areas with high pollution and smog (high API Index).
My cotton face mask I use more often, not only now in times with the recent pandemic, but when cleaning the house (yeah, those dust allergies).
Currently, as we are no longer discouraged from wearing a mask, and I heard my friend does not have one, so I decided to make a few cotton face masks, plus a tutorial for those who want to create their own.⁴
-I have fabric & a machine. So instead of buying, I made.-
Why fabric masks?
Well, due to a global shortage of surgical masks, which are reserved for our heroes, our healthcare workers, and of course, those who are ill, fabric masks are an alternative.³ Plus, fabric masks can be (and should be) washed and then reused.
Although a fabric mask is not medically rated and does not offer the same protection as a surgical mask, it is a semi protective barrier, which is more effective than doing nothing.
What fabric to use
At this moment, there is still a lot of talk and research about which is the best fabric to use.
You need a fabric that can still breathe but has a more compact structure.² Some studies have shown that ‘quilters cotton’ lists highest, as it is tightly woven and durable. Cotton is also breathable.
So how to know if your cotton is tightly woven? The scientists at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine says, if held up to a light or the sun, you should not see any light passing through the fibers.¹
Taking care of your cotton face mask
At the end of the day, wash your mask with warm soapy water, or machine wash. Properly dry it, even in the sun, if possible. Always handle the face mask carefully, avoid touching the mask before and after wearing it (especially the lining). Use the elastic or side tied to adjust and remove. I keep mine in a zip-lock bag before use. *The mask goes hand in hand with keeping good hygiene by washing your hands and social distancing.
How to make a reusable fabric mask
This is the first tutorial in a series of two. This folded cotton face mask requires no pattern and is rather quick and easy to make.
I also have two options on how to make the folded mask, depending on the supplies and time you have.
Style 1 is the easiest of them all, it only requires fabric, elastic or ties and coated wire (optional). The sides are folded to create a tunnel for the elastic.
So, depending on the elastic and fabric used, it can get a bit thick with the pleats.
For style 2 elastics are sewn down and are finished with binding. This mask is less bulky on the sides.
*If you do not have elastic, you can also use ties made from the same fabric.
What do you need?
Outer fabric – Suggest a natural fiber, like cotton (quilters cotton) tightly woven.
Lining – You can either double up by using the same fabric as outer or use a contrast.
Elastic – If you do not have, you can also make ties or get creative (I used 2 hair bands).
*Coated wire – I upcycled the coated wire they use around cords in packaging (optional).
*Binding – Premade binding or same fabric (optional).
Fabric Size
Step by step
Prewash fabric before starting to sew. Not only to clean it but also for the cotton to shrink before its made.
Step 1
Firstly, place the right sides together and sew the top edges.
For style 1 the lining is shorter by 3cm on either side.
Step 2
Secondly, sew the opposite side together. It will curl up, as the lining is shorter.
Step 3
Turn it to the right side and iron. Make sure the outer fabric folds over a bit to the lining side. (This ensures the lining will not be visible on the front).
Step 4
For the coated wire over the nose, sew two lines 5mm apart. (The wire helps the mask to sit comfortably on the nose).
Step 5
Next, insert the wire. (I used the coated wire found around cords when items are packaged).
Step 6
Iron in pleats.
1.) 3cm space
2.) 3cm pleat
3.) 1.5cm space
4.) Repeat 1 & 2
*Fold up on the lining side.
Step 7
Fold the sides over twice, each time by 1cm and sew down the edge on the fold.
Step 8
Finally, insert the elastic and sew together with a zigzag stitch.
Step 9
For style 2, on the right-side pin the elastic in place, followed by the binding. Sew down the binding in the first fold. The binding should be about 1cm longer at the top and bottom (see image on the right).
Step 10
Thereafter, fold the binding over to the lining and sew down, either by machine or by hand.
The nose wire can be adjusted for a more comfortable fit.
Voila!!! And there you have it, two styles of folded masks.
I hope you found this tutorial useful.
Please share the masks you have made in the comments below!
Keep a lookout for the second mask tutorial coming soon, more stylish, wink wink.
Wondering how you can explore the world from home, click here to see how.
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Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert. The fabric mask is not medically rated and does not offer the same protection as a surgical mask, it is only a semi protective barrier. I am sharing my knowledge of sewing production, at a time when we are not discouraged from wearing fabric masks.
Reference:
Fabric use:
¹ Testing shows type of cloth used in homemade masks makes a difference, doctors say. (2020, April 2). Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Retrieved April 8, 2020, from https://newsroom.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2020/04/Testing-Shows-Type-of-Cloth-Used-in-Homemade-Masks-Makes-a-Difference
² What are the best materials for making DIY masks? (2020, March 8). Smart Air Filters. https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
Mask use:
³ TOH TING WEI. (2020, April 4). Coronavirus: Surgical masks being conserved for healthcare workers, says PM Lee Hsien Loong. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/surgical-masks-being-conserved-for-healthcare-workers-pm
⁴ TOH TING WEI. (2020, April 3). Coronavirus: Singapore govt will no longer discourage wearing of masks, to give reusable masks to all households. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-govt-will-no-longer-discourage-wearing-of-masks-to-give-reusable-masks
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