Sewing a cotton face mask- from a pattern – 2

Hello there and welcome to the second mask tutorial.

Below are the instructions to the sleek fitting cotton face mask, quite comfortable to wear with glasses too. For this cotton face mask, you do need a pattern, and there are many available online. I drafted one, and you are welcome to use those measurements. I wanted a snug fit but not pushing up by the eyes, (a problem I had with another where my glasses kept steaming up) or gapping on the sides and under my chin.  So I sat in front of my mirror, measured and pinned as I went along and adjusted the pattern. Haha. 

Why fabric masks?

As mentioned in my previous article, it is due to a global shortage of surgical masks, which are reserved for our healthcare workers, and of course, those who are ill. So fabric masks are an alternative,³ plus, fabric masks are reusable (you are able to wash them).

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 for your fabric face mask. 

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. It should be properly air-dried. 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 maintaining good hygiene by washing your hands and social distancing.

How to make a cotton face mask

This is the second tutorial in a two-part series. For the easier cotton face mask, which requires no pattern, click here.

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 – optional but I do recommend, Again get creative, I used the coated wire the use in packaging around cables.

Step by step

Prewash the fabric before you start sewing. Not only to clean it but also for the cotton to shrink before its made.

Pattern

You may follow the measurements below.

 

 

 

Step 1

Firstly, trace the pattern and cut out. The pattern already includes a 0.5 cm seam allowance. Make sure to draw the notches on the side.

Step 2

Lay the pattern onto double-layer fabric, and either trace or pin and then cut out. Trace the notches. Do the same with the lining. You will have 4 cut-out pieces now.

Step 3

Pin the center front seam of the outer fabric together and sew at 0.5 cm. Do the same with the lining.

For the seam to lay more smooth, topstitch the seam down at about 0.2 cm.

Step 4

This step is to prepare the lining so that you can insert a filter if you wish. Choose either side, fold the edge over 1cm to the wrong side, and repeat so that the fold touches the notches. Fold for a 3rd time. Topstitch the edge down.

Step 5

Pin the top curve together and sew at 0.5 cm. Make small cuts around the curves (make sure not to cut the stitches); this will allow the fabric to sit flat and not pull when folded to face the right side.

After you have folded it to the right side, pin in place and sew a topstitch of 5-7mm from the edge. This is where the nose wire will be inserted. (I again reused the coated wire that was in packaging around the cord.)

Step 6

Place the right sides facing each other again, pin the bottom seam together, and sew at 0.5cm. Slash the curves as before. The mask can now be turned back to the right side and pressed.

Step 7

On both sides, fold the edge over by 1cm, repeat, and make sure that the edges match to the notches. On the side where you have already finished the lining, make sure that the edges do not overlap so that the opening stays open.

You have two options with the elastic; firstly, you can place the ends into the seam and sew them down with it. Or you can sew the edge and use the side a tunnel for the elastic.

Voila! And there you have your cotton face mask from a pattern!

 

I hope you found this tutorial helpful! 
If you want to make a slightly easier mask that requires no pattern click here for the folded mask.

 

Liked this post? Pin as a reminder.

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 and where it is even mandatory to wear one when going out in some places.

---

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/

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