We are living in a time of uncertainty. Waking up every day wondering when things will start to look normal. Now is truly the time to be in this together. Protecting your family, yourself, and others are your number one priority. A face mask is one of the ways you can help prevent the spread of Covid19 (Coronavirus). Here is how to make a face mask DIY at home.
The face mask can be made with any cotton fabric or any tightly knitted fabric. If you do not have any fabric lying around look for old clothes that can be cut to the dimensions and used.
This mask can be sewn by hand or with a machine. The machine will be faster but if you do not own one hand stitching can be done by anyone.
For more information on COVID19 check out my other article.
Table of Contents
Step 1
Begin to collect and prepare the necessary items to make your fabric face mask. You will need:
- Fabric (cotton or a tightly woven fabric)
- Elastic cord or fabric to tie the mask
- Sewing machine or needle
- Thread
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Marker
- Iron
- Coffee filter (optional)
For an average adult begin by cutting a rectangle that measures 16″ by 8.5″ long.
Step 2
Fold fabric rectangle in half with the right sides together (right side is patterns front).
Step 3
With right sides together measure and mark a 3-4″ opening in the center of the fabric top for a filter pocket.
Next, begin to sew along the top 8.5″ edge.
The seam allowance is 5/8″. Leave the center open where you measured. This allows for the filter pocket and for the mask to be turned right side out after sewing.
Step 4
Turn your iron on a medium setting to press the pocket seam.
Fold the fabric with the seam in the middle so you can press the seam and make creases to know where to put the elastic for the ear strap.
Step 5
Pin the elastic ear strap to the top corner and bottom corner of the mask where you ironed the crease.
Sew the entire side of the mask with the elastic with a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Make sure you do a backstitch over the elastic strap to make sure it is secure.
Do the same on the other side.
Step 6
Turn the mask right side out.
Turn the iron back on. Fold and iron the fabric in half and iron. Fold the fabric two more times to create a pleat. There should be 3 folds.
With the folds create 3 evenly spaced 1/2″ pleats and pin.
Sew the pleats on each side with a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Step 7
You can now insert the optional coffee filter inside the pocket. The face mask can be washed on a delicate setting. Just make sure to remove the filter before washing.
You’re done!! You just made your very own fabric DIY face mask.
I hope this article helps you create your face mask to keep you and others safe. Please share this article with your friends and loved ones so they too can make their own face mask.
Remember my fellow friends, we are in this together!!!
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