Family face mask projects for survival and not just for fun! Why are you so trifling 2020? The masks we made were inspired by Craft Passion’s original post. (Thank you for your service!) There is a slot to slide in our non-woven fabric or anti-viral and bacterial filters. Each family member will have two to start with, one to wear and one to wash and dry for the next day.
A few weeks ago, when the majority of your shadiest Facebook friends and families were still dismissing COVID-19 as just the flu and making jokes I hope they have since deleted. (The North, however, remembers and many folks may have irrevocably lost my esteem and respect.) You might have also read an article (or four) stating that face masks won’t help. We now know that it was a campaign to manage a national mask shortage. Now with the protective gear shortage in full swing and health providers in the United States having to DIY their way to some sort of minimally acceptable protection, the powers that be have changed their stance on both whether everyday regular people should be wearing masks (something long accepted around the world) and whether cloth masks are acceptable for health care workers. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, some of the most intelligent creative health care providers in my inner circle started making their own mask weeks now, so I did as well.
These masks are not FDA approved or “medical grade” but there is very strong research by SMEs noting that A MASK is better than no mask. The asymptomatic can wear to possibly help prevent the spreading of respiratory viruses. Meanwhile, everyone should still wash their hands and avoid touching their faces.
I started writing this post days ago, I am overjoyed the CDC Now recommends Americans consider wearing cloth face coverings in public.
Next is the preliminary list of materials we bought for our masks and a link to the instructions we followed. Go to the end for links to other DIY face mask links and tutorials
Important: Before sewing, pre-wash all fabric and wash again prior to wearing it. Use cotton for both layers.
DIY Face Mask Sewing Pattern
4 sizes – for ages 3 and above
Time: 30 minutes (varies by skill level)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated cost: About $5
(If you already have fabric scraps, more if you have to buy all sewing materials)
Free face mask sewing pattern & tutorial on how to sew double-layered mask. In 4 sizes: small kids, young kids, teenagers & Women, and Men. With optional variants:
Materials
- Main Fabric (cotton), 13″ x 7″, prewash
- Lining Fabric (cotton or flannel), 12″ x 7″, prewash
- Nose wire, 6″ (Optional)
- Elastic cord for ear loops 16″, or, shoelace/ribbon/cord with at least 44″ length for the head tie
- Repurposed HEPA filter (fiberglass free but the jury is still out on how safe this is) or an extra piece of non-woven fabric
- Face Mask Sewing Patterns; Choose your option to download and print separately
Tools
- Sewing essentials (fabric, thread, scissors, etc)
- Sewing Machine or hand sew supplies (and skills)
- Iron
- Tracing wheel and paper
- Pencil or soluble fabric marker
- Elastic bands
Instructions
- Download and print out the Face Mask Sewing Pattern separately.
- Follow the sewing instructions below.
- Optional (try at your own risk): buy and deconstruct a (fiberglass free) HEPA filter as seen in the video below
Best Practices
- Wear the face mask properly, ensure no air is breathing in from sides of the mask.
- Handle the face mask carefully, wash it thoroughly every day. Do not touch the contaminated side of the face mask, wash your hands if you accidentally touch it.
- Always keep immaculate hygiene during these trying times by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 30 seconds.
- Avoid touching your fast at all costs.
Free DIY Fabric Face Mask Tutorials
- Craft Passion Pattern (the one we followed with different size options)
- Pleated Face Mask
- Olson Mask Pattern – designed by medical professionals to be used when other surgical and N95 masks are not available.
- Super Simple Face Mask (for adults and kids)
- Pleated Cloth Face Mask with Filter Slot
- Star Wars Face Mask Patterns
- Organic Woven Cotton Fabric Mask
Face Mask Tutorial Videos
Craft Passions: Face Mask Sewing Video Tutorial – With Pocket For Filter
How to sew a reusable face mask – Quick and easy tutorial
DIY Covid-19 Fabric Mask (with Filter Pocket) Sewing Tutorial
Here is a statement from the CDC regarding homemade fabric face masks:
HCP {healthcare personnel} use of homemade masks:
In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for the care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE {personal protective equipment}, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face. {source of quote at cdc.gov}
Good luck with your DIY projects and please let me know it goes!
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