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FACE MASK PATTERNS & TIPS

EASY PATTERN BY ST. TABITHA'S AUXILIARY

This pattern is a simple rectangle pleated mask that takes about 10 minutes to sew. With only 5 straight lines of stitching you'll get a washable mask with fabric ties, a pocket for a removable filter, and a nose wire. Instructions have photos and extra tips for beginners.

VIDEO PATTERN & HOW-TO

Kimberly of the Sweet Red Poppy sewing blog has a fantastic intro and easy to understand instructions to make both a rectangle mask and a contoured mask.

SURGICAL CAP PATTERN

There are many patterns out there for surgical caps, but this one is very simple and quick to make.

MASK CONSTRUCTION

FILTERS: These masks are NOT a replacement for proper medical protective equipment, so we should not try to make them to be a replacement. The CDC guidance has been to use cotton (even a single layer), and there is research to show that even two layers of tightly woven cotton (most of your basic cotton fabric) will block very small particles. Most of the masks being used in medical situations today are used to lengthen the usability of the N95 protective mask, since the fabric masks can be washed and reused. So, they need to be as breathable as possible...please do not sew in filters or make the masks too thick.

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WASHABILITY: No matter how you make your mask donations, they need to be able to withstand hundreds of hot wash/dry cycles in a machine. Since cotton is notorious for shrinking, be sure to wash and dry the fabric on hot before sewing. We have to assume that these masks are going to people with no time to perform a special sanitizing procedure, nor can we assume that any instructions we send will stay with the masks, so they need to be simply constructed to withstand hot wash/dry cycles.

MAILING MASKS & CAPS

Please do not make masks to donate if you have been exposed to or currently have COVID-19. Paper and fabric do not hold onto the coronavirus for nearly as long as metal, plastic, and glass/ceramic. After the masks are made, place them in a paper envelope, and include a note to the recipient to wash and dry them on hot once they receive the masks. Unless you are mailing to someone who will use the mask(s) for personal use, don't add instructions. If you are in digital contact with the recipient, you can explain anything about your mask to them that way so they can refer back to it. Fabric masks that enter a facility will be used and reused by anyone, so the instructions will get lost anyway. Mailing in a heavyweight clasp paper envelope will reduce the cost of shipping, but be sure the envelopes are not stuffed too full.

Pattern & Tips: Services
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