How to sew a fabric face mask
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Let’s start by saying we are in unprecedented times. Who could ever have believed that the situation developing around the world could ever come to be in real life, and outside of scary movies? It’s a bewildering and scary situation for many, and now we need to pull together, everyone do their part to support our caregivers, emergency workers and the sick.
More governments and local health authorities around the world are now either suggesting, recommending or even in some cases mandating, the wearing of fabric face masks when leaving the home for essential travel for food or medical supplies.
Of course, these homemade face masks are NOT CDC compliant, not medical-grade, and do not provide full protection against viruses and other germs. However, with medical-grade equipment being in short supply, we are all advised to leave the medical-grade equipment for the professionals who need them. The fabric masks can be disposed of after use or washed and reused.
Who may be able to make use of fabric face masks:
- Hospitals of course
- Care homes for the elderly and disabled
- Cancer care centres
- Community nurses
- Emergency services such as ambulance crews and police officers
- Those recommended or mandated to wear them by their local authorities when leaving the home for essential travel and services
If you are considering sewing a face mask for a healthcare worker or hospital, please do make sure the design and materials used are approved by them or their organisation before starting work. Many are not taking any home-sewn fabric masks as they are non-compliant with medical needs.
If you DO wish to sew them for your own personal use and that of your family or friends, here is a roundup of some of the patterns that we consider look the best. Stay safe, stay well, stay indoors. Wash your hands often.
Where to get mask sewing supplies
Several of the large online fabric stores are not accepting orders or have a huge backlog. We’ve tracked down one specialist store we like for mask supplies (including filters) and lots of small independent sellers on Etsy who are ready to ship to you right away. Check out these:
- Plastic template set in 3 sizes to make cutting out really quick and accurate.
- If these templates above are sold out, you can buy these acrylic templates here in individual sizes
- Bias tape maker to speed things along
- Or a big choice of ready made bias tape
- This shop has more than 30 different face mask kits ready to sew, including elastic and sends next day.
- Nose wires to sew into the masks to make them fit closely to the face
- More nose wires in case those above are sold out
- Lots of face mask fabric bundles in case you need more fabric
- Even more face mask fabric bundles ready to ship out immediately if you need more fabricÂ
Face mask sewing patterns
All of these are video tutorials to help get you started as sewing a face mask will be new to most of us. Check in the video description for a link to download any printable pattern if there is one.
Simple Pleated Face Mask Sewing Pattern by DesignedByGeeks on Creative Fabrica
Don't need a video to follow? Then this simple free mask pattern could be all you need. Available in three sizes and cut simply from a square of fabric, pick, small, medium or large and follow the easy sewing instructions in the free PDF download for these masks.
Can be sewn with ear loops or ties.
DIY Best Fabric Face Mask Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners | Sweet Red Poppy
A full coverage and shaped face mask with full video tutorial. This uses ties instead of elastic so is adaptable for sizing and more comfy to wear long term without cutting into the ears.
DIY Covid-19 Fabric Mask (with Filter Pocket) Sewing Tutorial
A simple unshaped mask with elastic and a space for a non-woven filter which can be removed and replaced.
A Doctor Explains How to Make the Safest Face Mask
Use this one with care and do your research first. We've read that HEPA filters used in vacuum cleaner bags may contain tiny pieces of fibreglass and should NOT be used to breathe through.
HOW TO MAKE FACE MASK WITH FILTER POCKET AND ADJUSTABLE WIRE | SEWING TUTORIAL
This mask has a space for a removable non-woven filter and also an adjustable nose wire to help it fit closer to your face.
DIY Face Mask Video Tutorial
This pattern comes in 4 sizes so you can make one for each member of your family. A nice shape that fits close to the face and high on the nose. Elastic for the ears.
Child Size Face Mask Sewing Tutorial with Ties and Filter Pocket - Fast and Efficient!
A child sized mask with ties and filter pocket. A close fitting mask is important so if you are sewing for younger children, make sure to use a smaller pattern.
How to SEW a REUSABLE FACE MASK with FILTER POCKET// DIY Fabric Face mask // BATCH sew Medical mask
A very quick and simple sew with NO PLEATS and a really good gathered fit and adjustable single tie.
How to Sew the Best Fitted Fabric Face Mask with Pocket to insert a N95 or Hepa 1900 Filter. [EASY]
If you can't source elastic, or don't have any at home, this face mask wraps around the face a little more and uses hair elastics to slip over the ears. Good close shaping and a filter pocket.
How to make a face mask for doctors, nurses and health care workers - COVID-19 - Deaconess Hospital
The original hospital approved tutorial and pattern from Deaconess Hospital. The pattern and tutorial that started the trend.
How to make a healthcare mask with special filter pocket (MD approved)
A tutorial from a medical doctor who also sews, on the North Memorial Health YT channel. Uses hair elastics for the ears and has a space for a filter.
Instructional video for sewing the Olson mask (COVID-19)
Another medically approved face mask to sew, the Olson mask from UnityPoint Health - Cedar Rapids
DIY Face Mask with Filter Pocket - Make on a Cricut or By Hand!
If you have a Cricut machine, this mask includes a pattern you can cut on your machine, so you can be cutting another as you are sewing the first. Can also be cut bu hand too.
Stay safe and well everyone and please follow your local medical advice.
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