This produces a very simple and fast to make cloth mask. Adjust size as needed.
UPDATE: Simpler verison with pocket!
UPDATE: Read this cloth mask study. Lots of caveats with cloth masks.
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Fact: Cloth masks should not replace PPE (N95) masks for airborne viruses. Only proper PPE with handwash is effective!
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Un-validated improvements for cloth masks:
- Please add a non wicking layer between the inner and out mask. Examples: netting, tulle etc. There needs to be a moisture barrier.
- This non -wicking layer can be inserted in the pocket
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Wearers: Replace cloth masks often! and wash hands after taking it off.
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N95 mask cover: If you double the length of the mask (aka 22in x 8.5). This mask will fit over an N95 mask.
If you are a good seamstress and have supplies please take a look at my favorite. It looks awesome! Also if you are more cautious you can use the CDC Mask instructions. There is also one designed by a Nurse.
For the rest of us with random supplies and lower skills, then this page is for you.
- ONE ~19.5 by 8.5 inch piece of cloth. (Either Linen or Cotton)
- 1-2 ~ 4in long 24 guage wire, paper clip, If for personal use bag ties or pipe cleaner work
- 1/4 inch ribbon, material or elastic
- (Optional) 1 1/2 ribbon or quilt/blanket edging material.
- Thread: any color
- Cut the Cloth
- (Mandatory) Moisture Spacer / Wicking Barrier
- ADD: Bag tie pocket
- Fold Fabric to make an envelope: Filter Pocket
- Fold Fabric like a cummerbund / paper fan
- Sew the side edges together
- (OPTIONAL) Sew Bottom
- Add Ties or Elastic
- Done
Use a sheet of paper for your template. Cut a single pieces of cloth the size of a sheet of paper + sheet of paper facing the other length. This gives out ~ 19 inches in length by 8.5 inches. You do not have to be exact, simply within the ballpark. Make larger or smaller for your head.
From here on out, I will refer to this as the square.
| Pocket Sizing |
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| GOOD Cut | BAD Cut |
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| NOTE: this sizing makes nice masks but will not fit over another mask! | Ballpark sizing works well. But it has to be in the ball park! |
NOTE The outer cloth should be cotton or linen to absorb moisture!
SKIP if you are adding a filter pocket.
- A moisture wicking barrier. Here I added another middle layer using netting or tulle.
OR Add a pocket so that the person using it can put there own filter layer
NOTE: See mask study for more information. Also change frequently and wash hands after taking a cloth mask off.
On ONE of the short edges of the square we will add a pocket for the bag tie. Add it to the bottom nice/right side of the fabric. If it is on the top no worries it will work well to. The bag tie will allow us to mold the mask to our nose. I used a ribbon to make a pocket for the bag tie
NOTE Some places do not want ANY plastic bag tie since the plastic melts when it is sterilized and the same is true with pipe cleaners. Both of these are fine if the uses is just washing and drying it in a normal home laundry equipment.
DO add the pocket, it will allow the user to use what they feel comfortable.
If you have 24 like gauge wire please use that.
| Square with Tie before sewing: left |
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| Square with Tie added to top of fabric | 24 gauge wire |
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| See no worries. But adding it to the bottom is nicer | Make sure you bend the edge so there are no sharp edges when you add the wire to the pocket |
Folder the fabric (while in portrait mode) in roughly in half. You want the WIDTH to be 8.5 inches across. You also want the right (nice) side of the fabric facing out. Please leave a little (~1-2 inches) to fold over to make the envelope.
| Square folded like an envelope |
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Fold like a cummerbund for paper fan.
I am finding that the shorter the length the sides are the better the fit.
Have the cummerbund creases pointing to the bottom.
Another view.
Sew both sides and trim edges
(Optional) Zig-zag stitch here is nice to use.
For a cleaner looking edge, you can sew the bottom end.
What you do here depends on the material you have.
NOTE You may want to add a pocket at the top so that users can add additional filters.
Sew the the ties onto the mask see image below.
Fold the ribbon in half and sew it onto each ends of the mask. This makes a slot for the ribbon or elastic to attach to the mask. Note a crochet hook makes threading the ribbon or elastic easier.
Note: the slot for the bag tie is to make a good fit around the nose.
I make NO CLAIMS that these masks will protect you from covid19. Use at your own risk. These are not Medical Mask.
Cats will hinder your progress! But they are too cute to move.
