Easter this year is very different to past years due to the current coronavirus pandemic that is affecting lives worldwide. With that in mind here's a quick and easy sew that the cubs were working on this long weekend.
The cubs would like to highlight that this mask will not prevent you from catching any viruses, but it will be added protection on top of all the good old hand hygiene you have been practicing!
Some considerations for this tutorial:
1) I initially drafted a 3D face mask pattern with a center seam to allow for contouring around your face (less fabric is needed for this, everyone knows fabric is precious!)
However the needle holes from the center seam will reduce the amount of filtration the mask provides and filters will be needed to improve efficacy
2) I decided to add a filter pocket option just for the quell the paranoia in me (LOL!).
I bought these filters to insert into the filter pocket whenever I go for a walk or grocery run!
In a pinch, I have read that vacuum bags (with NO fibreglass particles) and ... coffee filters(if I ever get desperate *winks* ) can be used as well! Shhhhh....My sister is a dentist so she will definitely disapprove!
3) Seam allowance is 1/4 inches unless stated otherwise
Materials needed:
a) 1 piece of Cotton Fabric (preferably one with a tighter weave!) 8.5 x 16 inches
b) 2 pieces of Contrast Fabric 2 x 5 inches
c) 2 pieces of 6mm elastic 6.5 inches
I use this directional fabric to demonstrate, but I would suggest using an all-over print for your first run :)
Step A: Prepare the main body
1. Fold along the fabric to line up the short edges. Pin if needed.
2. Mark the midline of this short edge, and 1.5 inches (or approximately 4cm) from the midline. You can make this wider if you want a larger filter slot. I place pins at these spots.
3. Sew to the pins with a 1/2 inch seam allowance
Step B: Prepare the filter pocket (skip to step C) if you want to leave out the filter pocket
Step 4 to 7 is to hide any raw edges, and to stop the fabric from fraying when you insert and remove filters
4. Fold down the seam allowance by 1/4 inch to meet the seam line. Press flat to make a memory crease
5. Fold down the seam allowance another 1/4 inch to hide the raw edges. Press flat once more to make a memory crease. Pin in place if needed
6. Topstitch 1/8 inch from the edge
7. Repeat for other seam.
8. To center the filter slot in the center, I position it on one edge, and press flat the opposite edge to create a memory crease. Open and lay it flat.
The memory crease will form the top and bottom edge of the mask.
Step C: Add Pleats to allow for contouring around your face
9. Mark a line 1.25 inches from the top and bottom edge (around 3.1cm)
10. Mark 4 lines 1 inch (2.5cm) apart from these lines. You will have a total of 6 lines marked.
I love using my Pilot frixion pens for this : just iron to remove the lines once done!
11. Bring the first line to meet the second line. Pin in place.
12. Bring the third line to meet the fourth line. Pin in place.
13. Bring the fifth line to meet the sixth line. Pin in place.
14. Repeat on other side to create 3 pleats.
Ensure the pleats are facing down. This will help prevent dust and other particles from gathering in the pleats during use!
15. Baste the pleats in place with 1/8 inch seam allowance.
I like to iron my pleats in place after. This also helps remove the marking lines.
Step D: Add Elastic
16. On the side of the mask with the filter pocket, pin elastic 1/8 inch from the top and bottom edge on the side while ensuring elastic is not twisted.
Baste elastic in place with 1/8 inch allowance.
Step E: Finish the mask edges
17. With wrong sides together, iron the contrast fabric along the long edge
18. Place the contrast fabric over the filter pocket side of the face mask, sandwiching the elastic in between.
19. Fold the edges over the top and bottom edges. Pin in place.
20. Sew down the sides with 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Optional step 21: Trim the edges and the filter pocket seam allowance to reduce bulk
22. Flip the contrast fabric outwards and over the side edge
Turn it over the edge and onto the outside facing part of the mask. Pin in place.
23. Topstitch down the sides 1/8 inch from the edge.
I like to sew double row of stitches as I think it looks prettier :)
24. Admire your completed creation!
Did you enjoy making your own face mask? Do let me know if you need any help with this!
Do let me know what other tutorials you will like through Facebook or drop me a comment here :)
Love
♥ Kendall and the Cubs ♥
