DIY Fabric Face Mask

March 19, 2020 6 Comments

URGENT NEED: Thank you to all that have downloaded this facemask! Our hospitals are in desperate need for these masks right now! Please consider making some and donate them to one of these hospitals. We will be updating here as the need grows. HOSPITALS NEEDING FABRIC MASKS and please refer to this site to DONATE PPE.

In light of all that is happening around the world with a virus that is spreading, there has been a shortage of face masks. I know that the CDC has outlined guidelines in regards to who should be wearing a mask. Please note that a home-made fabric mask is not meant to replace the efficiency of a N95 mask, however there are some studies that wearing a homemade mask is better than not wearing one at all. Doctors in Asia have highlighted the fact that universal mask wearing had helped curtail the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Let’s do our part as a community to stop the spread of germs and #spreadlove instead.

So as a fun project, I thought I’d post this mask tutorial. I’ve made a version where you can also insert a carbon filter for higher filtration of pollutants. These masks are meant to be worn once and then washed. Per the CDC usage "In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, 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." Stay safe my friends.

 

*note: this pattern may not be reused for commercial use or sale without the permission of EllieFunDay. We are all trying to just do our part to help those around us. Thank you! 

 

Materials 

• 1 yard of Pre-washed Double Gauze Organic Cotton or tightly Woven Cotton (other material suggestions)
• Round cord elastic (or elastic hair ties) 
• 1 Pattern for Fabric Face Mask Mask

Tools

• Scissors or Roller Cutter
• Pins
• Measuring Tape or Ruler

Pattern

You can download this FREE pattern by following this link. Seam allowances are already included in this pattern. This includes an adult, child, and toddler version.

Step 1

Fold your fabric into 4 layers and lay your pattern on top and stack cut them with your scissors or roller cutter.  

Step 2

Sew your two pieces RIGHT SIDES together down the front. 

Step 3

Trim the rounded seam with notches to reduce bulk when turning over your seam. 

Step 4

Iron flat the seam allowances down the middle for the perfect curve.

Step 5

Repeat steps 3-4 for the lining so you will end up with 2 pieces. 

Step 6

Sew the two side edges of the lining piece over with a 3/8" seam allowance rolled edge.

Step 7

Place the two pieces RIGHT SIDES together. And sew the long edges of the top and the bottom of the mask together. 

Step 8

Flip inside out and press the seams. 

Step 9

Fold over 3/8" seam allowance on the edge while encasing your elastic earpiece. (Cut 10" lengths for child, and 12" lengths for adults.) Sew the edge  (try not to sew the elastic with it.) Feel free to adjust the length of the elastic to fit properly.

Step 10

Do a final press of your mask and Viola! 

Please note that the pattern allows for some adjustment for sizing on the sides, so measure the appropriate length for the elastic to fit the person comfortably. Although this mask is reusable, please wash after each use. I would love to see yours. Tag us @elliefunday using hashtag #spreadlove.

If you can't sew, we are now offering Buy One + Give One, where we will donate one fabric mask to a health professional when you purchase one.

 

Here are some photos of what it looks like on an adult. 

FAQs

How do I use this mask? 

• Insert a filter : insert a disposable HEPA filter into the pocket of the mask. You can find them easily accessible at a home-goods store. 
• Adjust for fit: for a true seal to work, use double sided tape on the edges to ensure that air flows through the mask and not seep through the edges. 
• Clean & sanitize: dispose of the filter after each use and wash your mask in hot water and tumble dry low. 

• Do I need to put a filter in the mask? This is strongly recommended as fabric masks only protect you from spreading your germs to the public and from touching your face if you touch an infected area. 

What kind of filter should I use?

You can find HEPA filters (remove the fabric layer from the cardboard frame and gently remove the metal grate) at your local hardware store, a vacuum bag, even a coffee filter can work. This can provide an extra layer of filtration, see this link here for a study. Also this basic study on HEPA filters has a lot of great knowledge on what type of particulates work for a HEPA. The Covid-10 virus is 0.125 microns in size this study done by NASA shows the graph on page 7 and the preceding paragraph do a good job of explaining why HEPA filters are actually most efficient—almost 100 percent at 0.01 micron—at capturing ultrafine particles below the 0.3-micron HEPA test standard.

Resources for Further Reading 

• Best Materials for DIY Fabric Masks
• CDC Optimizing Supply of Masks through Fabric Masks
• ASTM Standards for Medical Grade Masks
• Alternative Filter Insert Options
• Type of Mask Penetration Studies
• Testing the Efficacy of Homemade Masks

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