by Stephanie Voyer of SaVor Designs
So many people have asked for a tutorial on how to make a mask at home. I laid out the steps below and included coordinating pictures. There are lots of versions of masks being made, which is wonderful!!! This tutorial is for the accordion or “banana” style mask and is not intended to replace the N95 official mask.
It is advised also to wash and dry the fabric in free & clear type detergent in hot water before cutting the fabric.
Supplies you will need:
- Cotton Fabric – 2 pieces 7 1/2″ x 8″* – Tip: Organic with as tight a weave as possible; t-shirt fabric works well too
- 1/4″ Braided Elastic – 1/2 yard (2 pieces, 9″ each)* Tip: You can use ties instead, 4 pieces, 16-18″ long x 2″ each; you could even use shoelaces
- Pipe cleaner – 1 piece, 6 inches
- Other things you will need: paper pattern, ruler, pins, thread, iron & sewing machine.
How to Make the Mask:
- Iron fabric flat
- Cut 2 squares of the cotton, using pattern 7 1/2 x 8″. If your fabric is directional (has words or images that would look weird upside down), make sure you look at the pattern so the top is positioned in the correct direction
- Put the wrong sides of the fabric together and stitch 1/2″ seam allowance along the top and bottom.
- At the top center along the seam allowance using a zig-zag stitch, sew the pipe cleaner.
- Trim threads and flip right side out and iron flat.
- Position the pattern on the right side of the fabric (be sure the pipe cleaner is at the top), pin where the folds are marked on the pattern.
- Take the first row of pins, fold down to the second row, and iron to fold. Repeat for all 3 folds.
- Remove pins and iron one more time, pressing down with steam to set the folds.
- Using zig-zag stitch again, sew the sides closed. Stitch several times to prevent fraying.
- Taking your elastic, pin to top and bottom on each side, fold over and sew the side seams
- Done!
The finished mask should have folds going down. Loop around ears, pinch wire at the nose for a tighter fit and pull the bottom down below your chin.
Sending prayers to you all and be safe and well! We will get through this together!
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