Like many other sewists navigating this "not so normal time," I've found myself involved in a mask making adventure. I thought I would share my experience. Let me start by telling you I've researched the mask making subject until my eyes were crossed! I tried many different styles in an attempt to make some to please myself, family and friends. I'm also currently in a campaign to contribute masks to the Cleveland Clinic. These masks are for the general public, not for medical workers.
I'd like you to know that this post represents my personal opinions only. I am not giving any advice on the making of masks, the usefulness of them, or making any claims for protection against any illness. None of the masks shown here are designed for PPE (Personal Protectiion Equipment). For guidelines on wearing and caring for masks and face coverings please list the government website, CDC.gov.
If you'd like to get involved with the mask making effort for Cleveland Clinic please HERE.
I'd like you to know that this post represents my personal opinions only. I am not giving any advice on the making of masks, the usefulness of them, or making any claims for protection against any illness. None of the masks shown here are designed for PPE (Personal Protectiion Equipment). For guidelines on wearing and caring for masks and face coverings please list the government website, CDC.gov.
If you'd like to get involved with the mask making effort for Cleveland Clinic please HERE.
Mask Making Reviews
There is certainly a measure of controversy surrounding the "wearing of the mask." I encourage you to do your own research on the whole subject, but please don't be lulled into thinking that this makes you bullet proof. We have all seen masks warn improperly and this alone can be a hot topic. If however, you need to wear one sometime, somewhere, it might as well be comfortable. Whether you are a fan of wearing these or not, it seems we will all be asked to cover our face if we want to enter certain establishments.
The one you see me wearing at the beginning of this post is my personal favorite as far as comfort, coverage, adjustability, and ease of laundering. You'll find instructions near the bottom of the page when you CLICK HERE.
As for the rest of the ones shown below, they are based on some variations of the many blog posts floating around the web these days. My guess is that you've probably seen most of these in some form or another.
The one you see me wearing at the beginning of this post is my personal favorite as far as comfort, coverage, adjustability, and ease of laundering. You'll find instructions near the bottom of the page when you CLICK HERE.
As for the rest of the ones shown below, they are based on some variations of the many blog posts floating around the web these days. My guess is that you've probably seen most of these in some form or another.
This was my first mask. It has the traditional three pleats and is finished with binding at the sides. This side binding forms a casing you can use to loop elastic or ties through. The binding makes it a bit time consuming to make, but it does make a neat, smooth finish because the bukly pleats are enclosed within the binding.
Next, I made my version of what is known as the Olson Mask. This one is shaped to fit the curves of the face. The inside pocket makes it easy to slip in a filter. Actually, on the green version above, I sewed this lining the wrong way. The zig-zagged ends should be tucked under the side flanges.
Next up, in the search for an adjustable fit, I opted to make the common rectangular pleated style, modifying it by adding two small buttonholes to thread knoted elastic through. This one is pretty quick to make and may do the trick if you need adjustability.
Making the lining in an obvious contrast fabric seems like a good idea so the wearer can distinguish between the front and back side. This pleated button hole style one has a pocket opening for an added filter.
This last one is the same style I'm wearing in the photo at the beginning of this post, with two exceptions. The finished size is one inch smaller from side to side, and I did not bother to make a contrast lining.
If you look closely you'll see a seam on the wrong side of the back piece. I also wrote the word bottom and and drew an arrow on the fabric with a sharpie marker. Hands down, this is my favorite style. I think it can be resized to fit most any face, it's easy to sew, and relatively comfortable to wear.
Originally, I saw this one created by homemadeonourhomestead on YouTube. Her version is more detailed with a pocket for a filter and a place for a nose wire. I saw another one similar to this, simplified the style, eliminated the nose wire, and posted my own instructions on this page.
Personally, I haven't had much success with adding nose wires. While it may make the mask fit more closely to the face, it makes the piece harder to launder, and it seems the wearer "fusses" too much to get it conformed to the nose. Part of the purpose of wearing a face covering is to help you avoid touching the face so that very fussing may defeat the purpose.
As you can see, I've been on the mask making merry go round for a while now.
Originally, I saw this one created by homemadeonourhomestead on YouTube. Her version is more detailed with a pocket for a filter and a place for a nose wire. I saw another one similar to this, simplified the style, eliminated the nose wire, and posted my own instructions on this page.
Personally, I haven't had much success with adding nose wires. While it may make the mask fit more closely to the face, it makes the piece harder to launder, and it seems the wearer "fusses" too much to get it conformed to the nose. Part of the purpose of wearing a face covering is to help you avoid touching the face so that very fussing may defeat the purpose.
As you can see, I've been on the mask making merry go round for a while now.
This last one only has only one drawback. You really need to instruct the wearer on how to wear it. I hope my face friendly photos help you see this face covering in action.
I'll close by wishing you all good health and happy sewing!
UPDATE! I wore this mask for an entire day and found it to be very comfortable.
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