Make a Protective Face Mask from Scraps

Wear One to Help Slow Down the Spread of Germs!

While a face mask will not fully protect you from contracting Covid-19 or other viruses, it can help slow down the spread of germs. If you’re not feeling well or simply want to take extra precautions, wearing a mask can help protect those you come into contact with.

Jenny from Missouri Star Quilt Co. has created a quick and easy fabric mask that’s washable and reusable. It’s designed to be made from items already in your stash.

She used flannel for the inside of the mask because it’s so soft next to your skin. We love her thoughts for what to substitute for elastic if you don’t have any on hand.

Jenny also provides measurements for both child and adult sizes, and tips for how to adjust the size to fit a particular face. Cutting sizes are:

• Adult – 6″ x 9″
• Child – 5″ x 7 1/2″

These are so quick and easy to make. Sew extra and pass them around. They’re a great way to help your community.

Watch how the masks are made in the following video.

Click here to watch the video at YouTube if it doesn’t play on your device.

If your local hospital is in need of masks that provide protection for wearers (like healthcare workers), you might consider the DIY video linked to below. While we’re making no claims whatsoever about the effectiveness of these masks, construction does appear to be well thought out. Pay careful attention to the details that affect the fit.

Before you get started, check your local hospital for information about their mask requirements. Also, be aware that construction requirements can change quickly as more becomes known about Covid-19.

Click here for the “DIY face mask N95” video from Bridal Sewing Techniques. Be sure to read through the comments for more info about filters (Filtrete 1900, 2200, or 2800 are recommended but make your own determination based on what your hospital requires). The mask cutting pattern can be found here.

UPDATE:

Be sure to follow the conversation on our Facebook post for tips about making a Jenny-style mask for healthcare workers. Here are a few:

• Some hospitals are asking for cloth ties of 18 – 20″ instead of elastic (from Lynn Goodwin and Sheryl Miech).
• Two layers of cotton fabric are often specified (no poly – cotton is easier to breath through, plus more layers, like when adding a filtering material, make it harder to breath) (from Sheryl Miech).
• Pre-wash all fabric in hot water, as used masks need to be washed at high temperatures in order to be sterilized (from Sheryl Miech).
• Three pleats provide a closer fit against the cheeks. Learn more and watch a 3-pleat mask being made here (from Terri Miller Upstill).

Many hospitals have their own approved patterns (via Marlys Van Manen) – plus there’s a lot of conflicting info out there – so check with your local hospital first.

Those who sew are rallying around the need for more face masks for healthcare personnel. You’ll find a lot of great info here in an article from Forbes (including a pattern, mask distribution networks and more).