Face Mask Tutorial

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Currently our nation’s healthcare workers have a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks. Children’s Wisconsin, the local pediatric hospital released instructions on how to make face masks. They are currently asking for donations. The following is a face mask tutorial using the instructions they provided. I have also placed a IGTV video tutorial at Fun Happiness and Life instagram page.

Precautions:

Do Not make face masks for donation if there is anyone in your home who:

• smokes
• has tested positive for COVID-19
• has any symptoms of respiratory illness

DO make face masks for donation with:

• pre-washed fabric
• in a clean environment
• with clean hands
• use supplies you have on hand

Filters: According to Cambridge University (see the article)

Children’s Wisconsin is providing the filters if you are planning to donate.

Here are some recommended filters if you want to place your own.

• Vacuum bags
• Tea towels with high thread count
• Cotton blend t-shirts

Do not try on the face mask you are planning to donate.

Material list:

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• 7 1/2′ x 7 1/2″ 100% cotton squares (2): you can use pillow cases, cotton quilting material, cotton tea towels, cotton t-shirt material
• 8″ Elastic: you can use hair ties, covered elastic or 1/8″ to 1/4″ elastic
• 5 1/2″ length of wire: you can use florist wire, twist ties, beading wire, pipe cleaners

Tool list:

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• Sewing machine
• Iron and board
• Rotary cutter
• Wire snips
• Needle nose pliers

Let’s get started making a Face Mask

Place the two squares of fabric on top of each other, right sides together. Place a pin 1 1/2″ inches in from the edge on the top of the material. Sew a 1/4″ seam from the edge to the pins. This it the top (nose) side of the face mask. You are creating the pocket for the filter.

Iron this 1/4″ seam open, including the gap.

Stitch both sides of seam using a straight stitch.

Place right sides together and sew a seam along the bottom (chin side) of the face mask using a 1/4″ allowance.

Turn right side out and adjust the fabric so that the opening for the filter is about 1/2″ from the top (nose side) of the mask.

Sew along the top of the mask about 1/8″ from the top. This will be the casing for the wire to go over the bridge of the nose.

Crimp both edges of the wire into a very small circle.

Insert wire and center in face mask casing.

Next is to make 3 pleats in the face mask. First fold mask in half and press with your iron. Pinch crease at each end and fold 1/2″ of material down towards the chin. Press first pleat with iron. Repeat making a pleat above and below the original pleat to form 3 pleats all parallel to each other.

Sew along each side of face mask to hold pleats in place.

Almost done!!

To finish the sides use about 1 1/2″ wide strip of material to bind the edges of the mask. Fold in sides of binding material and press. Wrap around edges of mask, and sew along each side of the face mask.

Tack on elastic ear loops 1/2″ from the top and bottom of the face mask. Stitch back and forth over the elastic to form a secure hold on the elastic.

YOUR FACE MASK IS DONE!

If you are planning on donating this face mask please do not try them on!

The health care system has limited supplies and they need equipment to protect themselves including these masks. Please consider donating as many masks as you can to your local hospital!

IF you have any questions about this face masks tutorial add them to the comments. You can also find a video face mask tutorial on my Instagram page.