There is really a very terrifying thing and you are probably doing everything to stay safe. As a preventative measure, you may want to wear a medical mask to protect yourself from the virus. Fortunately, it is possible to make fabric masks if you have basic sewing skills. However, you must keep in mind that they are much less effective than certified models, so you should only use them if those designed for sanitary use are not available.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Choosing the Right Fabric
Step 1. Choose a heavy, dense fabric for both layers of the goggle
You will need two layers of fabric for the mask to be most effective. Better still if each layer is made with different materials so you can easily recognize each side. For best results, choose a thicker fabric for the outer layer and a thinner cotton one for the lining.
- According to recent research, the best material for homemade aligners is the sterile wrapping used to protect surgical instruments. It can block up to 99% of germs and fine dust.
- For the outer side, you could try a non-stretch fabric such as denim, twill, canvas, or quilt.
- For the lining, you can use cotton or a cotton blend, as long as it is not stretchy.
Advise:
Cloth masks need to be washed and sterilized often, so choose a fabric that won't shrink or warp as a result of washing.
Step 2. Use a pre-shrunk pure cotton T-shirt
It is the simplest option. The ideal is to use a pre-shrunk 100% cotton T-shirt, but you can settle for your old T-shirt if that's all you have. Boil it in water for 10 minutes and air dry to further shrink and sterilize the fabric.
For best results, get a sanforized cotton T-shirt. If you have nothing else, you can still use an old one
Step 3. Cut a pillowcase if you don't have a shirt to use
While not the ideal option, the pillowcase fabric will offer some protection against germs, so you can use it for lack of anything else.
A T-shirt typically provides more protection than a pillow case, so it should be your first choice
Step 4. Choose different colors or patterns for the two layers to make them easily recognizable
Wearing the face mask inside out could expose you to the germs you want to protect yourself from. To make it easier to understand which side faces out, make sure at least one side is colored or has a pattern.
You can find a DIY template template (CDC approved) quick and easy to this address. It is easier, but does not involve inserting a filter.
Part 2 of 5: Cut the Fabric
Step 1. Make sure your hands and surfaces are clean
Even if you will still have to wash the mask before wearing it, it is good practice to adopt proper hygiene when making items of this type. Disinfect your sewing machine and the surfaces you will be working on with bleach wipes or spray. Also, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before starting work. If you already have a face mask, you can wear it so you don't breathe, cough, or sneeze on the one you need to make.
This is especially important if you intend to donate your masks to healthcare professionals
Step 2. Print and cut out the template of the template
You can find tons of different models online, many of which will be fine. To get a good quality mask, choose a model with a preformed nose bridge, which will allow the mask to adhere better to the face. When printing your pattern, make sure you select the "actual size" option, so it is in the correct scale. After printing it, check the dimensions with a ruler before cutting it out.
- Try this pattern to make a great mask for men.
- Use this pattern for women and teens.
- Use this pattern for ages 7 to 12.
- Try this model for 3 to 6 year olds.
Step 3. Fold both pieces of fabric in half, right sides inward
To sew the template you will need two mirror copies of the pattern, both for the outer layer and for the lining. By folding the fabric, you can cut out two identical pieces at once. Line up the edges, making sure the right sides are facing in and the wrong sides are facing out.
Step 4. Trace the outlines of the pattern on the wrong side of the fabric for the outer layer
Place the folded fabric on a flat surface. Place the pattern on top of the fabric and trace the outlines with a pencil or tailor's chalk.
Step 5. Cut out the pieces of fabric for the outer layer, leaving a 4 cm side margin
You will need wider margins on the side edges of the outer layer of the mask to have the space to insert the elastic. Cut out the fabric with tailor's scissors adding about 4 cm to the side edges (the ones that will face towards the ears).
Step 6. Trace the outline of the pattern on the wrong side of the lining
Place the pattern on the fabric folded in half and trace the outlines with a pencil or tailor's chalk.
When it's time to cut out the template, cut the two layers of fabric at the same time to get two symmetrical halves
Step 7. Cut out the cover pieces
Keeping the fabric folded, carefully cut along the contours of the outline you made using tailor's scissors. Once you're done cutting, you should have two identical pieces.
If you don't have tailor's scissors available, use a pair that is as sharp as possible
Part 3 of 5: Making the Mask Body
Step 1. Overlap the cover pieces with the right sides inward
Align them along the curved edge corresponding to the bridge of the nose. The sides that will be facing outwards once the template is finished must be facing inwards during the sewing phase.
If you want, you can pin or clip the pieces of fabric to keep them together, but you don't need to
Step 2. Sew the two pieces of cover together along the edge corresponding to the nose bridge
Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to make the center seam that will pass in front of the nose. Follow the line you drew on the fabric, leaving a margin.
Step 3. Overlap the outer layer pieces facing right inwards
Line up the edges corresponding to the nose bridge and check that the pieces of fabric fit together perfectly.
As with the lining, you can pin the two pieces to secure them, but it's not essential
Step 4. Sew the pieces of the outer layer together along the edge corresponding to the bridge of the nose
Use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to make the center seam that will pass in front of the nose. Use the line you drew on the fabric as a guide, leaving a margin.
Step 5. Press the center seams to make them flat
Open both the lining and the outer layer and place both pieces on the ironing board or heat-resistant surface, with the right sides facing up. Set the iron on a low temperature, then gently wipe it on the outside of the seams.
Flattening the seams will make it easier to align the two layers of the goggle
Step 6. Line up the center seams of both layers
Spread out the outer layer fabric on a flat surface, with the right side facing up. Then overlap the lining, right side down, making sure to match the seams. Pin the two layers to hold them in place.
Step 7. Sew along the top and bottom lines of the template
Use your sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the top and bottom edges of the template to join the outer layer and lining. Leave the side edges open.
There must be a couple of centimeters of margin on both lateral ends to be able to insert the elastic later
Part 4 of 5: Add the Wire
Step 1. Turn the mask over and press the seams
Spread one of the unfastened sides apart and gently fold the edges back, partially exposing the right side. Slowly pull out the remaining part of the bezel until it is completely turned inside out. Then, iron the top and bottom seams to flatten the fabric.
- Be careful not to accidentally rip the seams as you turn the mask over.
- After turning it over, it will probably be a little swollen; an iron pass will solve the problem.
Step 2. Insert 6 inches of wire into the top of the template
The wire will shape the contours of the mask in order to better adapt it to the features of the face and increase its adherence. Slide it into one of the side openings, then push it up against the top seam that will pass over your nose. Secure it with pins or clips to hold it in place.
The wire will create a rigid structure that will allow the mask to remain in place on the nose and mouth, as well as giving a shape that fits better to the face
Step 3. Make a topstitch to reinforce the seams
Use your sewing machine or needle and thread to sew an extra seam along the top and bottom edges of the template to make them stronger. It will also help hold the wire in place between the layers of fabric, so sew just below the wire.
- Make sure the wire is between the first seam and the topstitch as you work on the top side.
- Be careful not to let the needle hit the wire. The needle would be damaged quickly and could break.
Part 5 of 5: Sew the Side Edges and Insert the Filter
Step 1. Fold the side edges of the outer layer by half a centimeter
The excess fabric you left on the sides will create the loops for the elastic. Fold it towards the space you left open between the outer layer and the lining, then press gently on the fold with the iron to flatten it.
In these flaps you will pass the elastic that will hold the mask in place on the face
Step 2. Sew the edges of the folds
Do not sew the lining, but only the outer fabric, so as to leave an opening between the two layers of the mask to insert the filter. Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to attach the edges of the folds to the outer layer, creating a narrow loop on both sides to insert the elastic.
Variant:
you can use hair ties instead of an elastic band; if you prefer this alternative, insert the hair elastic into the cuff when folding the fabric, then sew the fold around the elastic.
Step 3. Fold the edges of the lining inward and hem each side
The elastic loops are the last step in sewing the outer layer, but you will still need to hem the lining to prevent the fabric from fraying. Fold about 3mm of lining fabric into the side opening of the bezel, then use your sewing machine or needle and thread to sew along the edge. Remember not to sew the lining to the outer fabric, otherwise you will not be able to insert the filter between the layers.
- Repeat the process on the other side.
- This will leave a pocket open in which to insert the filter.
Step 4. Insert one end of the elastic into the loop
Take a piece of elastic 70 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. Spread the loop on one side of the bezel and tuck the elastic through, then push it in until it comes out on the other side. Then slide the other end through the other loop. Finally, tie the ends of the elastic tightly together.
- By tying the ends you can adjust the mask to fit your head.
- The elastic may shrink during the wash, so it is best to abound with the length.
Step 5. Wash the mask with warm water and laundry detergent before putting it on
Once you have finished packing it, the mask will need to be sterilized, so wash it at a high temperature in the washing machine before using it. If possible, dry it in a dryer by setting a program to a high temperature.
If you don't have a washing machine, you can sterilize the mask by boiling it for 10 minutes
Step 6. Insert a filter into the mask for added protection
Use a HEPA or non-woven fabric (TNT) filter. Slip it between the lining and the outer layer before putting on the mask; after taking it off, throw it away and put a new one on for next use.
You can also use the mask without a filter, but it would be less effective
Advice
- In addition to medical-health personnel, the use of the mask is recommended for sick people or those who take care of the sick. You should also wear a face mask or otherwise cover your face in places where it is difficult to maintain social distance, such as supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential public places. In some Regions the use of masks is mandatory and their distribution to citizens has been arranged.
- You may have to resort to a makeshift mask until you can get a better one. Try tying a scarf or handkerchief around your face to protect yourself; keep in mind, however, that it cannot replace a real medical mask.
