Homemade masks discussion (making, not efficacy)

[ohgillian]

Chat.
Pics if you've already made masks.
Links to what pattern you're using.
Q&A for people who aren't proficient sewers, lol. 

[ohgillian]

I used pattern 2 from the following link earlier in the week, with some coaching from mala and others. I did a version of Variant 2 so that it would serve as a surgical mask cover. I want to make more surgical mask covers, as we have 1 or 2 surgical masks total in the house.

www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/#face-mask-video

Mine ended up a little bit bulky and I'm not sure why. I'll PIP later when I re-learn how to PIP. I think I may  need to get the app. 

[sofamonkey]

Thanks for posting this. I know severe people made and posted, but it’s scattered about & I didn’t have the energy to sew last week.

[tripleshot]

I can’t sew, but plan on this method. I ordered solid gray cotton bandanas that should come next week and I already have a bunch of hair ties. blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie

[winecat]

I'm planning on making this one: www.madeeveryday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Face-Mask-with-elastic-or-ties.pdf

I don't have elastic and like the option to have ties. It's also got an easier 'pocket' idea for a filter. I think I have floral wire for the nose shaping too. 

eta: It also has different size options.  

[rubytue]

Two patterns I’m using about.kaiserpermanente.org/.../02_COVID_Mask... Or www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/.

Pictures are going to be links to tweets. Sorry, easier than trying to upload pics, which are on my other device

/photo/1

@mention

/photo/1

[sofamonkey]

😂😂😂 Elmo of shame!!

[rubytue]

Apr 4, 2020 10:23:07 GMT -5 sofamonkey said:

😂😂😂 Elmo of shame!!

Yeah... he works on a construction crew.

side note, I was thinking of making more Elmo and sending them to my pediatrician friends.

[krystee]

Looks like blue shop towels can add a much higher level of filtration:
www.businessinsider.com/homemade-mask-using-hydro-knit-shop-towel-filters-better-2020-4

[AJL]

This is the mask pattern from Craft Passion. I have modified it a bit (I'm using a larger seam allowance for a smoother fit.)  Instead of elastic around the ears, I've put a continuous loop of elastic so that it is secure at the back of the head and neck. It's more comfortable than around the ears.

The other picture is of the same mask but with cotton twill tape ties. The ties were requested by the medical teams I donated the masks to.  They stand up better to frequent washings. 

[suburbanzookeeper]

I've been using www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/ with elastic or knit fabric ropes for ties (like from this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB68tnsXQ2w). We're using hepa sheets or blue shop towels as filters.

[NewOrleans]

I am jealous. These are super cute. I can’t sew.

[jackie011]

Apr 4, 2020 10:08:58 GMT -5 tripleshot said:

I can’t sew, but plan on this method. I ordered solid gray cotton bandanas that should come next week and I already have a bunch of hair ties. blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie

I did this yesterday but cut the tops off of a pair of socks as my hair ties all have grippers and are tight. It was comfy, but the cotton sheds and gets stuck in my brown curly hair. I found the mask to be very warm, as there is a lot of fabric there. It was very easy to make.

[ohgillian]

Apr 4, 2020 11:28:24 GMT -5 jackie011 said:

Apr 4, 2020 10:08:58 GMT -5 tripleshot said:

I can’t sew, but plan on this method. I ordered solid gray cotton bandanas that should come next week and I already have a bunch of hair ties. blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie

I did this yesterday but cut the tops off of a pair of socks as my hair ties all have grippers and are tight. It was comfy, but the cotton sheds and gets stuck in my brown curly hair. I found the mask to be very warm, as there is a lot of fabric there. It was very easy to make.

I’ve also seen recs to use rings cut out of pantyhose. Finally my love of pantyhose pays off.

ETA: I just tried this with hose and I don't like it at all. My hose are size small and the loops are still WAY to big and not tight enough. 

[rondonalddo]

My Dollar General had bandanas and handkerchiefs today. Plain color bandanas and white handkerchiefs in the clothing aisle near men's t-shirts and sweats, bright color bandanas (probably synthetic fabric?) in the hair care aisle.

[pixy0stix]

For ties you can also use cut up tshirts.

[ohgillian]

Apr 4, 2020 11:20:01 GMT -5 AJL said:

This is the mask pattern from Craft Passion. I have modified it a bit (I'm using a larger seam allowance for a smoother fit.)  Instead of elastic around the ears, I've put a continuous loop of elastic so that it is secure at the back of the head and neck. It's more comfortable than around the ears.

The other picture is of the same mask but with cotton twill tape ties. The ties were requested by the medical teams I donated the masks to.  They stand up better to frequent washings. 

Can you tell me about how a larger seam allowance makes a smoother fit? I made this mask the other day and it’s not smooth. It’s kind of puffy.

[rubytue]

ohgillian, did you clip little Vs into the curve?

[ohgillian]

Apr 4, 2020 12:12:51 GMT -5 rubytue said:

ohgillian, did you clip little Vs into the curve?

Uhhh. No. Was I supposed to? The night I did it I couldn’t get her video tutorial to work so I just went from the website description

[rubytue]

Apr 4, 2020 12:15:29 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Apr 4, 2020 12:12:51 GMT -5 rubytue said:

ohgillian , did you clip little Vs into the curve?

Uhhh. No. Was I supposed to? The night I did it I couldn’t get her video tutorial to work so I just went from the website description

I’m not sure if she says to (I didn’t read her description, just printing the pattern for cutting). But when sewing, you should always clip into the seam allowance along corners and curves.
blog.treasurie.com/clip-corners-curves/ This explains it a bit. Just one of those sewing things, that some pattern makers might assume you know. 

[ohgillian]

Apr 4, 2020 12:29:01 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Apr 4, 2020 12:15:29 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Uhhh. No. Was I supposed to? The night I did it I couldn’t get her video tutorial to work so I just went from the website description

I’m not sure if she says to (I didn’t read her description, just printing the pattern for cutting). But when sewing, you should always clip into the seam allowance along corners and curves.
blog.treasurie.com/clip-corners-curves/ This explains it a bit. Just one of those sewing things, that some pattern makers might assume you know. 

Thank you! I really only do basic craft sewing and some clothing repair - my skills are super basic. Thanks for the link.

[rubytue]

AJL, you have am impressive stack. I feel like I should be making them faster than I am right now. Like this should go quickly. But the damn ironing is such a time sink.

[ohgillian]

Apr 4, 2020 12:32:19 GMT -5 rubytue said:

AJL, you have am impressive stack. I feel like I should be making them faster than I am right now. Like this should go quickly. But the damn ironing is such a time sink.

Which ironing? Pressing the seams?

My mom has our shared sewing machine so I’m hand sewing. It’s taking forever.

[nessness]

Apr 4, 2020 10:08:58 GMT -5 tripleshot said:

I can’t sew, but plan on this method. I ordered solid gray cotton bandanas that should come next week and I already have a bunch of hair ties. blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie

I tried that and it's super easy and seemed to turn out okay. You end up with a lot of layers of fabric though, so I think my face will get sweaty pretty quickly.

[rubytue]

ohgillian, totally get it. My sewing skills are weird. Somewhere between really good and basic. Like I know some mid-level technique, but I also get frustrated with it and do inlots if make it work moments.

Case in point, I tend to use French seams whenever possible, even in Halloween costumes. But, I can’t fit a top or even hem pants.

[rubytue]

Apr 4, 2020 12:34:00 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Apr 4, 2020 12:32:19 GMT -5 rubytue said:

AJL , you have am impressive stack. I feel like I should be making them faster than I am right now. Like this should go quickly. But the damn ironing is such a time sink.

Which ironing? Pressing the seams?

My mom has our shared sewing machine so I’m hand sewing. It’s taking forever.

OMG! You are hand sewing those?! We’re not worthy! (Insert Wayne’s world gif).

Im pressing seams, probably more than I need to for what it is. I think I’ll do more assembly line method, rather than one mask at a time when I go back up this afternoon.

[AJL]

Apr 4, 2020 12:09:55 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Apr 4, 2020 11:20:01 GMT -5 AJL said:

This is the mask pattern from Craft Passion. I have modified it a bit (I'm using a larger seam allowance for a smoother fit.)  Instead of elastic around the ears, I've put a continuous loop of elastic so that it is secure at the back of the head and neck. It's more comfortable than around the ears.

The other picture is of the same mask but with cotton twill tape ties. The ties were requested by the medical teams I donated the masks to.  They stand up better to frequent washings. 

Can you tell me about how a larger seam allowance makes a smoother fit? I made this mask the other day and it’s not smooth. It’s kind of puffy.

Are you top stitching them?

[rubytue]

Dude, the guidance on this stuff is so confusing and inconsistent. I’m using 100% cotton fabrics from my stash. Washing and drying on hot to shrink as much as possible. But I’ve found so much conflicting stuff as tp the types of fabrics. One hospital site it saying to use flannel as the inner layer, I’ve got an md friend telling me no flannel and “heavyweight quilters cotton.” WTF is heavyweight quilters cotton?! Cause it’s not the cotton quilters buy with cute patterns, that is not heavyweight.

So I’m back to analysis paralysis as to which fabric to use. Even though I’m doing pocket pattern, with the idea that the pocket gets a filter to do the bulk of the work. 😭 I don’t know what to do...

edit. So she’s telling me flannel inner and cotton outer layer.  Ok, fine, but FLANNEL IS COTTON. and it’s even woven cotton. Like, I can’t figure out why they are saying it has to be a tight weave 100% cotton, but not *that* tight weave, 100% cotton. 

[breezy8407]

I don’t have a sewing machine and don’t have a lot of stuff laying around to make these. Wish I did!

However I just saw a post on FB about using your old Lularoe leggings to make masks, and that is something I can endorse 😊

[lilac05]

I have a friend making masks for us, but I need to buy filter material. I can’t find anything in stock online.

She recommends hepa vacuum cleaner bags, but I just read those aren’t a good idea. I saw the article about shop towels, but can’t find any in stock anywhere, except the Scott brand, which apparently didn’t work as well.

Any other suggestions of stuff that can still actually be purchased?