DIY Face Mask for Mask Shortage

Sewers all over the country are coming together in an amazing way and creating homemade face masks due to the shortage of masks caused by covid-19. This sewing tutorial for a face mask for the covid-19 mask shortage will hopefully give you an easy step by step guide that even the most novice sewist can follow!

The shortage of masks for health care providers, those with compromised immune systems, nursing homes and even those with the virus, is so frightening. I was lucky to stumble across a Facebook group this week with over 6500 local fellow sewers from in and around Northwest Indiana who made me aware of this situation and are working hard to sew homemade masks to donate to any organization that needs them!

The CDC has stated that in times of crisis, where face masks are not available, homemade are better than no protection at all!

HCP use of homemade masks:

In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html

How can you help?

1. If you’re in the Northwest Indiana area and would like to be a part of this local group working hard to create masks for local health care providers and hospitals, head to www.nwimasks.com. My mask with fabric straps is created using the pattern from their website and shared here with permission from the administrators.
2. Contact your local hospital, nursing homes and government officials to ask if/where masks are needed. Be sure to ask if there are certain specifications that need to be followed when creating your masks.
3. If you’re having trouble finding local resources, head to www.masksforheroes.com for information on where to donate masks as well as more sewing patterns.
4. Ask around! Many Facebook friends and even family members with compromised immune systems are in need of masks. EVEN homemade masks because SOME protection is better than NONE.
5. Joanns is offering curbside pickup of supplies to create masks. Contact your local Joanns to see if this is available in your area!

Let’s get started with the elastic style!

Supplies Needed:

1. 16″ x 6.5″ piece of 100% cotton fabric. Quilting or cotton duck fabric can be used.
2. 2 x 9″ pieces of 1/4″ elastic if you’ll be making the elastic style.

1. Cut your fabric into 16″ x 6.5″ rectangles and serge or zig zag stitch all the way around.

2. Fold the rectangle in half with short sides together. Sew about 2 inches in from each edge as pictured.

3. Iron seam open flat

4. Turn right side out and top stitch on one side of the seam.

5. Move your seam about 1/2″ from the top (as pictured) and sew all the way around your square only leaving the small opening in the middle which will be used to insert a wire nose piece and filter (if desired).

6. Measure 1/2″ from the top and sew in 2″ on each side. This will create a smaller pocket to secure a piece of wire or nose piece.

7. Flip the mask over so the opening is face down. Create 3 pleats as shown. Secure with pins or clips.

8. Stitch pleats on both sides to secure and keep in place.

9. Grab your pieces of elastic. Fold each end of the mask about 1/2″ to create a pocket for the elastic (as pictured). I sewed the elastic right into the pocket to save time.

10. Tie the ends of your elastic together at the ends. Pull the elastic around and into the hem if you prefer to hide the knot.

You can be finished here, OR move on to the next step if you’d like to add a nose piece. I came up with this make shift nose piece with materials I had on hand. If your mask is for personal use it’s nice to be able to mold it to your face. If you’re donating your masks, they will most likely add these themselves if desired.

11. Add a make-shift wire nose piece if desired. I wrapped wire I had on hand with a piece of masking tape. Insert the wrapped wire into the nose pocket.

12. Below the pocket for the wire there is an opening to allow the ability to add a filter if desired.

Done! See below for mask type 2 with cotton straps.

Let’s get started with the cotton strap style!

1. Follow steps 1-8 with the elastic style mask

2. Grab 2 pieces of 100% cotton bias tape cut to 36″. Either make your own or purchase pre-made. Sandwich the bias tape over the pleats and stitch to secure. Repeat on both sides.

3. Continue to stitch all the way along the bias tape and knot at the end to secure.

My hope is that these masks offer some sort of protection for those who are being forced to go without!

Be sure to check out my other sewing tutorials!