How to Make a Simple Face Mask
From tomorrow, it will be mandatory for anyone in Melbourne or Mitchell Shire in Victoria to wear a face mask or covering when out of the house.
Of course this has caused a huge rush on disposable face masks, and the queues outside Spotlight and Lincraft as people were trying to buy fabric to make them were hours long.
Even if you don't live in Melbourne, wearing a mask during this pandemic is becoming more and more advisable as a precaution, and it doesn't need to cost a fortune (some of those disposable masks are $5 each!) or uncomfortable.
Here's the instructions for the masks I've been making for my family, friends, neighbours, and it is the same as I have in my blog shop.
Very simple, but effective. I like this style of mask because it fits tightly across the nose and under the chin without pulling, and when it is worn, the pleats on the side ensure there are no gaps.
It takes about 20 minutes to make and you don't need any special sewing skills or tools other than a sewing machine.
You will need:
30cm square 100% cotton fabric
Thread to match
Dinner plate
Pencil or fabric marker
Step 1. Place the fabric right side down on the table and trace around a dinner plate to give you a circle.
Cut it out. Press the circle to remove any wrinkles.
Of course this has caused a huge rush on disposable face masks, and the queues outside Spotlight and Lincraft as people were trying to buy fabric to make them were hours long.
Even if you don't live in Melbourne, wearing a mask during this pandemic is becoming more and more advisable as a precaution, and it doesn't need to cost a fortune (some of those disposable masks are $5 each!) or uncomfortable.
Here's the instructions for the masks I've been making for my family, friends, neighbours, and it is the same as I have in my blog shop.
Very simple, but effective. I like this style of mask because it fits tightly across the nose and under the chin without pulling, and when it is worn, the pleats on the side ensure there are no gaps.
It takes about 20 minutes to make and you don't need any special sewing skills or tools other than a sewing machine.
You will need:
30cm square 100% cotton fabric
Thread to match
Dinner plate
Pencil or fabric marker
Step 1. Place the fabric right side down on the table and trace around a dinner plate to give you a circle.
Cut it out. Press the circle to remove any wrinkles.
Step 2. Fold the fabric circle in half, right sides together. Put a pin in the centre to hold them together. Cut along the fold line to give you two half circles.
Step 3. Measure down 5cm (2 inches) from one corner. Mark the spot. Measure 5cm (2 inches) from the mark and mark the spot. This will form the opening for your pocket.
Step 4. Stitch from the corner to the first mark. Back stitch to end off. Then stitch from the second mark all the way around to the next point. Back stitch to end off.
Step 5. Turn the fabric so that the seams line up, right sides together. Stitch from corner to corner. Trim the threads. Turn the mask right side out through the pocket. Use your fingers to straighten and push into shape.
Step 6. Measure 2.5cm (1 inch) from each point and fold. Stitch close to the tip of the triangle. This forms the casing for the elastic. Cut two pieces of elastic 23cm long. Thread through each casing. Knot ends to fit face. You can leave the knots or stitch in place.
To use a folded tissue or a make-up wipe as the filter, just slip inside the pocket and adjust to be over nose and mouth.
NOTE: These masks do NOT protect the wearer from COVID-19 or other organisms. They simply help protect others from your coughs, drips, etc.
To use a folded tissue or a make-up wipe as the filter, just slip inside the pocket and adjust to be over nose and mouth.
NOTE: These masks do NOT protect the wearer from COVID-19 or other organisms. They simply help protect others from your coughs, drips, etc.