There are now so many patterns and choices out there for masks, that it becomes quite confusing trying to decide which ones are best. I eventually settled on one from ithinksew as it fitted well and comfortably, gave an extra seal at the top with its unique design, had a pocket for a filter (so three layers), had adjustable ear elastic, and did not have a front seam (which could potentially allow leakage through the sewing lines).
Here is a link to the free pattern I chose:
It includes a video tutorial, but no written instructions, so I have outlined the process below.
Cut out the pattern pieces -- an outer piece from tightly woven quilting cotton, and two inner pieces from a soft knit fabric (for comfort).
Join the two inner pieces together along the straight edges, leaving a 4 inch (10 cms) gap in the middle (this will be where the filter is inserted when the mask is finished).
Top stitch along both sides of the seam.
Sew the darts together on each of the pieces.
With right sides together, sew around the whole mask, then clip the corners and curves.
Turn right side out through the gap on the inside (the filter insertion gap) and iron.
Cut some wire about 4-5 inches long (10 -13 cms) for the nose area. I used a pipe cleaner as it moulds well around my nose, but I cut it 5-6 inches (13- 15 cms) long and twisted the ends in, so that there were no sharp ends to poke through the fabric.
Then sew a casing at the top of the mask, the length of the wire, leaving one end open (unsewn).
Thread the wire into the casing and then sew the open end closed. I added some more stitching lines through the wire, a little in from each end, to hold the wire in place (it can tend to bunch up otherwise).
Cut two pieces of 3mm wide elastic, with each about 9 inches (23 cms) long (or maybe a little longer for a male), and thread a pony bead to the middle of each one. Then thread the two ends of the elastic onto a tapestry or darning needle and pull it through a bead with a slightly smaller hole. I used some blunt nosed jewellery pliers to assist with pulling. The hole in the pony bead is too big to hold the elastic secure when fitted around the ear, but is fine for the outer bead.
This is how it should look when completed.
Take one of the pieces of beaded elastic and lay one half of it it in the middle of a side flap, then fold the flap over and sew it down with the elastic inside. Knot the ends together and pull the knot inside the casing. Repeat on the other side of the mask.
Fold down the top of the mask, level with the tops of the side elastic casings, and top stitch right across.
Fold each side flap down to meet the edges of the elastic casings and sew down.
Insert the filter. A template is provided with the pattern. I have used Matilda's Own DIY Non-Woven Mask Filter inserts which come in a packet of A4 sized sheets. Filters can also be made from denim, layers of paper towel, and non-woven interfacing.
For my 95 year old mother, I sewed the denim directly to the inside of the backing fabric and cut the backing in one piece. Then I left one of the sides open where the elastic goes, so that it could be turned right side out and then closed when the casing was sewn down.
Remember: Sometimes you just need to relax and remind yourself that you're doing the best you can and everything is going to turn out just fine. Gratitude App.
And don't forget to wear your mask. It is a great way to encourage others to do so too, and to remind them to practice social distancing in the supermarket!
This is the view from our front verandah now -- very different to this time last year!
