Sewing group suggested DIY masks for hospitals.It seems there is also a run on 1/4 elastic, none can be found. I adapted the pattern used for requests from Deaconess Hospital, IN. and a video from China that doesn't use elastic. I also feel it fits better against the face giving more protection. I then added a triangle tuck so it can cover regular dust masks. see pictures below.
To make a mask: (updated 2020.3.25)
This is only 50-80% effective, in blocking the Covid19 virus.
2 10" x 6" coton fabric 1" 16 gauge copper wire @ 44" binding sewn into a long tie
Start by inspecting the cotton
fabric against a light source to find a tight weave. Shrink as much as possible by washing and drying on a hot setting.
Cut two 10" x 6" rectangles. Stack on top of each other and sew along the 10" top and bottom sides, forming a tube. Turn right side out.
Find the center of one of the long 10" side. Center where the 1" wire nose clip will go. Sew a rectangular pocket to keep it in place against that edge. ( I sew down from the edge, along the edge and then wiggle the wire in while still on the sewing machine. Carefully sew the last side up to the edge boxing in the wire.)
Fold the short 6" ends over twice; making a finished tube that a tie can be threaded through. I make my ties sewing a folded binding that’s about 1/4" wide. Feed through each tube the skinny binding. Make sure the tubes wide enough for the binding to thread through.
I added an additional tuck for covering non-compliant dust masks.
Same pattern with an additional 3/4” x 3/4” triangle taken in at the center lower edge. It can be worn over a dust mask or alone.
To wear:
Put the loop over your head and push up the mask tight under your chin. Bring the rest of the mask up and tie it over your ears.
Pinch the wire against your nose.
Gather the sides.
Readjust everything until you are comfortable.
(It will help the wearer know which side may be the “dirty” side as opposed to the “clean” side if two different fabric patterns are used.)
This is only 50-80% effective, in blocking the Covid19 virus.
2 10" x 6" coton fabric 1" 16 gauge copper wire @ 44" binding sewn into a long tie
Start by inspecting the cotton
fabric against a light source to find a tight weave. Shrink as much as possible by washing and drying on a hot setting.
Cut two 10" x 6" rectangles. Stack on top of each other and sew along the 10" top and bottom sides, forming a tube. Turn right side out.
Find the center of one of the long 10" side. Center where the 1" wire nose clip will go. Sew a rectangular pocket to keep it in place against that edge. ( I sew down from the edge, along the edge and then wiggle the wire in while still on the sewing machine. Carefully sew the last side up to the edge boxing in the wire.)
Fold the short 6" ends over twice; making a finished tube that a tie can be threaded through. I make my ties sewing a folded binding that’s about 1/4" wide. Feed through each tube the skinny binding. Make sure the tubes wide enough for the binding to thread through.
I added an additional tuck for covering non-compliant dust masks.
Same pattern with an additional 3/4” x 3/4” triangle taken in at the center lower edge. It can be worn over a dust mask or alone.
To wear:
Put the loop over your head and push up the mask tight under your chin. Bring the rest of the mask up and tie it over your ears.
Pinch the wire against your nose.
Gather the sides.
Readjust everything until you are comfortable.
(It will help the wearer know which side may be the “dirty” side as opposed to the “clean” side if two different fabric patterns are used.)
