Yep, I Made a Mask Too, so I Can Get Groceries.

Cy
by Cy
2 Materials
$5
30 Minutes
Easy

Places are starting to open up since all the virus scare and a lot are requiring a mask. So I figured I needed to make one. I am a woodworker and I don't want to use my shop masks to go to the grocery store. And even though I am not a seamstress I was able to make this mask!

I combined two different patterns to make this one. It was quick and pretty easy. I also have a video showing how I made it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-fVx4CbquQ


THE FILTER POCKET IS A BIT CONFUSING TO MAKE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE THE FILTER POCKET, SKIP AHEAD AND YOU WILL SEE WHERE TO START IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO MAKE THE FILTER. HOWEVER YOU WILL HAVE TO IGNORE THE DIRECTIONS THAT TALK ABOUT THE FILTER FROM THAT POINT FORWARD. GOOD LUCK. A LOT OF FOLKS HAVE COMMENTED THAT THIS WAS HARD TO FOLLOW. SORRY ABOUT THAT.

I googled around and there are mask patterns everywhere. I found one I liked with a nifty filter area but it wasn't comfortable. I found another but it had no filter. So I took the two ideas and I put them together to make a comfy mask that also has an opening type pocket for placing a filter. Here is the link to the free pattern that I used, it is available at Eat Pray Create.


The filter pocket part is confusing and you may want to skip that and just make it with no filter pocket.

Also, I tried this with heavy material and discovered that using lighter weight material works better, so I used a t-shirt and a bandana. 


THIS IS HOW THE FILTER POCKET IS MADE, SKIP AHEAD IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE THIS CONFUSING PART.


Here is how I made it:

I cut the tee shirt into two 8x12 pieces. And on the 12 inch side, smack dab in the middle of that 12 inches I sewed straight toward the center of the rectangle for approximately 2-3 inches, then left some space and sewed another 2-3 inches to the opposite side. I ironed it to make it nice and flat but you don't need to. Then you fold one of the 8 inch sides up.

Iron if you want then flip it over.

And now fold down one of the flaps on the side that now has 3 layers of fabric.

Iron this if you want too. You now should have a small opening, which will be the opening to the pocket where you can place a filter.

Next, fold this piece in half so the opening is on one side. Lay the pattern from Eat Pray Create so the front (curved side) is along the edge with the opening.

Trace the pattern and cut it out but make sure you do not cut along the entire folded edge. It should look like a butterfly when it is all cut out and unfolded.

Now fold the bandana and lay the pattern on it and trace the pattern.

START HERE IF YOU ARE NOT MAKING THE FILTER POCKET.


BUT TAKE NOTE THAT THE FILTER POCKET WILL CONTINUE TO BE MENTIONED THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE TUTORIAL.


Cut the bandana making two separate pieces.

Put those together and sew along the curved edge.

Take the t- shirt piece with the opening and sew along the curved edge going up above the filter opening and down below the filter opening. Sewing as you did the bandana but making sure you do not sew the filter opening shut.

Now turn the bandana right side out and put the bandana and the t-shirt pieces together. Making sure the finished edges are face to face.

Cut two pieces of elastic, I used some headbands, You could use hair ties or even rubber bands I suppose.

And now you sow them in between the t-shirt and the bandana.


And then sew all the way around the bandana. Making sure to sew in the other elastic on the other side.

Then cut off any excess material and hanging threads.

Then flip it right side out by pulling everything through the filter opening. Make sure to push out the corners.

 You could stop here because the mask is basically done.


But I am going to add a little wire so that you can snug it up at the bridge of the nose, and sew an extra line around the edges of the mask to give it a little more strength.

Measure approximately 2" of wire, I used 20 gauge, and I curled the ends.

Approximate where it's going to go and sew some stitch lines at the ends.

The wire will fit inside of these lines.

Then insert the wire through the filter pocket opening and fit it in between those lines. Sew right along the bottom of the wire and keep going along the entire edge of the mask for reinforcement. You can also add a pleat in between the ear loop to snug up the mask even more. I forgot to do it on this mask, but I will add in a picture of one with a pleat.

And here is one with a pleat.

Clip off any hanging threads and the mask is all done. Use whatever filter material you like!


The free pattern for the mask I made can be found here: Eat Pray Create


If I can sew one of these then anyone can!

Take care everyone and happy grocery shopping!

:), Cy

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Nandini Nandini on May 16, 2020

    The instructions are not clear, is it better where you download the pattern

  • Lisa Fortner Lisa Fortner on May 17, 2020

    Why does the person who writes these ideas take forever to get to the main idea??? Just get to the point!!!!

  • Carol Schmunk Burnstein Carol Schmunk Burnstein on May 17, 2020

    I used pellon in the masks I made because I had a good supply handy & it is quite washable & could be sewn into the mask. I understand Fabricland is opening...in Beddington? They sell it by the metre.

Comments
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4 of 30 comments
  • Elena Musgraves Elena Musgraves on May 17, 2021

    I am able to follow the instructions. Just letting you know.

    • Cy Cy on May 17, 2021

      I'm glad Elena, thanks for letting me know.

  • Terri Terri on May 17, 2021

    Great job with the mask! I am a crafter and rarely sew, but will be able to do this. I think Wally's little roof roofs were adorable. 🙂

    • Cy Cy on May 17, 2021

      I hope you were able to make one. :)

      Wally is the best!

      :)

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