face mask Archives - You Make It Simple

Adjustable Face Mask Earloops Tutorial – No Beads

For those of you who are STILL MAKING FACE MASKS, I am going to show you how to make adjustable face mask earloops that are comfortable and don’t require any beads or other hardware. This simple slip knot technique is easy to do and makes adjusting your mask a snap. You can sew these earloops into any of your favorite mask designs.

The secret for comfort is the stretchy fabric strips. You can make your own using upcycled t-shirts, tights, leggings (watch the tutorial HERE) and read this post for some great face mask tie ideas and tips. Or you can simply buy the fabric already cut, stretched, and rolled onto a bolt.

I love this product from FARMYARN. It’s 100% recycled selvage edges from stretchy lycra fabric, and it’s very reasonably priced.

So if you’re making a lot of masks, this is the route I recommend! This stuff can also be used for so many other things and it’s much more comfortable than scratchy elastic! You can purchase it from several places. Here are a few. Amazon, Etsy, and ebay.

Do you have a bunch of tie face masks that you want to convert over to earloops? I have that covered. This post and video tutorial will show you just how to do that.

ITEMS AND MATERIALS NEEDED

Stretchy fabric strips / 2 – 9 inches (23 cm), 2 – 6 inches (15.5 cm)
Scissors
Face mask to put them in (Check out my face mask patterns HERE)

I have a Youtube video that you can watch and it really helps if you’re a visual person (like me). You can access the video at the end of the post.

FACE MASK EARLOOPS INSTRUCTIONS

1-Take the small strip and make a small loop at the bottom of the strip.

2-Wrap the long end around the loop and poke through the loop.

3-Pull it through while you’re holding onto the two ends to tighten. (Don’t tighten all the way at this point).

4-Take the long strip and make a knot at one end. (This will keep the strip from pulling through the loop when washing your mask). Thread the other end through the loop you just made and cinch it up by pulling the strip that slides to tighten. (You want it to be able to slide, but also be able to hold in place).

5-Hold the two slip knot ends and cut to even length.

6-Do the same thing to make a set.

HOW TO SEW FACE MASK EARLOOPS INTO MASK

1-Insert the end of the strip without the knot, into the top side of the mask. (Just below the top seam allowance) Allow the strip to overhang the mask by about 1/2 inch.

2-Place the two slip knot strips at the bottom side of the mask, just above the seam allowance, and sticking out 1/2 past the edge of the fabric. TIP: Take a strip of masking tape and tape the knotted end the sliding stip to the inside and out of the way, so it won’t get sewn into the seam.

3-Do the same thing for the other earloop set.

4-Proceed with your face mask directions sewing the earloops into the side seams of the mask. Make sure to leave an opening for turning the mask inside out.

5- Turn inside out, remove the tape, clip seams, and proceed with your face mask instructions.

I hope this was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

My other FACE MASK VIDEOS

Happy face mask making!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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faace mask earloops face mask Sewing Sewing tutorial sewing tutorial sewing video

DIY Face Mask Filter Insert-Reusable and Washable

Do you want a little more protective coverage with your face masks? This DIY face mask filter insert will give you the added protection without a lot of bulk and cost. These filters are EASY TO MAKE, REUSABLE, and WASHABLE.

I guess we’re not going to get away from the “FACE MASK WEARING SAGA” anytime soon, so we might as well embrace it and make wearing a mask the best experience as possible. Most of the masks that people are making and that are floating around these days are simple, basic two-layer masks. Which are fine for those quick trips in and out of the store. However, what if you need a little more protection and you want comfort as well?

There are so many folks out there who are required to wear a mask for 8 plus hours at a time. Wearing some of these masks with filters feel like you’re going to suffocate, is anyone with me?

What if your face mask doesn’t have a filter pocket?

No worries! I designed these little filters to fit almost every type of mask. (Pleated Mask, Cinched MasK, No-Sew Mask, Contour Mask). The pleated design allows the filter to open up like a cup and be able to fit comfortably even with a contour mask. (I am working on the finishing touches of my CONTOUR FACE MASK PATTERN right now).

If your face mask does have a filter pocket, you can simply just open up the filter and slide it inside.

HOW TO MAKE THE FACE MASK FILTER INSERT

You’ll want to use a high quality 100% cotton fabric. Upcycled high percale cotton sheets and pillowcases work well. Use at least a 400-600 percale. A high-quality cotton quilting fabric will work as well. I like to cut out and make several at a time. They sew up real quick.

Materials & Items Needed

100% cotton fabric
PDF Pattern and Pleat Template(downloaded and printed)
Scissors/Rotary Cutter
Sewing Clips (optional but very nice)
Iron/Ironing board
Ruler/Seam gauge
Instructions
Masking tape (optional)

Download and print the pattern. Cut out using PAPER SCISSORS.

Make the pleat template by tracing the dimensions onto a piece of heavy cardstock paper or an upcycled cereal box. This template will make the pleating process so much easier! MAKE SURE POINTS ARE ACCURATELY DRAWN ON TEMPLATE, to save any pleat making frustration.

CUTTING OUT

To cut out two filters at a time, fold the fabric in half twice. (You’ll need to cut out 2 of the pattern piece on the fold).

Place pattern on the fold where indicated and clip in place.

If you don’t have sewing clips, and you don’t want to use pins, simply tape the pattern in place with MASKING TAPE. Yep, I love this stuff. Masking tape comes in real handy for a lot of sewing projects.

Cut out using a rotary cutter or scissors. (If you plan on making a lot of these, I recommend making a template with heavy cardstock or oak tag paper. (recycled cereal box). If using a rotary cutter, GO SLOW AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS OUT OF THE WAY!.

Open the fabric up and take two layers and place them right sides facing out. Line up the edges.

MAKING PLEATS

Take the pleat template and mark the folding points using the tip of a pencil. Just make a tiny dot on the fabric. If using a dark color fabric, you can use a chalk pen.

Take the template and flip it horizontally with the fold line at the top. Line the top of the template with the bottom set of folding points. Fold the fabric over the template and press in place.

Fold the fabric up until the bottom edge is aligned with the “folding line”. Press in place.

Remove the template and place the top edged of the template on the next set of folding points. Repeat the process until you’ve made all three pleats.

Accuracy is very important, or you will end up with the wrong size of the filter.

Once the pleats are made, clip in place.

Now all you have to do is finish the edges using a serger or sewing machine. If you have a serger, use it. If not, you can use a combination of a straight stitch first, and then finish the edges with a wide and short zigzag stitch. (Width 4-5 and 1.5 in length).

Serger method: watch the video and I will show you how to serge around the corners.

Sewing machine method: Using a regular straight stitch, sew all the way around with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Change the setting to a zigzag stitch and sew all the way around. Have the zigzag go all the way to the edge of the fabric.

Clip threads and you’re finished.

How do you care for the face mask filter insert?

It’s easy. Just wash them the same way you do your cloth face masks. (It’s important that you’re washing the face masks frequently). I recommend washing the masks on a regular wash cycle with the rest of your clothing or towels).

I put my face masks and filters all in a little mesh laundry bag. This keeps them all together and from getting tangled with everything else. These bags also make a nice ‘COLLECTING FACE MASK STATION’. Hang a bag by the door to collect USED MASKS.

I hope you have fun making these little filters and that they bring you a little more comfort knowing you’re getting some more protection. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns when making these.

Have fun sewing, and remember to KEEP IT SIMPLE!

CHECK OUT MY OTHER FACE MASK TUTORIALS HERE

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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face mask Sewing

How to Modify A Tie Face Mask Into an Adjustable Ear Loop Mask

Unfortunately, the face mask saga goes on, and for some folks putting a face mask on and off can be a challenging thing. I am going to share another tip with you on how you can modify a TIE FACE MASK into an ADJUSTABLE EAR LOOP MASK. Hopefully, this will make your face-mask-wearing experience a little more doable.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM AN ADJUSTABLE EAR LOOP FACE MASK?

Elderly people who don’t have the range of motion to put their hands over their heads, let alone be able to tie a mask behind their heads.
Little children that don’t know how to tie will also find an ear loop mask more doable. (It is the mother’s who have to continually tie and adjust their kid’s face mask). What a pain!
Those who simply don’t want to tie their mask every time they go into a store, Dr. Office, or whenever going out and about.

There are a lot of different types of face masks kicking around out there, and they each have different attributes. I wear several different types of face masks and am finding the ear loop masks are more convenient for quick trips in and out of the store. However, if you have to wear a face mask all day, the tied masks win in this situation.

This method to modify a tie face mask can be done to all masks with ties. I prefer soft, comfortable ties made from upcycled t-shirts or spandex. You can learn how to make these ties HERE. Such a great alternative to elastic. Not only are they more comfortable, but they also don’t cost any money to make SIMPLE RECYCLING!

I also have some easy and effective FACE MASK PATTERNS and tutorials, if you’re up to making your own.

Watch the video tutorial below or on my YOUTUBE channel.

HOW TO MODIFY A TIE FACE MASK

1. If your face mask has a nose wire, locate the top of your mask. You will be working with the bottom tie first.

2. Take the tie and make a small loop right next to the mask. Wrap the tie around the loop and poke it through the center of the already made loop.

3. Pull it out and at the same time, pull the knot down to tighten. You will have a loop and a knot.

4. Adjust the knot as close to the mask as possible.

5. Pull the end of the tie to make the loop smaller, but not too small.

6. Now take the top tie and thread it through the lower loop. Cinch the loop to tighten around the top tie. The top tie should be able to slide back and forth, making the loop adjustable!

7. To reinforce the bottom knot, wrap the tie around the base of the knot, and make another knot. Pull it tight.

8. Tie a knot in the top loop so it doesn’t slide out of the loop. (You may want to try the mask on at this point to see how long you want the tie to be). DON’T CUT UNTIL YOU GET IT ALL ADJUSTED.

9. Do the same thing on the other side. Before knotting the other top tie, fold the mask in half and line up ties so you can make the knot match the other side.

10. Try it on and cut off the excess tie fabric.

There you have it. A SIMPLE, QUICK, and an effective way to modify your tie face masks.

Let me know if you have any questions.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN SOME OF MY OTHER FACE MASK POSTS.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep smiling behind those face masks.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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DIY face mask sweing tips tips

NO FOG FACE MASK | Simple Hack That Really Works

Wearing a face mask with glasses stinks! Fortunately, I’m not one of them. However, there are so many people out there that do have to wear a face mask all day and they wear glasses. The CONSTANT glass fog is a BIG issue! My husband, who wears glasses, came up with a simple NO FOG FACE MASK HACK that really works.

We, my husband and I, created a short video demonstrating just how to take care of this issue. It seriously is so simple. The video link is located at the end of this post.

No fog face mask Materials and items needed

Tissue or Toilet Paper! (Yep, that’s it)!

TISSUE VERSION

Take a tissue and place it on a table with the natural fold that it has coming out of the box be in place.

Fold the sides in about 1 inch (2.5 cm) on both sides.

Then fold it up from the bottom 1 inch (2 times).

Simply place it inside the brim area of your mask. Apply the mask with the folded tissue sandwiched between your nose and the mask.

This creates a barrier that traps the air and the moisture, keeping it from fogging up your glasses. It still allows air flow out the sides of your mask.

IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM!

TOILET PAPER VERSION

This can be done with a strand of toilet paper as well. (4 squares of toilet paper).

Fold the toilet paper strand into thirds and then proceed folding from the bottom.

BAM! Now wasn’t that SIMPLE? This no fog face mask hack is the best and I hope it saves all you glass wearers a lot of grief.

Be sure to check out the entertaining video (my husband’s gift) below.

VIDEO TUTORIAL

IF YOU NEED A FACE MASK AND WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN….. check out these posts!

If you want a good quality mask, but don’t want to make your own, I recommend this mask.

Stay well, keep smiling behind that mask and have a wonderful week!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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face mask hacks tips

FACE MASK Minimal Sewing Method | It’s A Cinch

Making a face mask just got even easier! This DIY face mask minimal sewing method can be made either by a sewing machine or by hand. It’s really a cinch, literally! Instead of pleating, I teach you how to create a comfortable fitting face mask using a new CINCHING METHOD.

This adult face mask has four protective layers and an easy to access filter pocket that is accessed from the bottom of the mask, out of the way from your mouth. The ties are made from upcycled t-shirts which makes this mask comfortable to wear. I have given the measurements for a TEEN AND CHILD MASK as well.

Recycle an old t-shirt or use a cotton piece of fabric to make your mask. I will demonstrate the sewing machine and hand sewing method in this tutorial.

Face Mask Minimal Sewing Method Materials and Items Needed

FABRIC (14.91 cm) cotton fabric, knit fabric, or upcycled t-shirts (cut 16 ½ x 16 ½ inch)
SCISSORS/ROTARY CUTTER (OPTIONAL)
PINS/CLIPS (OPTIONAL) I LOVE THESE FABRIC CLIPS!
RULER/SEAM GAUGE
SEWING MACHINE (OPTIONAL-can be sewn by hand)
BAG TWIST TIES, CRAFT PIPE CLEANERS (If using craft pipe cleaners, cut to 4 inch
IRON
UPCYCLED T-SHIRT/ OR KNIT FABRIC (for the mask ties)
Safety Pin
Needle & Thread, if sewing by hand.

Cutting Out Mask

Cut the fabric to the correct measurement for the size.

ADULT: Fabric 16.5 x 16.5 inches (14.91 x 14.91. cm)
TEEN: Fabric 15.5 x 15.5 inches (39.7 x 39.7cm)
CHILD: Fabric 14.5 x 14.5 inches (36.83 cm)

Upcycled T-Shirt

Cut off the bottom 16.5 inches of the shirt, LEAVE THE HEM INTACT!

Cut the same width (16.5 wide).

Woven Fabric

Cut a piece of fabric 16.5 x 16.5 inches.

Cutting Out Ties

The beauty of knit fabric is that it doesn’t fray, and when pulled it will curl. You may be asking why do we want it to curl? When it curls it creates a little tube, like an enclosed tie, but you don’t have to sew it to keep it that way like you would a woven fabric.

If you don’t have any knit fabric or T-shirts to make ties with, I found a great resource where you can purchase this stuff already made. It’s called “FARMYARN”. This yarn is made from recycled lycra fabric that is REALLY stretchy and durable. It’s like elastic and can be used in so many ways ie: FACE MASKS! You can read more about it and buy it HERE.

Read the face mask tie tutorial HERE.

Cut two strips either crosswise or lengthwise 1 inch wide. (2.5) cm

Cutting along the bottom of a t-shirt, the fabric will curl and expose the wrong side of the fabric.

(Which doesn’t matter if using a plain color, preference only).

But if you want the right side of the fabric exposed, cut the shirt lengthwise.

Pull the strips to stretch and curl the fabric.

You can either have the ties tie over the head and behind the neck, or you can make it so you have a continuous permanent loop behind your neck. (That way you don’t have to tie it every time) I personally just like regular ties.

CUT TWO STRIPS 32 INCHES (58.42 cm) long

CONTINUOUS STRIP 33 INCHES (83.82 cm) long

If you don’t have a strip long enough, you can sew two pieces together.

Sewing Instructions

Fold the fabric in half with Right Sides Together (RST).

(T-Shirt fabric, have the hem edge be on the side).

Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along the long unfinished edge using a straight stitch or sew by hand USING A RUNNING STITCH. Backstitch at the beginning and end of all seams.

Turn inside out.

WOVEN FABRIC: Fold unfinished edges under ¼ inch and press in place. Do this on both sides.

T SHIRT/KNIT FABRIC: Skip this step. (Knit fabric will not fray).

Fold WRONG SIDES TOGETHER making a shorter tube.

Line up pressed edges of the two layers.

WOVEN FABRIC: Sew the 2 layers together, topstitching close to the edge.

You will start at one point and sew around until you meet the starting point (Sewing around the tube). Backstitch.

T-SHIRT/KNIT FABRIC: Skip this step

Applying Nose Wire

Take the twist tie or pipe cleaner and insert it between the two FOLDED EDGES of the doubled tube.

(Opposite of where you just topstitched)

(If using a pipe cleaner, barely fold the ends under and crimp in place. This will keep the sharp point from poking through the fabric!).

Center it side to side and down ¼ inch from the top edge. The wire will be sandwiched between the two layers. Clamp or pin in place.

Make a casing for the wire so it stays in place when washing the mask.

If sewing by hand, use a simple running stitch.

Feel with your fingers where the edge of the wire is and start stitching down from the top a few stitches. (You will be sewing through all four layers of fabric). Leave your needle in and lift up presser foot and pivot fabric.

Sew along the bottom of the wire to the other edge of the wire (feeling with your fingers where that is).

Pivot and sew back up to the top edge. Leave your needle in and pivot again to sew along the top edge. You will have sewn a little box around the nose wire.

Sewing Tie Casings

Sew down the sides of the mask ½ inch from the edge.

If sewing by hand, you can just use a simple running stitch.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.

Inserting Mask Ties

Attach the safety pin to the end of the tie.

CONTINUOUS TIE:

Thread the tie into the casing starting at the top of the mask. Pull out and continue threading the other side from the bottom up to the top.

REGULAR DOUBLE TIE:

Thread each tie into the casing.

Cinching the sides of mask to gather.

No Pleats, Yea!

CONTINUOUS TIES:

Decide how tight you want the neckband to be by trying the mask on. Once you’ve situated it and it feels tight enough, clamp in place. Remove mask.

Take the ends of the ties and hold them together. Pull to gather each side of the mask until the gathered section measures 4 inches.

Repeat on the other side.

REGULAR DOUBLE TIES:

Take the ends of the ties and hold together. Cinch the fabric to gather evenly until the gathered fabric area measures 4 inches. CLAMP IN PLACE OR PIN IN PLACE.

Tacking down ties

Sew the ties in place by sewing back and forth over the end of the casings, making sure to catch the ties underneath.

Repeat on both sides of mask. (This can be done by hand or by sewing machine).

Mask Care:

Masks can be washed and dried with other clothing.

See my other face mask tutorials HERE.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Share:

Connect:

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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DIY face mask face mask pattern hand sewing Sewing sewing pattern Sewing tutorial sewing video

DIY NO SEW Face Mask – Upcycled T Shirt – 5 Minutes

With the latest recommendation to wear masks when we go out and about, there has been a need to acquire a mask. As you know, most of us just go to the store and purchase one. A few weeks ago I posted a tutorial on how to sew a DIY face mask. However, not everyone knows how to sew or has access to a sewing machine.

I have been getting a lot of requests for “no-sew” masks, so I started doing some research and experimenting. I tried folding the bandanna thing and several other ways, but I had a hard time finding a method that was easy to understand and that wasn’t bulky and awkward to wear.

One of my customers, Suzette Gardner, clued me in on a technique she was using to make masks out of upcycled t-shirts. Now we’re talking. This is my territory. You all know how I love using upcycled t-shirts! So I gave it a whirl and loved how the knit felt on your face and how quick they were to make.

So here you have it, a tutorial on how to make a DIY no sew face mask, using an upcycled t-shirt that you can make in only 5 minutes. If the shirt is long-sleeved, you can make two more masks using the sleeves! I’ll walk you through that at the end of the post.

Materials and Items Needed

Upcycled T-Shirt (the larger the better)
If you have a long sleeve shirt, you can make a mask with each sleeve.
The t-shirt needs to be at least 16 inches wide. Cotton t-shirts are the best.
Rotary Cutter and Ruler (optional)
Scissors
Flannel Scrap (for the additional filter, optional) Cut to approximately 4 x 6 inches

DIY No Sew Face Mask Instructions

Trim off the hem of the shirt.

Cut two, 1 inch strips the width of the shirt

Cut off the seams on both sides

Take the strips and pull the fabric to CURL the fabric for the mask ties.

They need to be at least 16 inches long, more if you have the fabric

Measure from the bottom of the shirt and cut

8 inches for an ADULT MASK
7 inches for TEEN
6 inches for CHILD

Take one of those pieces and place the wrong side of the fabric facing up.

If you want more layers you can double the fabric.

Place the ties vertically 4 inches from the edge.

Fold the sides over the strap so the tie is against the fold.

They should overlap in the center, making the width of the mask around 8 inches for adults, 7 teens,s and 6 for children.

Take the ends of the ties and make a knot as close to the end as you can.

This will be the top of the mask.

Take the mask and place it over your nose rim.

Hold it in place while you pull the bottom ties to cinch in the mask.

Keep adjusting and pulling the ties until you get the fit that you like.

Tuck in the fabric that may be sticking out.

Want additional filter capabilities?

Cut a piece of flannel about 4×6 inches and place inside before folding the mask.

No Sew Face Mask using the t-shirt sleeves

Cut off sleeve and measure 16 inches.

Follow the same folding instructions as before.

Slightly gather the wider side and tuck into the sleeve opening.

The sleeve version will give more layers and more filterability.

I love how these masks feel when you have them on! So comfortable!

BAM! This will only take you 5 minutes or less.

No excuses now. Get you and your loved ones a mask made.

NEED A GENUINE N95 Respirator Mask Reusable, (FDA Registered) Face Mask?

Check out this reputable source

Take care of yourselves, my friends. Keep smiling and finding the good in your day.

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

How To Make Your Own Zipper Pull Tabs // Simple Craft

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January 19, 2023 / Craft Video, CRAFTS, Gifts and Cards, Holiday and Seasonal Crafts, Holidays and Seasonal Sewing, Paper, SEWING, Sewing Videos, Tutorials, Valentine’s Day, VIDEO AND AUDIO LIBRARY / No Comments

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face mask no sew face mask upcycled t-shirts

Simplified FACE MASK / No Elastic / Filter Pocket / Upcycled T-Shirt Ties

As you most likely have heard, face masks are in huge demand right now, as we experience this COVID-19 pandemic. There is a BIG movement going on with crafters making and donating homemade masks. Forbes even wrote an article calling all people who sew to help with the face mask shortage.

However, before you go crazy and start mass-producing a bunch of masks, I think it’s important that you get informed on the mask-wearing facts. I know there is A LOT controversy over their effectiveness and use, but from my research here are a few resources that I think are reliable.

This HUFFPOST article is loaded with links to who should and should not wear a mask, how effective homemade masks are and they even recommend some mask patterns. The World Health Organization has some good videos showing when to use a mask and other tips to protect against the coronavirus.

The purpose of this post is not to educate about the COVID-19 virus, but to show you how easy it is to make a simplified face mask for yourself, your family or serve the community by making and donating them, if you choose.

Get informed!

I encourage you to be informed. Call your local hospitals, healthcare facilities, and see what their needs are. If they are taking homemade masks and could use them, by all means, get out your sewing machines and your fabric stash and get your little sewing fingers moving!!!!!

I’m sure you’ve seen a ton of different styles and patterns of masks out there and most of them call for elastic. If you’ve tried to buy elastic lately, you’ll find that most stores are out of stock. NO WORRIES! You can make this face mask without elastic using an upcycled t-shirt!

This face mask has

No Elastic
A Filter Pocket
Wire Nose Clamp
Upcycled T-Shirt Ties

Material and Items Needed

FABRIC
SCISSORS/ROTARY CUTTER (OPTIONAL)
PINS/CLIPS (OPTIONAL)
RULER
SEWING MACHINE
CRAFT PIPE CLEANERS/ or BAG TWIST TIES, (If using PIPE CLEANERS, cut to 4 inches).
IRON
UPCYCLED T-SHIRT/ OR KNIT FABRIC
PRINTABLE CUTTING GUIDE AND PLEAT GUIDE

YOU CAN GET THE FULL PRINTABLE TUTORIAL AND PATTERN HERE.

If you do not sew and would like to purchase a face mask already made, I have them in my Etsy shop HERE.

If you don’t have any knit fabric or T-shirts to make ties with, I found a great resource where you can purchase this stuff already made. It’s called “FARMYARN”. This yarn is made from recycled lycra fabric that is REALLY stretchy and durable. It’s like elastic and can be used in so many ways ie: FACE MASKS! You can read more about it and buy it HERE.

INSTRUCTIONS

1- Cutting Out Face Mask

ADULT: Fabric 14 1/2 inches x 8 inches (36.8 cm x 20.3 cm).
TEEN: Fabric 13 3/4 inches x 7 inches
CHILD: Fabric 13 inches x 6 inches

2- Cutting Out Ties

The beauty of knit fabric, is that it doesn’t fray, and when pulled it will curl. You may be asking why do we want it to curl? When it curls it creates a little tube, like an enclosed tie, but you don’t have to sew it to keep it that way like you would a woven fabric.

Cut two strips either crosswise or lengthwise 1 inch wide. (2.5) cm

Cutting along the bottom of a t-shirt, the fabric will curl and expose the wrong side of the fabric. (Which doesn’t matter if using a plain color, preference only). But if you want the right side of the fabric exposed, cut the shirt lengthwise as shown in the diagram above.

Pull the strips to stretch and curl the fabric.

Cut ties to 15 inches (38.1) cm

3- Finish the edges of the short sides of the mask piece using a serger or zigzag stitch.

4- Place the right sides together of the SHORT ENDS of the mask piece.

ADULT: Measure 1 ½ inches from both sides and mark with a pin.
TEEN: Measure 1 inch from edges
CHILD: Measure 3/4 inch from edges.

5- Using a straight stitch, sew from the edge to the pin.

Backstitch. Sew the other end the same way.

6- Open up seam and press.

7- Topstitch along both sides of the seam.

(It’s easiest to keep the wrong side out and sew inside the tube you just made).

8- Place seam 1/2 inch from the top fold

Press.

9- Sewing the Face mask ties

Take the ties and place the ends in the corners of the mask, making sure they butt up against the fold. Allow the ends to stick out a bit to make sure you are catching them in the seam. Pin or clamp in place. Pull the tie ends out of the hole to keep them out of your way.

I love these little fabric clamps, but pins work just fine.

Sew down the sides of the mask, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam.

Clip corners.

10- Turn inside out.

Poke out the corners and press.

11- Mark and sew pleats

Lay the pleat guide along the edge of the mask and place pins in to mark folding points. There should be 6 pins on each side, as indicated in the photo above.

Fold the top pin down to meet the second pin. Clip fold in place using the fabric pins or pin in place. Continue this process until all three pleats have been formed.

If you are making a lot of these masks after a while you won’t need to measure and pin, you’ll be able to just eyeball it.

Repeat this on the other side. Press pleats in place.

12-Top stitch along the side edges of the mask.

First pass sew close 1/4 inch from the edge, and the second pass sew close to the edge.

13- Wire Nose Clamp

Take the pipe cleaner or wire that you are using and insert it through the hole in the back of the mask. Align it at the TOP of the mask and center. Make sure it is against the folded edge of the mask.

Sew along the top edge at 1/2 inch seam allowance to create a casing for the wire.

Sew along the bottom edge as well to reinforce and stabilize the mask.

There you have it.

Keep in mind that these masks MAY not prevent us from contracting Covid-19, but they can act as a physical reminder for us to keep our hands away from our face, and when it comes down to it, they may be better than nothing as a protective barrier.

If you think that a handmade mask cannot be used, think again. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a place for them — in times of crisis, like the one we are in right now. On the CDC page: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks, they explain that as a last resort, a homemade mask is acceptable.

NEED A GENUINE N95 Respirator Mask Reusable, (FDA Registered) Face Mask?

Check out this reputable source

Take care my dear friends! We are all in this together!

Sending love to all of you!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

HOW TO SEW FACE MASK EARLOOPS INTO MASK

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What if your face mask doesn’t have a filter pocket?

HOW TO MAKE THE FACE MASK FILTER INSERT

Materials & Items Needed

CUTTING OUT

MAKING PLEATS

Serger method: watch the video and I will show you how to serge around the corners.

Sewing machine method: Using a regular straight stitch, sew all the way around with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Change the setting to a zigzag stitch and sew all the way around. Have the zigzag go all the way to the edge of the fabric.

How do you care for the face mask filter insert?

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WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM AN ADJUSTABLE EAR LOOP FACE MASK?

HOW TO MODIFY A TIE FACE MASK

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No fog face mask Materials and items needed

TISSUE VERSION

TOILET PAPER VERSION

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Jan Howell

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Face Mask Minimal Sewing Method Materials and Items Needed

Cutting Out Mask

Upcycled T-Shirt

Woven Fabric

Cutting Out Ties

Pull the strips to stretch and curl the fabric.

Sewing Instructions

Applying Nose Wire

Sewing Tie Casings

Inserting Mask Ties

CONTINUOUS TIE:

REGULAR DOUBLE TIE:

Cinching the sides of mask to gather.

CONTINUOUS TIES:

REGULAR DOUBLE TIES:

Tacking down ties

Mask Care:

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Materials and Items Needed

DIY No Sew Face Mask Instructions

Trim off the hem of the shirt.

Cut two, 1 inch strips the width of the shirt

Cut off the seams on both sides

Take the strips and pull the fabric to CURL the fabric for the mask ties.

Measure from the bottom of the shirt and cut

Take one of those pieces and place the wrong side of the fabric facing up.

Place the ties vertically 4 inches from the edge.

Fold the sides over the strap so the tie is against the fold.

Take the ends of the ties and make a knot as close to the end as you can.

Take the mask and place it over your nose rim.

Want additional filter capabilities?