Snuggles Quilts

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Making Masks – Sharing some Modifications

Hi! Like many of you, I have been making masks to donate to local health clinics and for family and friends. I have been making the masks using the YouTube tutorial I shared a few weeks ago. While making them using this method, I have come up with a few modifications based on feedback from those I am making them for. I will share those below, along with a mini tutorial video of mine showing you the modifications.

So let’s start. I recommend making the mask as shown in the original tutorial up until it’s time to put on the side binding and elastic. That’s where my modifications come in. But since you are making the mask with my modifications use the supply list below and not the one in the video:

1    rectangle of fabric 7 1/2 x 15″ 
2    strips of fabric 1 1/2 x 17″ – this is my modification
1    piece of elastic 9 1/2″ long (I use 1/4″ elastic)
1    piece of wire 6 1/2″ long (I use 24 gauge)

Use the original mask video to make the mask body.

Here’s what it will look like up to the point before adding the binding on the sides:

Now, switch to my mini tutorial for the modifications to make the binding that creates ties on the bottom and secures an elastic across the top. Here’s my finishing tutorial video:

And here’s how my masks look as opposed to the ones in the original video:

  • Original mask from original video
  • Mask from original video with my modifications

My modification in no way implies that the original video with their instructions are wrong in anyway. Those masks come out great and are a great version. I just decided to modify the sides based on my personal experiences with the masks as made from their instructions.

So, now you can be a mask making queen (or king)! I hope this little tutorial on my modification has been helpful!

Happy Stitching!
Deanne

Special Post: Making Face Masks to Do My Part

Hi all! I wanted to do a quick blog post on my experience in making face masks for my local hospital. At this time many medical supplies are in short supply for our healthcare workers. I wanted to do my part, however small, to help. Check with your local hospital. They most likely need masks and would be thrilled with the donation. My hospital has set up a drop box out side where we can drop a bag full of masks. I’m sure you’ll find your hospital is doing the same. So…. the following is my adventure in making my first masks!

To Start

I actually have a large collection of fat eighths. Turns out the 9 x 22″ size is perfect to cut the pieces needed for the mask. You need a 7 1/2 x 15″ piece of fabric for the mask and two 2 x 6″ pieces for binding (the video says 7″ but I found 6″ long is enough). I recommend cutting as I show below:

I recommend making the first cut where I show above so you have a 9 x 15″ piece and a 7 x 9″ piece. then you can cut the pieces needed and have left over fabric in case you need to make fabric ties. 

The Construction

The following is some of the photos of me constructing the masks. I was chain sewing where I could. Be sure not to skip the step of serging or zig-zag stitching on the short sides of the fabric (as you will see in the YouTube video posted below). This will keep the finished mask from having fraying threads.

Zig-zag stitching the short ends.

Here’s photos of other steps in my construction process:

I found that having a tool to thread the elastic into each side of the mast is great. If you don’t have one, you can use a safety pin attached to one end to feed it through (see tool below).

If you can not find elastic for the ear holders, make 4 fabric ties from the leftover fabric and attach to the 4 corners of the mask so it can be tied around the person’s head. I have not made one with ties so you will have to find a measurement for the length of the ties by using your head as a model… use a mask that you will NOT be donating for your experimenting as you do not want to donate a mask that has been near your face.

Here’s one of my finished masks:

So if you want to partake in the mask making for your local hospital, here is the YouTube video that was recommended to me. I like this one because there is a pocket in it for a filter if the healthcare worker finds that necessary and there is also a bit of wire (a twist tie can be used) to shape the mask around the nose for more protection.

Whether you use this design, another tutorial you find on the internet or you are able to create your own pattern. Making these masks and helping your community at this time will give you a sense that you are helping …. even just a little bit.

Until next time, happy stitching!
Deanne