Logan Reid
Due to the high demand for face masks, many people have been making fabric masks to use as protective face coverings. Some hospitals and clinics accept donations of homemade face masks. Before sewing a batch of masks to donate, it is important to check with the hospital about their requirements and whether they are accepting donations. There are several free patterns available online for sewing pleated fabric face masks with fabric ties or elastic loops, including optional nose wires and filter pockets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Layers of Fabric | 2 |
| Pleats | 3 x 1/2" pleats |
| Pleat Direction | Facing downwards |
| Pocket Opening | 4" for faster filter changes |
| Child Sizes | 6.5" x 14" for smaller children, 7.5" x 15" for larger children |
| Adult Size | 7.75" wide and 3.75" tall |
| Fabric Ties | 4 fabric ties, can be made from the same cotton fabric or pre-made bias binding |
| Elastic | 1/8" flat elastic for ear loops |
| Sewing Technique | Backstitch over the elastic or fabric ties |
| Additional Features | Optional nose wire, optional filter pocket |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a hospital mask with ties using a sewing machine
The CDC recommends using face coverings in public settings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Here is a guide on how to make a hospital mask with ties using a sewing machine.
Firstly, you will need the following materials: a medium weight 100% cotton weave for the exterior of the mask, a medium-weight 100% cotton knit for the interior, two 1.5” x 30” strips of cotton weave for the ties, a needle and thread, scissors, a ruler, and a sewing machine.
Next, trace the pattern onto the exterior and interior fabric. Place the two exterior pieces of fabric with their right sides together and sew the curved edge that will form the nose to the chin part of the mask. Then, flip the pattern so that you have two mirror pieces of each fabric. For the ties, cut a piece of ribbon that is 40" long and feed it through one of the channels. You can also use elastic instead of ribbon if you prefer.
Finally, stitch the upper part of the mask closed, 1/8th of an inch from the topstitch. Measure and mark a line 1” from the bottom edge, and then mark another line 1” above the first line. Fold the mask on the first line towards the front and match the crease to the second line. Finger-press the fold and pin it in place. Topstitch the pleats in place using a ¼ “ seam allowance and backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches.
Once you are done, soak the mask overnight and wash it. You can either hand wash it with dish soap or put it through a washing machine with cool water. This will remove any water-soluble stabilizer from the embroidery.
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How to make a hospital mask with ties by hand
To make a hospital mask with ties by hand, you will need two layers of tightly woven cotton and a layer of 100% heavyweight T-shirt cotton. These materials are recommended by the Cambridge University research study and are likely to be readily available at home.
First, cut your fabric to size. You can do this by hand with a free printable PDF template or by scaling down a template to size and printing it out. If you are making a mask for a child, reduce the size of the template by 85%.
Next, cut your ties. You can use ribbon, bias tape, or make your own ties by cutting a long length of fabric, folding it into thirds lengthwise, ironing it flat, and sewing it shut. Cut two 7" pieces of 1/4" braided elastic or 6" if the mask is for a child. Sew each end of the elastic to each corner of the mask.
Once your fabric is cut to size, sew the layers together, leaving space for the ties. You can add additional features such as a filter pocket and an adjustable nose guard.
To wear the mask, bring it to nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head, securing with a bow. Take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and secure them with a bow at the nape of your neck. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin. Ensure that your mask fits tightly yet comfortably on the sides of your face and always combine it with frequent handwashing and social distancing.
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How to make a hospital mask with ties for different-sized faces
Making hospital masks with ties for different-sized faces is a simple process and can be done at home. This is particularly useful as many hospitals are requesting homemade surgical masks as an emergency measure.
Materials
You will need fabric, scissors, thread, a needle, and bias tape or ribbon for the ties. You can also use the same fabric to make strips for the ties. For the filter pocket, you can use flannel.
Cutting the Fabric
First, cut the fabric to size. For an adult-sized mask, cut a rectangle that is 16" long and 8.5" wide. For a child-sized mask, cut a rectangle that is 14" long and 6.5" wide. You will need two rectangles per mask. Adjust the measurements accordingly for different face sizes.
Sewing the Mask
Place the two fabric rectangles together, with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the width, leaving a 3" opening in the centre to create an opening for the filter pocket and to turn the mask inside out. Pin the elastic or fabric ties to each side of the mask, one end to the top corner and one end to the bottom corner. Sew the sides of the mask, backstitching over the ties to secure them.
Pleats
Create three evenly spaced 1/2" pleats, pinning the folds in place and ensuring all pleats face the same direction. Sew down each side to secure the pleats. When worn, the pleats should open downwards to prevent particles from collecting in the fold pockets.
Finishing Up
Turn the mask right side out and press with an iron. You can now add a filter pocket if desired. Sew the top side of the mask, folding the fabric in half. Leave a 3" opening in the centre to create an opening for the filter pocket and to turn the mask right side out. Press the seam open and topstitch along both sides of the seam for a neat edge.
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How to make a hospital mask with ties for children
Making hospital masks with ties for children is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Materials
You will need fabric for the front and fabric for the lining. For the front, use tightly woven cotton fabric, preferably 100% cotton. Cotton blends such as cotton/polyester are also suitable. The fabric can have prints or be a solid colour. For the lining, use white cotton or cotton blends. If you don't have white fabric, you can use the same fabric as the outer layer, but the mask will need to be worn inside out to ensure the inside fabric always touches the face. You will also need fabric ties or bias tape, and you may want to include a pipe cleaner, wire ribbon, or baggie tie to shape the nose area.
Cutting
Cut two pieces of fabric for the front and two pieces for the lining, each measuring 5" by 7". If you are making ties from fabric, cut two pieces of fabric 18"-20" in length.
Sewing
Place the right sides of the fabric together, ensuring any design is placed horizontally. Pin all layers together, then sew around the edges, leaving a 1.5"-2" opening at the bottom edge. Cut the thread and turn the mask inside out. Pin three ½" tucks on each side of the mask, ensuring they are facing the same direction. Sew the ties at each corner, then sew around the edge of the mask twice, catching the bias tape as you go.
Finishing
Iron the ties to ensure they are flat. If desired, add a pipe cleaner, wire ribbon, or baggie tie to the lining piece to improve the fit around the nose.
Care
Wash and dry the mask without fragrance or dyes before first use. Masks should be sanitized before and after each use. Do not share your mask with anyone, and do not use masks on children under the age of two.
This is a general guide, and specific hospitals may have their own guidelines, so be sure to check with your local healthcare facility before donating any homemade masks.
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How to make a hospital mask with ties using elastic
Before making a hospital mask, it is important to check with your local hospital to see if they are accepting donations, and whether they have any specifications or requirements for the masks. Some hospitals may request masks with ties, as elastic may not hold up as well to high-heat washing and sterilisation.
To make a hospital mask with ties using elastic, you will need the following materials:
- Fabric
- Elastic
- Sewing equipment
Firstly, cut your fabric to size. A common size is 6" x 9", but you may need to experiment to find the right size for you. You can also make a child-sized mask by starting with a square that is 6.5" by 14" for a smaller child, or 7.5" by 15" for a larger child.
Next, cut your elastic. For an average-sized person, cut a 25" piece of elastic. You can adjust the length depending on the size of the mask and the desired fit. You can also use elastic hair ties by sewing them in at the same time that you make the casings.
Now it's time to assemble the mask. Place your fabric pieces right sides together and stitch, inserting a piece of elastic between the fabric before you reach the corner. Continue stitching, positioning the other end of the elastic in the corner, and attach it to the other side of the mask in the same manner. Reinforce the stitching over the elastic ends.
Finally, sew pleats into the mask. Create three evenly spaced 1/2" pleats, pinning the folds in place and ensuring all pleats face the same direction. Sew down each side to secure the pleats. When the mask is worn, the pleats should open downwards to prevent particles from collecting in the fold pockets.
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Frequently asked questions
Before you start, call the hospital or clinic and make sure they want and can accept homemade masks. You can also check if your face mask pattern will meet their requirements.
You will need two layers of fabric with a pocket for additional disposable inserts. You can use 1/8" flat elastic for ear loops or four fabric ties. You can use the same cotton fabric to make strips, use pre-made bias binding, or strips of cotton jersey.
The finished adult mask should be 7.75" wide and 3.75" tall. For a smaller child size, start with a square that's 6.5" by 14". For a larger child size, start with a square that's 7.5" by 15".
Create three evenly spaced 1/2" pleats. Pin the folds in place, making sure all pleats are facing the same direction. Sew down each side to secure the pleats. When the mask is worn, the pleats should open downwards to prevent any particles from collecting in the fold pockets.
There are several free patterns available online, such as those offered by Sarah Maker and Jennifer Maker.
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