My favorite Face Mask!
Of course my version is with Island Batik Fabrics!
"The products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik"
Click the image to visit Island Batik's website!
After sewing masks for hospitals and healthcare centers, for my friends, for my family, for everybody I know and a lot of people that I don't know, I decided to make some for myself. During this "mask marathon" from last months, I believe that I tried many, many, MANY different patterns, my kids for example like the Olson's model that you can find at Craft Passion, my husband likes pretty much everything and I couldn't find a real comfortable model for me. I use glasses with progressive lenses, so the bridge of my glasses need to be on the right position otherwise I will not be able to use all the "features" (lol) of my lenses properly. For me all the "fitty" models fog my glasses even the miracle patterns that say "oh, this model will not fog your glasses", they do... maybe my nose is the problem :)
So with all the massive sewing masks background I decided to develop my own pattern, not that you need another sewing mask pattern, but I definitely do! And of course my mask is made of 100% cotton and tightly woven Island Batik.
Before you start, prewash all the fabrics!
Materials:
Main fabric (I used Island Batik Wildflowers - Icicle Seed):
9" x 8 1/2" outside mask
5" x 2" for the pipe cleaner
Linen fabric (I used Island Batik Solids in White):
9" x 8 1/2"
Filti mask fabric filter:
7 3/4" x 3 1/4"
(2) 7" long 3mm round Elastic Cord for Face Masks
(2) cord locks
(1) 12" long pipe cleaner
Aurifil 50wt in white or coordinating with the main fabric
Starting in 3, 2, 1...
Take the main fabric and linen fabric 9"x 8 1/2" pieces and mark 2" from the top in both sides (I used a blue water soluble fabric marker, but this is not going to appear, so you can use any marker you want/have). Then, mark 2" from the bottom. Turn the bottom 1/4" to the wrong side, press it and stitch 1/8" on the folded edge. If you have a hot ruler, now is a good time to use it ;)
The side you just stitched will be the bottom of the mask, from main and linen fabrics.
Lay the main fabric right side facing you and fold in a half, press to mark the middle line and open the fabric again. With your fingers press the 1 3/4" mark from the bottom in both sides of the fabric and fold right on the center mark, making a pleat and press it. Repeat with the 2" marks from the top and press it making the second pleat.
Secure the pleats with pins. Add the (2) 7" long round elastic cords 3/8" from the top and bottom in both sides of the linen fabric sewing 1/8" in both sides (and also securing the pleats), like the image below:
Now it's time to sew the nose fitting detail. Take the 5" x 2" main fabric piece and fold 1/4" to the wrong side in both shorter sides and press it. Then fold in a half from the long side, following the images below:
Use your fingers to press and mark the center in the linen fabric and the nose piece. Then lay the nose piece on the top of the linen piece (right side facing you). Stitch 1/8" the bottom part of the nose piece like the image below: (*tip: don't remove the pins yet, just pull apart of the way while sewing)
Place the main piece on the top of the linen piece, right sides together and make sure the "bottom" sides are matching and the elastics are not too close to the borders (you don't want them in your way while sewing). Pin both sides and top in place and stitch 1/4" around skipping the bottom side.
Before turning the mask inside out, carefully clip the corners.
Turn the mask inside out, and press all the seams with your fingers, especially the corners, then press with the iron. Mark 2 1/2" from each side in the bottom (leaving a 3" open for the filter) and top stitch 1/8" top and bottom and 1/4" sides. See the image below:
Insert the cord locks following the instructions from the package. And the 7 3/4" x 3 1/4" filti fabric mask, make sure the filter is totally flat and between the main and linen fabric's pleats (otherwise the mask will not open and close properly to adjust to your face).
Time for the pipe cleaner (I know, this is quite funny!). With the back side of the mask (linen) facing you, measure and fold the pipe cleaner leaving a little extra space from each side, because it makes easy to remove the pipe cleaner to wash the mask (don't forget to remove the filter and pipe cleaner before washing your mask after every time you use it!)
And voilà! Absolutely no fogging even with my brand new extra large "I CAN SEE THE WORLD!" glasses ;)
Stay safe and healthy, wear your mask for you and everyone else!