Mask Pattern Hack Link - See through Mask Tutorial from Sarah

When Sarah from Confession of a Fabric Addict tagged me on Instagram that she made a see-through version of Trio 3D Face Mask I was so happy, to say the least. I mean, I follow her blog for many years and sometimes posted on her popular blog link party "Can I get a whoop whoop?" 

Everyone who sews has been making masks for family, friends, donation, and for sale. And with the pandemic, people can be really creative. When I started sharing my first mask tutorial, I never thought that in the next few months mask design will evolve so much. And Sarah's see-through mask is one of them! This kind of mask is important for lip readers so that they can communicate while being protected! Yes, wearing masks is about being considerate of others, even though it's a little uncomfortable!

If you already bought the TRIO 3D face mask, you can check out Sarah Tutorial on her blog HERE. 

Go and check the tutorial!

I'm still busy making masks too and here's a stack of Trio 3D Mask I made recently, already sent and received with a lot of love. Thank you! I'm still making a few more batches of masks. Batching is boring but that's the fastest method. Collecting fabrics, iron the, cut the strips, separate it by part, put on my fave Kdrama and start sewing. Even if I have only 1 hour sewing time before bed at night, at least I can finish sewing some parts. 

Download Trio 3D Face Mask

I already have a few orders lined up for the next few weeks and I'm making for my mom and sisters in Indonesia. If you sew, you can download the pattern from my webshop or Etsy, And if you need help, simply email me!

Thank you once again Sarah for sharing the tutorial! You can check my other mask tutorial HERE. Some tutorials come with Pdf Printable version and some are not. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing & Stay Safe!

- Elvira- 

Singer's Face Mask Pattern - KN 95 Style Cloth Face Mask

DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN

Summer is here and the weather is started to get very humid. Hubby was asking if I can make a face mask that has more breathing space than the first one. Since in his line of work he has to meet many clients which means he has to wear it for quite a long time, he needs a face covering that allows him to breathe more comfortably and not easily slip off while he's talking. So after a few trials and errors, this KN95 Style Face Mask is finally ready. 

This face mask is also great for teachers, singers, performers, etc. 

This TRIO Face Mask  features :

• Designed to fit well even without nose wire. 
• To fit snugly over the nose and under the chin, that even when you talk it won't slip off your face. 
• More space for ease of breathing and make you feel comfortable when you talk or sing :)
• 3 Sizes with full-scale templates included. 

I suggest using tightly woven cotton fabrics (like quilting cotton, cambric, poplin, etc). This face mask is designed without a filter pocket. Although you can easily make one using this tutorial. 

Get the Pattern for $2.5

I hope this pattern will help those who have problems wearing other types of masks.

If you sew, get the pattern and make a few for your loved ones. Let them enjoy summer while being protected. Let's protect each other in this difficult time. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Take care & Stay Safe

- Elvira - 

Which fabric to use for face masks and how to wear them

Triple-layer masks

Slim Pleated Masks

There are so many articles since the early days of the pandemic. From fabric mask is not advisable to now mandatory wearing any covering.  Now, which fabric is to use? After reading different articles, I came across this article from The Brussels Time. Quoting from the post: 

“The fabric is not important. The tissue must be sufficiently dense so that it can stop as many drops as possible, that is the most important thing. At the same time, it must also allow for comfortable breathing. It is this balance between tissue density and still allowing smooth breathing that needs to be monitored" Steven Van Gucht." 

When I read the article, I was like "yes! ", Not because of anything, but because the common people here cannot afford good quality quilting cotton, let alone designer ones!

Glace Cotton & Rayon Cotton Mask

In a country as big as India, maintaining physical distancing after lockdown will be impossible. I saw most people are using kerchief or any cloth to cover their face which will be difficult for them especially when they have to wear it for a long time. 

Now I have so many Indian cotton fabric that is lightweight, but some of them are tightly woven, like the glace cotton or rayon cotton mix. That's when I decided to make 3 layers mask using the same fabrics.  And if you think you need it denser, you can always add a hanky or tissue paper inside the mask and remove the tissue as it becomes moist (ok this word always remind me of PM Justine Trudeau Presscon ^^)

Depends on your personal choice and best fit to your face shape, cloth face coverings should : 

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. (Source : CDC)

I just put up a video on how to make triple layers face mask. There are different kinds of pleats you can do, but here I'm sharing the slim pleated one here. Super easy to make and it's possible to do hand sewing too if you don't have a machine. (see the resources below this post for other types of mask videos)

Here are a few masks I made using different styles. For a double layer mask, I use cambric or poplin cotton fabric. 

Double Layer Cotton Masks

For people who find it difficult to breathe through mixed cotton masks, I made these triple-layer masks using mulmul cotton. 

Mulmul Fabric Mask

Here is how the slim pleated mask looks like. It's perfect for someone who has a slim face or a petite face. 

Slim Pleated Mask

And here's the comfort fit face mask which is favorite with everyone. It's a double layer, I used thicker cotton fabric on the outside (cotton mix, combed cotton, etc) and softer cotton (cambric or poplin) on the lining. 

some review from Etsy :

Such an easy and well fitting pattern. Very clear instructions both written and in pictures.I’m over the moon.

Nice pattern and worked well for a couple of people that have trouble with other masks. Thank you for sharing!!!!!! (Source : Etsy)

Don't forget to wash the mask properly with soap after every use and dry it in the sun.

If you know how to sew or have access to a tailor who can sew for you and people around you, you can follow the tutorial from my previous post or visit links below.  Support your local fabric shops, local tailor, local community, we must support each other! 

3D Comfort Fit Mask

Pleated Mask with Pocket

Box Pleated Mask 

DIY Face Shield

Sew Easy Scrub Hat

Thank you for visiting my blog. 

Take care & stay healthy everyone!

- Elvira- 

*****
Linking up to :
Handmade Monday

How to Make Three Layers Slim Face Mask with Video Tutorial

How's everyone doing? Lockdown has been relaxed with certain limitations here in my city since yesterday. We're in the green zone as of now, and I hope & pray it will remain that way.

Anyway, in between mask making, I am tidying up my fabric stocks. Since my fabric shop is closed temporarily due to lockdown, might as well do some care and love for them :D.

And when I saw these pretty fabrics, I know I wanted to make a face mask but then the fabric is quite lightweight. So I decided to make three layers mask. Super quick and easy. You only need 1 piece of fabric and 2 pieces of binding fabrics. (More about binding later on).

And as I progress making three layers masks, I made a slim pleated mask!! I kinda love how slim this mask turns out that you can literally slip it in your pocket or even wallet. 

Here is what you need : 

1 rectangle fabric 7.5" W x 19.5" H  (6.5" x 16.5"  for kids) - use fun fabric with border if you have. 

2 binding pieces 2" W x 3.5" H

Let's get sewing :

1. Place the fabric right side down. If you're using fabric with a border like I did, fold the border side first by 6.5" like the picture below. 

2. Then fold the other side on top of the first one and you will end up with 7.5" x 6.5" piece. 

3. Clip or pin to secure it and topstitch (on the 7.5" sides) using 1/4" seam allowance (mark with yellow line)

4. Turn the mask inside out on the pieces where the right side is facing. Press the seam and topstitch using 1/8" allowance (yellow line). Then make a marked line 1.75" from the top and bottom edges. (red line). 

5. Fold on the red line  

and then fold it back again to line up with the bottom edge. (I hope  I make sense here).

Repeat with the other side, pin it and sew the short edges with 1/8" seam allowance. 

6. Place the mask with a pleated side down on the right side of the binding.

Wrap the sides and pin as shown in the picture below and sew the binding using 1/4" seam allowance.

7. Open the binding and fold the raw edge.

8. Now wrap it around the raw edge. Topstitch using scant 1/8" seam allowance. Repeat with the other side and you're done. Now insert the elastic and using fabric ties. 

It's super duper easy, right?

So which one is your fave?

The regular pleats, the box pleats, or this slim pleated one? This slim pleated mask is finished at 2" x 7,5". If you wish yo make broader, you can use 21" x 7.5" fabric panel.

This is how it looks when worn. Basically, it will cover the same way since the face mask is made from a flat fabric panel. If you want a mask that has breathable space, you can try the 3D Face Mask with Filter Pocket or the new TRIO 3D Face Mask which has more specious breathing space.

Now, why three layers? Well, they said the more layer the better. Add another extra layer of cotton fabric still make the mask breathable and comfortable to wear especially during Indian summer. 

I personally prefer using binding to create a casing for the ties or elastic, instead of sewing the elastic or ties on the mask. That way, when the elastic becomes loose, I can always change it. Also if you notice my (mug)  photo above, the elastic can minimize the gap on the cheeks. Which I believe is important. 

I've been making three layers mask in the past few days using Indian fabrics for hubby's staff at the office. Indian soft cotton fabric is very soft and breathable. I used to make to wear it during springtime, but now with COVID-19 Pandemic going on, it's better to have an extra layer.

By the way, I don't add nose wire when I use soft fabric, because the fabric is lightweight, the twist and tie that I am using for nose wire tends to pierce out of the fabric. (I tried :D) 

I hope this tutorial will be helpful to you. I will try to make a Pdf version or a video tutorial next time when I sew. Here's the video tutorial to make this 3 layers face mask.

Thank you for stopping by! 

Stay safe, everyone!

- Elvira- 

Linky Party:
Craftastic Monday

How to Batch Sewing Masks

How's everyone doing? I am still sewing masks and taking a break in between. I usually cut the fabrics in batches. All you do is fold the fabric a couple of times and pin the pattern on top and start cutting. I laminate my pattern so that I can use rotary cutter 😄 

Next I will start chain sewing, one dart at a time. That way I can safe a lot of time, instead of finish one mask at a time, I can finish 10-12 pieces at a time. 

Get 3D Mask Pattern on Etsy

All you need is a little planning. Once you decide the fabrics, cut them multiple at a time. I usually cut 6 or 8 pieces of the same print. 

Once done, stack them together and when you have 15 minutes, simply pick up a few pair and start chain sewing. 

Don't forget to put on some good music or movie (or Kdrama for me ) . 

Before you know it, you will have a dozen finish. Don't rush! We're not on competition here, make a small batch each day as time permit. Remembers your health is also important to be able to keep sewing. Make sure you have enough rest so you won't lose steam midway! 

Ganbatte!!

-Elvira- 

Resources: 

Contoured Face Mask

3D Face Mask Video Tutorial 

Mask Making

The mask making is still continue here. As the curve of cases are climbing up, everyday we have this little fear inside us. We do our best to follow the government's order to stay home, maintain social distancing and of course praying that we'll be spared of this highly contagious pandemic. 

Initially, I spent my days monitoring the number and reading every news out there and that made me depressed. That's when I decided to make masks and shared the pattern and free tutorials. 

I started wearing mask when I go out way back in February, when most people here are still oblivious about the gravity of Covid-19 and were making jokes. 

Mask making is my anti depressant. I'm grateful in this trying time I can lend my hand to help out a little bit. Even when the scientist are still debating whether fabric mask is efficient, but I am sure, it helps a little. Especially, when even hospitals are lack of surgical mask and PPE. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

Here are few masks I finished and delivered few days ago. 

Many wanted to order the masks, but unfortunately the courier is not open during the lockdown, which most probably will be extended. 

This 3D Face mask is most comfortable to wear. You can comfortably talk when you wear the mask and it wont slip off your face.

I'm making few more dozens of mask for my SIL's staff in the hospital. I am using cotton mix and some combed cotton for the exterior and cotton fabric for the lining. 

If you wish to make this 3D Face Mask, the pattern is available at ETSY as well as my WEBSITE.

Don't forget, the rest of the Chezvies Patterns is ON SALE 40% now on ETSY during the lock down period. So, if you're bored and looking for something to learn, go ahead and check out the Patterns.

Keep well and stay creative! 

Elvira

3D Fabric Mask With Filter Pocket Pdf Pattern with Video

I've been working on this mask for a couple of weeks. I tried different model but not really happy. I want the mask that leave a little space in between for ease of breathing. Especially for mask that I wear when I go out, since I usually layer it with tissue. At home, while doing my chores, I wear the surgical type mask. So, I came up with this easy to sew 3D mask. 

Mask with Crochet Cord 

I realize that your nose shape play important role here, when you make mask without nose wire. Because nose wire is not easily available here,  I have to come up with something else. My younger son who has long /sharp nose, said he likes this fit best, because it doesn't make him feel suffocated :D. Here's my pictures wearing the mask (my sons refused to be my model -_-). 

Kids Size Mask

Filter Pocket at the back

I'd suggest tight woven fabric, especially for the exterior and softer cotton for the lining. Layer of Tissue or non woven fabric  will help in filtering. (Read this article).

The pattern has 2 sizes for Adult and Kids

Adult Size : 7.5" W x 5.5" H

Kids Size : 6" W x 4.5" H

The Pattern is available in ETSY as well as on  Payhip 

Buy Now

UPDATE : 

I just added a video tutorial how to make this mask: 

Thank you for stopping by! Please take care of your health and stay safe!

- Elvira -