Sewing an everyday mask yourself: You don't need much to sew a quick face mask . With my free pattern and the simple instructions, even beginners can do it.
The most important things at a glance
- The homemade everyday mask (also called a community mask) cannot protect you from Corona. But it can help prevent you from spreading pathogens to others
- To sew it, you only need a little cotton fabric and two pieces of elastic
- You can download the pattern for the everyday mask for free in this post
- Then you can print it out and get started right away
- To sew the everyday mask for children, you can reduce the pattern to 80 - 90%, depending on the child's age
In this post, I introduce you to my husband's favorite mask. He just can't get along with all the masks . But he finds this style particularly comfortable and immediately ordered a whole stack of new masks from me.
Would you like to sew and sell this mask?
If you want to sell pieces sewn using this pattern, you need this license.
You can easily download it from my shop, fill it out, and send it to me by scan, post, or as a photo in an email . And you can get started!
How this everyday mask fits
The mask is cut rather generously and covers the mouth and chin, so it cannot slip while speaking.
If you would like to secure it more firmly on the nose, you can insert a nose bridge as in this tutorial .
How can you wash & care for this everyday mask?
It is important to clean the mask after every use. When breathing, pathogens can be released onto the fabric, where they multiply in the moist environment that develops during wear.
Washing the everyday mask in the washing machine
It is recommended to put the masks in a wash mitt for washing. This helps to protect the fabric.
In principle, however, many jerseys and sweatshirt fabrics can withstand temperatures of 60 – 90 degrees. Use a hygiene rinse if necessary. You can also iron the mask. Then there is a high probability that you will have killed the disease-causing pathogens.
Some blog visitors asked whether the nose bridges would rust in the machine. I have used seam tape on almost all the masks and cannot detect any rust stains.
Sterilizing the mask in the microwave
A mask is, of course, not meant to last forever. Especially washing it in the washing machine wears down the fabric edges.
Instead of a hot wash, you can also sterilize the mask in the microwave. Place the mask face up on a plate and spray it with some tap water. Place an additional bowl of water next to it. Turn on the microwave for 2 – 3 min. at at least 750 watts.
The water vapor generated during microwave operation sterilizes the mask and kills around 99% of the pathogens.
But beware: This method is only suitable for masks without metal bridges!
Sterilizing the mask in the oven
Sterilizing face masks in the oven can also be a good way to quickly get the masks back into use.
Place the mask on a suitable surface and put it in an oven preheated to at least 120 degrees for around 10 min. Here too, the additional generation of water vapor can help.
This means that the mask may be moistened. You can also place a container of water in the oven.
Sterilizing the face mask with the iron
This is also a way to effectively kill heat-sensitive pathogens.
Iron the fabric with steam on the highest setting for at least 2 – 3 minutes. After that, the mask is ready to use again.
What you need for the everyday mask
To sew the everyday mask, you don't need much: a little cotton fabric, two pieces of elastic, and a sewing machine. And you can get started.
Note on cutting: A 1 cm seam allowance is included in the prepared pattern piece.
By the way, I like to cut the masks with a rotary cutter and the patchwork ruler, because I find that it allows for the cleanest work. But you can also work with a sharp pair of scissors.
Important accessories for the simple mask
- Cotton fabric*
- Straight pins* (these are the practical straight pins with the heat-resistant heads from the video)
- Elastic*
- Fabric clips*
- Rotary cutter*
I used subtly matching cotton poplin* for the mask. It is light, fine, and cool to the touch. This makes it particularly pleasant for everyday masks.
Tip for adjusting: If you sew the elastic in two pieces, you can also equip it with a cord stopper*. They also come in mini sizes... :)
Tip from blog reader Coco:
After sewing hundreds of masks for the nursing home, I can only give one tip: Use a crochet hook for threading the elastic! It is much faster than a safety pin.
Note on the sewing machine: In the video, I sew with my Juki. You can see a detailed test report on the Juki sewing machine here on the blog.
Pattern download
Download: Everyday mask pattern
A 1 cm seam allowance is already included in the pattern.
These fabric cutouts are required
- 2 x mask pattern pieces from outer fabric and lining fabric (19 x 20 cm)
- 2 x small side pieces from lining or outer fabric (optional)
- 2 x elastic 31 - 33 cm long
Comments
Comments are loading …