Make a Safe Face Mask 🌱
- Pernilla Thakur Lundqvist
- Sep 2, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 19, 2020
In light of the current situation, we need to be more vigilant than ever - keep social distancing, wash our hands, wear a mask and be mindful of each other. Even-though the spread of this pandemic is slowing down - it’s not over.… That's why we need compassion.
Compassion is being mindful of one another. It means wearing a mask and washing your hands, even though you might not be the high-risk group, but your next-door neighbour might be. Compassion is wearing a mask and using a sanitizer on your hands, when in the supermarket because the workers are at risk. Compassion is wearing a mask and washing your hands, waiting in line and following instructions from health professionals to help them safe lives. Compassion is wearing a mask, washing your hands, being restrained, knocking at a window when all you want to do is run and hold your grandmother. For her, you and for others - Be compassionate and wear a mask!
Wear a Safe Face mask!
We are all unique. From a large nose to a small. From high cheekbones to a low. However we might look, our face mask needs to be safe and adjusted to our facial features. This means when wearing a mask, you need to wear a mask that doesn't expose or let vicious bacteria in. The solution is to make a customised safe face mask.
Besides fitting your face, the face mask also needs to contain 3 layers of safe fabric. The outer layer has to be water-resistant. The middle layer can be made of recycled old clothes. Whereas the inner layer has to be water absorbent. This really easy pattern was put together by the Victorian State Government. It contains 6 simple steps, and if you want 7, to follow. Besides being easy to make the safe face mask will be made in max 20 min!
Read the 6 step instructions or download the PDF on how to make a safe face mask. At the end, you will find recommendations for safe fabrics to use as well as care instructions for the fabric.
Please keep you and everyone you love safe!❤️
6 step Instruction
What you need:
The outer layer, 1 piece 25*25 cm water-resistant fabric
The middle layer, 1 piece 25*25 cm, recycled
The inner Layer, 1 piece 25*25 cm, water-absorbing fabric
Ear Loops, 2 pieces elastic or cloth string
Needle
Thread
(Sewing machine)
Step 1
Cut out the outer layer, middle layer and inner layer pieces (see above for dimensions and material to use). Place the outer layer on the bottom, the middle layer in the middle, and the inner layer on top.
Step 2
With the inner layer facing up, fold over 1 cm of the three pieces of material for the top and bottom edges and stitch at the borders (see red dotted lines).
Step 3
With the inner layer facing up, fold over 1.5 cm of material for the side edges and stitch (see red dotted lines).
Step 4
Thread a 20 cm piece of elastic, string or cloth strip through the wider edge on each side. Use a safety pin or large needle to thread it through
Step 5
Knot the ends tightly or stitch them together.
Step 6
Put on the mask with the outer layer facing away from your face. Adjust the mask to make sure it fits tightly over your nose and mouth. While wearing and removing the mask, do not touch the outer layer. Wash your hands before putting your mask on and after taking it off.
(Step 7)
If you want to improve the fit of your mask you can add a nylon stocking over the mask and tie at the back of the head.
Voilà your safe face mask is done! Wear it with compassion!
Download the PDF on how to make your own safe face mask.
Below follows recommendations on what type of fabrics are safe to use.
Water-resistant fabrics (Outer layer)
Examples of water-resistant fabrics are polyester/polypropylene. However, cotton sateen twill is a natural cotton fabric which is water repellent and easy to wash after being used. Have a look at one of these fancy cotton sateen twills as examples:
Amy Butler:
Momo:
Middle layer
For a middle layer recycle and use parts of some piece of old clothes you no longer use. This layer will not be seen from the outside as it is sewn within.
Water absorbing fabric (Inner layer)
Examples of water-absorbing fabric are cotton which is safe to use as an inner layer on your face mask. Below you have examples of these:
American Jane Pattons:
Amy Butler:
Kaffe Fassett:
Jennifer Paganeli:
Urban Chicks:
Momo:
🌱
Care
The advantage with sustainable fabrics, like quilting cotton, is that it will hold for many items of washing. The fabrics will change colour over time, adding sustainable wear and charm to each piece.
To keep the intricate design and colours for as long as possible, please be advised to machine wash warm 40° C (105° F) with normal cycle with like colours. Use only non-chlorine bleach and do not sundry. Tumble dry low, remove promptly, and use warm iron if necessary. This will ensure sustainable use of the fabric.
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