MASK SEWING INSTRUCTIONS
(These were written by my partner, Jean, who is experienced with textiles and understands the language. I don’t, so you’re on your own here. Note that this calls for three layers with a tightly woven middle/inner layer to improve efficacy. Based on what I’ve read re masks, this one should provide better protection than most other options, except for respirators, etc. – N95 masks are more protective for the wearer than others.)
YOU WILL BE MAKING 3 MASKS LAYERS. EACH LAYER GETS SEWN ALONG THE LARGE CENTER CURVE, THEN ALL LAYERS GET SEWN TOGETHER AT THE END.
USE LIGHTWEIGHT FABRICS FOR THE OUTER FRONT LAYER + BACKSIDE LAYER
USE A DENSE FABRIC FOR THE INNER LAYER (PELLON OR TIGHTLY WOVEN FABRIC).
FOR EACH LAYER: CUT 1 PATTERN PIECE FOR A LEFT SIDE, AND 1 FOR A RIGHT SIDE.
FOR EACH LEFT AND RIGHT PAIR, SEW RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER ALONG THE CENTER LARGE CURVE FOR EACH LAYER, CREATING THREE LAYERS. PRESS OPEN EACH SEAM.
PIN IN PLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT LAYER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BACKSIDE LAYER THEN THE INNER LAYER ON TOP.
SEW AROUND THE EDGES THROUGH ALL 3 LAYERS BUT LEAVE A SPACE AT THE BOTTOM.
TRIM SEAMS CLOSE THEN TURN THE MASK INSIDE OUT THROUGH THE OPENING.
IRON ALONG THE FINISHED SEAMED EDGE.
SLIP A SMALL GAUGE “FLORAL WIRE” INSIDE AT THE TOP ALONG THE NOSE BRIDGE
(FOLD OVER THE ENDS OF THE WIRE FIRST SO IT DOESN’T RIP OUT THROUGH THE CLOTH).
SEW A CHANNEL ”POCKET” THROUGH ALL LAYERS TO HOLD THIS WIRE IN PLACE BE CAREFUL NOT TO SEW OVER THE WIRE.
MAKE A TUCK ON EACH SIDE OF YOUR MASK, APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH PERPENDICULAR TO THE EDGE. PRESS THE TUCK DOWN.
TOP-STITCH AROUND THE WHOLE EDGE OF THE MASK.
ATTACH ELASTIC TO FIT AROUND YOUR EARS OR HEAD. THIS IS WHERE YOU ADJUST MASK, SO JUST TACK FOR FIRST FIT. SHOE STRINGS OR PONYTAIL BANDS CAN WORK ALSO.
HAPPY SEWING!!! STAY SAFE.
JEAN CACICEDO