Making your own fabric mask is an excellent way to keep yourself safe while expressing your creativity in front of public interactions. However, you can use it for safety and fashion accessory, which is much practical and enjoyable. In this article, we will take you through 5 small step process of creating your own customizable fabric mask, which looks great and comfortable.
Things You will required:
Arrange the following materials:
– Cotton fabric
– Elastic bands
– Scissors
– Pins or fabric clips
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Iron for press
– Inner lining fabric
– Proper pattern for your mask shape
– Thread and needle
Step 1: Prepare and Cut Your Fabric Pieces
How to prepare your fabric pieces for fabric mask?
1. Select your fabric: Select a cotton fabric that feels comfortable against your skin and has good breathability. You’ll also need an inner lining material, such as another layer of cotton, or even a non-woven fabric.
2. Developing or printing a mask template: You can find patterns online, or you can prepare your own template. Traditionally, the mask shape should entails of two pieces for the front and back of the mask, and one piece for the inner lining. A standard mask size for adults is around about 9 inches wide and 5 inches tall.
3. Cutting the fabric:
– 2 pieces of fabric for the outer mask
– 2 pieces of fabric for the inner lining
– 2 pieces of fabric for the ear straps or ties
Step 2: joining the Fabric Layers
Inner lining for extra protection, this step is important:
1. Pin the lining fabric: Lay the inner lining fabric pieces on top of the corresponding outer mask pieces. Pin or clip them in place, ensuring they align nicely with the corners.
2. Sew the lining to the outer fabric: Using a sewing machine or hand needle, sew along the edges, leaving the top and bottom open. This will keep the two pieces together, while the inside layer stays in place. If you want a more fitted mask, you can add a small pleat or tuck on each side of the mask to help it fit better over your nose and mouth.
3. Press with an iron: After you’ve finished sewing, press the mask layers flat with an iron to create crisp edges. This will make sewing the next layers much easier and more accurate.
Step 3: Joining the Ear Straps
Now that you have the main body of the mask assembled, it’s time to add the ear straps. You have two options for this: elastic bands or fabric ties. Elastic bands are most commonly used, but fabric ties can be more adjustable and provide a custom fit.
1. Measure and cut your elastic bands: Cut two pieces of elastic, each about 7-9 inches in length, depending on the size of your face. If you’re using fabric ties instead, cut two long strips of fabric (around 18 inches each) and set them aside.
2. Pin or sew the elastic to the mask: Turn the mask inside out so the lining is facing you. Pin the ends of the elastic bands to the sides of the mask at the top and bottom edges. You can place the elastic on the outer edges of the mask, near the seams.
3. Sew the elastic in place: Using a sewing machine or hand stitch, sew the elastic bands securely into place. Make sure to backstitch at both ends to reinforce the stitches. If you’re using fabric ties, sew the ties along the edges, ensuring they are long enough to tie around your ears.
4. Turn the mask right side out: Once the straps are securely attached, gently turn the mask right side out, pulling the elastic through. The mask should now have a neat appearance, with the seams and lining hidden inside.
Step 4: Creating Pleats and Folds
Pleats or folds are an excellent way to add some flexibility and shape:
1. Form proper pleats: With the mask still inside out, fold small sharp pleats along the sides of the mask. Typically, you’ll need 3-4 pleats, each about 1 to 1.2 inch deep. Pin them in right place.
2. Sewing Correct pleats: Sewing correct pleats is necessary as for more sharp fit. backstitch at the ends to hold the folds. The pleats should open up to create a more exact fit, allowing the mask to cover-up your nose, mouth, and chin.
3. Iron Press needed: Press the fabric with an iron to create sharp, clean folds. This step make sure that the mask keep its shape and fitting size.
Step 5: Last Touch and Wearing
Final step of finalizing your mask:
1. Adjust the fit: Try on your mask to ensure it fits snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin. If the ear straps feel too tight or too loose, you can adjust them by shortening or lengthening the elastic bands. If using fabric ties, simply tie them in a secure knot behind your head or ears.
2. Cut outside fabric: Cut any loose threads or excess fabric from the corners of the mask to give it more perfect look.
3. Washing and sanitizing: Washing is needed before using a mask and sanitize it properly for the each time before using.
4. Key is confidence: wear your own created mask with confidence as you created it, you are showing yourself.
Final Tips for the Perfect DIY Fabric Mask
Using filter inside: For greater effectiveness you better filter inside mask and enter small opening for a coffe filter or one more fabric layer for better results.
Making multiple masks: Make few masks to ensure enough time for proper washing and for more options.
Select breathable fabric: Always Cotton is breathable and ideal fabric for masks and more comfortable than others. Always use multiple layers for best results.
By following these simple steps, you can easily create your own fabric mask in just 5-10 time. this way you just not only will you be able to protect yourself from dust and others allergic diseases , but you’ll also have a enjoyable and more advance accessory to show off your personailty.
