To Make A Mask
Many people are making cloth face masks, amid the COVID-19 panic. And these masks range from the simple pleated rectangle to a cup like shape that fits your face. My masks are the cup shape, and 4 layers, including a filter layer of medium weight fusible interfacing fused to the printed layer. Considering how hard it is to find fusible interfacing, though, as time goes by, I may be making masks that have a pocket opening to slide your own filter medium into.
Sew 2 of these pieces together, right sides facing, just on the curved side like you did with the outer print.
Needs:
Quilter's cotton print ¼ yd
Medium weight interfacing ¼ yd
White muslin ¼ yd
1 thin elastic headband
Thread
1 pipe cleaner
A sewing machine, unless you plan on hand sewing
First, iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles and make it easier to cut out your pattern. Also cut out your interfacing to match your print layer.
Iron on the interfacing to the backside of your print, following the manufacturers directions for the interfacing.
Sew the curved edge together, right sides facing.
Cut out 4 pieces of muslin the same size as your pattern, minus 1 inch on the straight side. This will be where your casing goes.
Repeat for the other 2 pieces of muslin.
Finger press your seam allowance open and as flat as possible. Place 2 linings wrong sides together and pin along top and bottom edges, pinning the seam allowances open.
Pin the lining pieces right sides together with the outer print and interfacing, and sew the top and bottom edges
Turn right sides out
Cut a 4" piece of pipe cleaner, and bend it in half. Wiggle this into the top edge, centered on either side, and clip it in place in the center, and on either end.
Topstitch close to the edge, jutting out slightly to clear the end of the pipe cleaner, and jut back in close to the edge on the end of the pipe cleaner.
Fold the end to meet the edge of the muslin, and then in again to make a double folded hem. Stitch down close to the edge. Repeat for the other side.
Cut your headband at the join, and then in half. Thread each piece through the casing you just made in the previous step, and sew your ends together. Wiggle the ends into the casing. To hide them. Repeat for the other side.
Put on facemask.
Disclaimer: wearing a mask is a hotly debated topic and may not completely prevent your infection, but it can certainly help filter out some of the ick, and can prevent you from getting others sick before you know you're sick.