Face mask for coronavirus - Quick version

Line Riby

https://wiki.lowtechlab.org/wiki/Masque_barri%C3%A8re_covid19_-_Version_rapide/en

Dernière modification le 24/07/2024

Difficulté

Medium Moyen

Durée

25 minute(s) minute(s)

Coût

3 EUR (€)

Description

Fabric mask, washable, reusable, 3 folds - Class 2 (general, non-medical use product) - QUICK VERSION

Sommaire

couture, covid19

---

Introduction

---[Updated on January 21, 2024]--- In France, following the emergence of a Covid-19 variant and the recommendations of The High Council for Public Health, the minister of health, Olivier Veran, recommends not using artisanal masks (home-made) in public spaces anymore. However, Class 1 masks are sufficient.

Here is my face mask for covid times. It's following as much as possible the newest official recommendations. We are in October 2020 as I share this tutorial. Please check the applicable recommendations when you read this tutorial.

It's a "3 folds" masks, with some improvements in terms of comfort, aesthetics and I hope practicality. The initial goal was to create a mask with no damage to the skin and which is not tickling the nose like the disposable ones, and of course to follow an eco-friendly approach (salvage and saving).

If you want a more customizable mask, check out my other totorial "COMPLETE VERSION".

The cost given here is informative as we can use recycled fabric.

The indicated time is approximate, depending on your dexterity, the tools used (machine or not), the desire to take your time or to do it fast, etc.

Fabric choice:

Regularly check Afnor recommendations (French organisation): https://masques-barrieres.afnor.org

and recommended materials: https://www.ifth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/base-de-donnees-matieres-resultats-dga-maj-28042020.pdf

Matériaux

• recycled fabrics (see more info in the intro of this tutorial)
• sewing thread
• for the knot: cord, shoelace, etc.

Outils

• sewing machine, but possible by hand if you are patient
• needle
• triple-centimeter ruler, or sewing/craft tape measure
• set square (triangle)
• pencil (special sewing pencils are available and won't stain the fabric)
• sewing scissors
• 3 small drawing clips, or clothespins, or sewing pins
  .

Tips and tricks:

• having the right needles for the different types of fabric you're sewing really makes it easier
• Prepare colored threads for each part of the mask.
• You can use an iron to mark creases.

Tips and tricks to sew Jersey fabric:

• limit the number of jersey layers to just 1, and choose the other layers with little or no stretch to hold them together.
• A special jersey or stitch needle makes machine sewing easier.
• Before seaming or zig-zag stitching, you can make a line in straight stitch, it's easier.
• put the jersey fabric underneath for machine sewing.

Étape 1 - The mask's barrier piece (outer face)

Cut out 1 or 2 or 3 rectangles (depending on the fabric combination chosen) measuring 20x28 cm.

Layer them inside out.

Stop the edge threads with the serger, or if you don't have one, with a simple sewing machine, using the zig-zag stitch. Depending on fabric elasticity, adapt zig-zag stitch sizes. First test it on a scrap of fabric.

Étape 2 - Pose des biais décoratifs (face intérieure)

Let's add the decorative bias, which also has the advantage of holding fabric edges better than if they were just seamed. Another advantage is that seaming doesn't scratch, since it's covered by the bias.

Cut out 1 piece measuring 20x25cm.

Seam or zig-zag all the way around.

Superimpose the outer face on this inner face.

Make 2 lapels on the short sides to create a hem. (To make a lapel, fold the side in on itself 2 times - you can iron this double fold if you think it's necessary - then sew with a straight stitch). This small-side hem may be difficult to make if the hem width is small, or if the fabric is stretchy, so you may prefer to sew it by hand rather than with a machine.

Sew with a straight stitch, about 1 mm from the edge.

Repeat for the second bias.

Étape 3 - The mask's 3 folds

Fold according to Afnor's model. https://masques-barrieres.afnor.org/

Ironing can be used to mark creases.

Étape 4 - Elastic mask cords

Make a wide hem to pass the cord through: fold once, then fold again on the outside. Sew 1mm from the edge with a straight stitch.

Cord: take about 1 meter of cord, or if you don't have one, a long shoelace. If the material is suitable, burn the 2 ends to stop the cord unwinding. Tie a knot at one end. Pass it through a small safety pin. Thread this pin, linked to the cord, through the bottom-right passage of the mask; make an about-turn. Pass the pin through the top left passage. And voilà!

Étape 5 - Optional: The nose clip

Afnor does not include nose clips in its documents for the general public. However, you can add a 6-8cm slide at the top in the middle of the mask. Leave a notch and slide a metal wire through it, which can be removed during washing to avoid damaging it. As for the choice of material, I don't have a perfect solution. A twist of frozen food bag might do the trick. If you have another idea, don't hesitate to share it.

Étape 6 - Tadaa! You're done with sewing.

As you've done a lot of fiddling with the mask when making it, all that's left to do is wash it. Afnor, based on ANSM advice, recommends machine-washing at 60°C for at least 30 minutes, then tumble-drying or air-drying. See FAQ, paragraph "Use"

Attention, laisser la cordelette dans le masque pour le lavage en machine peut provoquer des emmêlages...

en fr 1 Published