WASHABLE Fabric

Face Masks instructions

We have created a prototype for a washable fabric face mask design, using the OLSON pattern, which is being used in some hospitals in the US. It includes a pocket for a disposable filter to be placed into. The fabric can then be washed at a high temperature and re-used.

If you have access to a sewing machine and want to help provide masks to support people in your community to stay safe, then we have provided a step by step guide for this design.

faBRIC FACE MASK STEP-BY-STEP

What you will need to make the fabric face mask:

  • Cotton weave fabric (approx. 50 cm x 50 cm) - This could be upcycled from clothes e.g. shirts or bed linen. Ensure that it is washed at high temperature first.

  • Scissors (preferably fabric scissors, but large standard scissors will cut most fabric)

  • Sewing machine (this can be done by hand too but will take longer)

  • All purpose thread

  • Either: 2 x 30 cm lengths of elastic, ribbon, or 2 x hair ties (lengths of the same fabric for the mask can be cut and sewn to make DIY ribbon if needed)

  • Pins

  • Iron

  • Pencil

  • 30 cm ruler or fabric tape measure

  • Printer - to print the fabric pattern shown HERE

stEP 1

Cut out the printed paper patterns using scissors

step 2

Pin the patterns to the fabric and cut one of each shape.

TIP: You can cut the following together to save time by cutting 2 layers of fabric at once:

Mouth 1 and 2

Face 1 and 2

Cheek 1 and 2

step 3

Sew along the edge shown by the red dashed line about 10 mm away from the edge of the fabric.


IMPORTANT: The top side of the fabric (the one that will be seen) should be on the inside (for both pieces) when sewing.

step 4

For Cheek 1 & 2

Fold and iron the edges shown by 10 mm.

Sew down the middle of the fold shown by a red dashed line.

step 5

For Mouth 1 & 2

Fold and iron the edges shown by 10 mm.

Sew down the middle of the fold shown by a red dashed line.

step 6

Take Mouth 1 & Mouth 2

Put both pieces together so that the top side of the fabric (the one that will be seen) is facing inside (for both pieces).

Sew along the edge shown by the red dashed line about 10 mm away from the edge of the fabric


step 7

Place the sewn mouth piece so that the top side of the fabric (the part that will be seen) is facing down. The stitching should be facing up as shown.


step 8

Take Cheek 1 & 2 and draw a lines to match the ones shown on the printed pattern. Shown by a red dashed line.

step 9

Place both cheek pieces so that the line that you marked (red dashed lines) line up with the straight edges of the mouth piece. Pin in place.

The sewn mouth piece should be laid out as in Step 7.

Top side of fabric should be facing down

step 10

Sew 10 mm from the edge along the parts of the fabric shown by red dashed lines.

step 11

Place both pieces of sewn fabric together. The top side of the fabric (the part that will be seen) should be facing inside for both pieces.

Sew around the whole face mask design along the red dashed lines shown 5 mm from the edge)

Sew around the whole design whilst facing this way around to secure the design

STEP 12

Turn the mask inside out (by folding through the pocket) so that the stitches are now on the inside.

STEP 13

LOOP FOR TIE ATTACHMENT

This can be done several ways:

  • If using elastic, fabric, ribbon lengths then the edges can be folded over and sewn and the the elastic threaded through afterwards.


  • If using hair ties (bottom right) then these must be place along the edge and the edge folded over the hair tie and sewn along the line shown

STEP 14

Try the mask for size and adjust the elastic or attachments as needed!

STEP 15

GIVING FABRIC-FACE-MASKS

There are a few methods we recommend for giving fabric-face-masks. Please do so in the following order:

  1. Make fabric-face-masks for you and your family

  2. Make fabric-face-masks for people around you that have access to those in need, for example: We have making fabric-face-masks for our portero who is redistributing them to his family

  3. Create a free collection box outside your house for people walking past

  4. Send them to school and we will forward them to the Ministry of Health who will give them to health-workers in hospitals.

Also, we would love to see what you've been doing! Please send us pictures of you making or giving your fabric-face-masks by taging @markhammakerspace

Happy Making!

useful video tutorial with top tips for batch manufacture

Olson Face Mask Patterns.pdf