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.
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
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
IMPORTANT: The top side of the fabric (the one that will be seen) should be on the inside (for both pieces) when sewing.
Put both pieces together so that the top side of the fabric (the one that will be seen) is facing inside (for both pieces).
The sewn mouth piece should be laid out as in Step 7.
Top side of fabric should be facing down
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
There are a few methods we recommend for giving fabric-face-masks. Please do so in the following order:
Make fabric-face-masks for you and your family
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
Create a free collection box outside your house for people walking past
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!