Sew a Face Mask with No Elastic Needed
Watching the news every day in the past couple months about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is heartbreaking. Depending when you are reading this, here’s a brief background of the start of this pandemic. This deadly virus outbreak started in Asia back in December 2019, and had slowly spread through the European countries. By March of 2020, it made its mark all over Northern and Southern America.
Healthcare providers, frontline supporters and citizens have all been demanding more protective medical gear since the outbreak. Shortage of effective masks has been a huge problem all around the world. Seeing hospitals in New York City are in desperate need of masks, we feel the need to do our part to help out our country and protect our community.
As we study about the structure of the mask, some research points out the types of materials that are most effective in terms of filtration, and breathability for hours-long use. Previously, we’ve put together an option to Furoshiki a mask with filter without the need for any sewing. Simply fold, wrap and tie some knots, and under a minute you’ll have a somewhat effective mask. This is only a better option when there’s a shortage of masks, or you can’t get hold of any in your area.
There are numerous ways you can make a face mask. One of the popular methods is sewing one. What if you know how to sew, but can’t get fabrics in the stores as shops are shut down during an outbreak? Upcycling available fabrics in your house will mostly likely be your best solution.
Considering the lifecycle of our products is part of our design process.
At Sutai Bu, considering the lifecycle of our products is part of our design process, as we are most delighted when we can help the world to eliminate waste by putting out reusable products for the people to enjoy.
In this blog post, we are going to show you how to sew a zero-waste adjustable face mask with an option to apply a filter pocket.
Fabric-based mask is only an alternative option.
Please be advised, fabric-based mask is only an alternative option, not a substitute of medical mask. N95 masks are considered the most effective by the standards at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The benefit of using a fabric-based mask is that it can be reused over and over.
The benefit of using a fabric-based mask is that it can be reused over and over again – just be sure to wash it thoroughly after use. Each fabric-based mask is recommended to be changed every 3 hours for maximum effectiveness.
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WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Our free printable pattern packet.
- Fabric remnants. Recommended fabrics: Cotton or natural fiber woven fabrics.
- Sewing machine
- Pins
- Iron
- Positive attitude!
SKIP AHEAD🎬 0:20 What is Furoshiki
🎬 0:43 Brief background about COVID-19
🎬 1:40 Our motivation to join in the 100 Million Mask Challenge
🎬 2:01 Join us on the 100 Million Mask Challenge
🎬 2:10 Our upcycling design process in making the face mask
🎬 3:30 Why a dog is your best companion
🎬 4:19 What you will need
🎬 5:33 How to add filter pocket to face mask
🎬 6:44 How to pleat a face mask
🎬 8:30 How to sew face mask
🎬 9:18 How to add wire to face mask for structure
🎬 9:44 How to sew raw edges with self binding
🎬 10:51 How to finish face mask straps
🎬 11:48 How best to wear a mask
