I hadn’t planned to make masks since the first announcement was that they really didn’t help….however, since the CDC has now proclaimed they DO help, I’m in. I have a new scrap quilt in process, but I set it aside to sew masks instead. See photo.
I did not create this pattern, but I can share it. LeahDay.com has excellent information and a free .pdf pattern, plus tutorial, for making adult and children-sized masks: https://leahday.com/pages/how-to-make-a-face-mask-free-pattern Please go there and use her instructions as I did.
Make masks for your family and friends. I’ve agreed to make at least 50 for the National Guard and that many more for my art group. These sew up quite quickly, and I just ordered more elastic.
However, you can make ties if you don’t have elastic available. Leah recommends shoelaces, but who has new packets of shoelaces? I sure don’t. I think you could cut bias tape in half and zigzag it or use ribbon (though one article said grosgrain is better as silky ribbon might slip). I found some thick rayon twine in my stash, and I was thinking that in a pinch, thin strips of selvedge might work.
Speaking of “in a pinch,” let me add that the easiest way is to start with a 9″ x 15″ piece as Leah does. If you want to use scraps more effectively, though, split it into 9″ x 8 1/2″ for the front and 9″ x 7 1/2″ for the back. That allows you to use smaller scraps. I put “pretty” fabrics on the front and some softer muslins or blends on the back.
Though I have to make subtle ones for military in uniform, I’m having a ball choosing special fabrics for friends. I’ve found camera fabric, arrow fabric for a friend who does archery, jelly beans for kids, leopard, and of course, florals for many who love flowers. I made the bricks for myself to REALLY hold off the germs!
I challenge you to create your own masks.