Protective Mask In Colored Fabric: Detailed Tutorial

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

The number of people infected with COVID-19 continues to increase across the old continent. European countries have long overtaken China in terms of casualties and among the most affected states are Spain, Italy, Germany and France. The need to protect yourself from the coronavirus is therefore very important. Compulsory confinement, a curfew, very regular hand washing, wearing of a barrier mask and so on: strict but absolutely essential and urgent measures whose objective is to limit and curb the spread of this so contagious virus. And although scientists at the University of Cambridge have found that the anti-virus mask should be considered as a final means of stopping the transmission of droplets from infected individuals,it would be better to wear one than no protection. So let's see how to make a protective fabric mask yourself.

Why are face masks so popular?

In many European countries, people have started sewing reusable fabric face masks in their own homes. Several companies and businesses have completely converted their activities and followed the example of the citizens. Donations of medical devices intended for health professionals and other people engaged in the fight against the coronavirus, are increasing. Protective masks with increasingly colorful, playful and modern designs have appeared in order to inspire courage in the world population in this stressful time for all.

According to European Union rules, a respiratory protection mask must consist of three layers, with a filter layer in the middle. However, the majority of DIY anti-virus masks are made from a single layer of fabric and without a filter and cannot replace a standard mask. What is more, the authorities and some experts are warning that these devices are not effective against the coronavirus and that they do not protect the wearer or those around them. It is no secret that they are able to filter large particles such as pollen and dust, but this does not concern viruses which are microorganisms.

But where does this madness come from to always wear a protective mask even if you are not sick? So, psychologists warn that wearing an anti-virus mask could create a false sense of security, and other important protective measures, like hand washing, can be easily overlooked or overlooked. However, it is still compulsory to respect basic hygiene measures.

If you want to make a reusable fabric protective mask, you should first learn about the materials to be used. So the materials that will come in handy include scarves and handkerchiefs, linen tea towels, silk bed linen, cotton and antibacterial pillowcases and even cotton T-shirts. Moreover, these and linen tea towels are the most suitable materials for the manufacture of such a protective device because they are breathable. And now let's go to the tutorial!

How to make a reusable protective mask yourself? Detailed and colorful tutorial

So, let's get down to the basics and see how to make a colorful and playful protective fabric mask! The following tutorial is suitable for beginners and its completion only requires 15 minutes at most. Choose a colorful cotton fabric to bring joy to your daily life and to better overcome the stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus epidemic. And finally here is the complete list of materials needed:

• Pattern for the mask (see below)
• Piece of colored cotton fabric for the outer layer (18 × 36 cm)
• Piece of cotton fabric for the inner layer (18 × 36 cm)
• 2 pieces of elastic 36 cm long
• Scissors
• Needle or sewing machine
• Pins
• Iron

Once the materials have been collected and the pattern printed and cut out, roll up the sleeves and make way for DIY!

Instructions:

1. As a bonus, cut the fabric into a suitable shape. To do this, fold it in half, place the pattern on it and secure it with pins.

2. Next, cut along the contours of the model. Remove the template. You now have two identical colored pieces.

3. Do the same with the fabric for the inner layer.

4. Put the two colored pieces together and pin along the curved edge. Repeat the same process with the lining fabric.

5. Sew along the pinned edge with a seam allowance of approx. 1 cm. Do the same with the lining pieces.

6. Turn the pieces over, open the seam and run the iron through them.

7. Then assemble the two pieces making sure they are facing the same direction. Pin as shown in the example above.

8. Sew all the way to the edge of the protective mask leaving an unstitched space of about 4 cm at the edge of the fabric (an opening will form).

9. Turn the protective mask over through the opening. Make sure the corners are smooth.

10. Fold the two side edges of the mask and pin.

11. Fold over the unfinished edge (opening) and pin to close.

12. Topstitch the top, bottom and side of the folded pieces (see purple mark above) a few millimeters from the edge. Be careful not to sew the ends of the elastic "pockets".

13. Press the mask. Thread the two rubber bands through the two pockets on each side of the protective mask.

Source: Wholefully.com

14. Adapt the elastic to the desired size and tie a double knot.

How to disinfect your reusable anti-virus mask?

It is essential to properly maintain and disinfect your reusable protective mask. But first of all, we offer you an overview of some rules to remember when wearing such a protective device:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before putting on a protective mask. Never position a mask with unwashed hands.
• It is crucial to stop touching your face.
• Remember to disinfect your hands.
• Do not remove the protective mask when smoking or eating outside.

Disinfection:

• Wash the reusable protective mask at 90 ° in the washing machine. Never wash the mask together with clothing or bedding.
• If you are using an anti-virus mask with a filter, discard the filter immediately after removing the mask. Do not wash the mask with the filter.
• Iron the mask, insert a new filter (if used) and reuse your protective mask.

For your information, protective masks are not suitable for everyone. Babies and toddlers, people with allergies, asthma and those suffering from pulmonary or cardiovascular disease are not recommended to wear this protective device.

Although you make a protective mask yourself, it is important to follow basic hygiene measures and other government recommendations. Hand washing, phone and house disinfection, do not touch your face and so on. So be calm, stay home and don't fall into psychosis!