How to Make a Basic Face Mask in Less than 5 Minutes: NO ! Bria Schurke PA-C, MPH

This face mask is based on the Interim Guidelines from the Minnesota Department of ​ Health(MDH) in accordance with CDC recommendations. Fabric face masks are meant ​ to reduce droplet distribution, but they do not protect against inhalation of COVID-19. The MDH recommends washing after every use with hot water and detergent, avoiding touching the fabric of the mask, and washing hands before and after donning and doffing the mask.

This mask accommodates different head sizes, fits over an N95, uses ties instead of elastic, is comfortable, snug, and stays on the face, covers the nose and under the chin, uses minimal materials, reduces fabric waste, and works well for mass production.

Material:

Two 10” x 8” tightly woven 100% (ideally pre-shrunk)

Two 39” pieces of ¼ tape (can use shoelace or tieable ribbon)

Straight or Serger Machine

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS: https://youtu.be/erSIlnnHw20 ​ ​ ​

1. two 10” x 8” pieces of fabric and two 39” pieces of ¼ cotton twill tape

2. Fold twill tape in half and mark 1.5” on each side from the middle (to get a 3” length in the middle). This will mark the twill tape into 18”, 3”, and 18” sections. (set aside)

3. With the right sides together, stitch the two 10” sides with a ¼” .

4. Turn the mask right side out, lay flat, and stitch the 8” ends together (of separate fabric pieces) as close to the edge as possible to together.

5. any extra or fuzz off edge (if you don’t have a serger).

6. Fold 8” sides over ¼ inch and lay the ¼ inch twill tape on that edge the first 18” mark of the twill tape to the corner. Fold the fabric ½” over the twill tape to create a casing. Tack down your first mark of the twill tape. Make sure you don’t see your stitching line. Continue sewing the entire length of the casing. Be sure to not sew over ​ the twill tape under the fold. (see images).

7. Once you sew your casing, pull twill tape thru casing until you see the 2nd mark. Tack the twill tape at this 3” mark. Pulling will the mask. Repeat on the other side. Tie or sew ends of twill tape.

Face Mask Helpful Hints from Cook County Sewers To compliment the Video and Handout created by Wintergreen

This IS the mask for Cook County Response!

Getting Started: • Light colored fabric is recommended for the outside of the mask (the side that your friends will see) You may use a darker fabric on the inside (the part that faces your mouth) • 100% Cotton is recommended • Pre-wash and dry if possible, this will shrink the fabric. Yes, you will probably need to press it! • Cut 2 -10 X 8 pieces of fabric in different colors • Note, if you already sewed a mask with the same fabric on both sides, please mark with an X the inside, with a fabric marker. It reminds people that this fabric was closest to their mouth

Twill Tape: • We are cutting 36” pieces to get more ties from the yardage. 2 -36” pieces per mask • We are using 3/8 and 1/2” twill (if you run out of twill, you can improvise with other 36” ties) • Fold the 36” ties in half and mark both sides at 1½” from the fold with a mark that you can see • When the mask is finished, Tie a small knot at each end of the tape to prevent unraveling

Sewing the longer, 10” edges: • Lay two 10x8 pieces with right sides together (the sides that will show on finished mask) • , surge or stitch the 10” ends, this creates ~ a ¼” seam • Turn inside out • Pressing creates a nice finish

Sewing the shorter, 8” edge: • Serge, overlock or zig zag along the outer edge of one 8” side. Alternately, you may use straight stitch 1/8” from edge and turn under as shown in the video. • Prepare a casing by folding over the side you just stitched ½” toward the inside of mask o Optional: press the mask at this stage to help hold the foldover in place for sewing • Place the twill tape inside the ½” casing fold with the 1st marker at the top of the mask • Sew forth and back to secure the twill into the casing, about 3 times. • Leave the needle down, put the up and turn fabric to stitch down the length of the casing • CHECK that the length of tape is pushed back toward the fold, away from the seam you will sew next • Straight stitch the casing close to the outer edge, ~1/8” → don’t catch the twill as you sew the casing seam  • At the end of the 8” casing, leave needle down, put the presser foot up and pull the twill to gather the casing until the second marking on the twill tape shows (gathered side of the mask is now 3”). • Sew back and forth to secure the twill to the casing about 3 times

Repeat on opposite 8” side, making sure you turn your 2nd casing into the same side as the first one

Option: You may sew the casing first without trying to hold the twill in place then thread the twill through with a safety . You will then tack, gather and tack as above

Many thanks!