Diy a Breathable Pleated Cloth Mask
This COVID-19 situation sucks. There has been this panic buying of face masks and now they are no where to be found. This puts people who are actually sick with no face masks to wear. I don’t feel comfortable when I head outside and see people coughing and sneezing with no protection on. The mask I made is not to replace the medical grade masks. Whether you think a mask will help or not is up to you. Health officials said it is not necessary but you see medicare people wearing them as protective gears all the time. Who to believe ? This mask will just give you a most basic, physical barrier kind of protection.
It’s pleated so you can pull the bottom part all the way to under your chin. There is a wire to mold around nose. The elastic band is made in a loop, so when you wear it, it will fit snugly around the sides. The bottom part acts as a pocket to add or change filters.
What’s important here is the white non-woven fabric. This kind of fabric are made by bonding tiny fibers into a messy web, giving it filtering properties. I don’t know how many micros it can filter but it does the job better than woven materials. It is light weight and breathable. What’s more is that they also have water repellent properties :
You can use this fabric to make your mask 2 – 3 ply and it will still be breath-friendly. I use a gauze like fabric to make it look nice, but it is not necessary. The important fabric here is this non woven one.
*update* After some uses and washes, I found out the non woven material become less water repellent. I think it is better to add them in as a filter piece and discard them after use.
You can find this type of fabric in the form of cloth / bag covers. They do come in different weights, so choose one that is light weight. I am using left over fabric from my silica gel handbag .
So here is the video tutorial on how to sew it . I wish we all pass thru this crisis safe and sound .
These are no protection at all. If moisture can get through, and it will, so will any virus or bacteria. Viruses and bacteria don’t have legs or wings, so they can only move if they are in moisture, like someone’s breath. And cloth looks like a chain link fence to a marble as a comparison. I know – I was an RN surgical nurse for many years. In the operating room, anything wet or even damp is considered contaminated because of the way germs travel. The masks are great if there’s pollution or a fire nearby though.
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts. What material do you recommend sewing it in ?
WHAT ABOUT IRON ON INTERFACING a thick sturdy one
Yes, I use interfacing, jsut make sure to buy the sewn interfacing, not the fusible web.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
Thanks for the pattern.. CDC is now (4/4/2020) recommending cloth masks/face covers for EVERYONE.
Research is recommending 100% cotton, boiled to shrink as the most effective and most breathable fabric for home made masks. https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
The CDC recommends 100% cotton. I’m using it finally woven good quality cotton. I wash it in hot water and then dry it on high heat so it shrinks. I’m using a pattern that has a pocket for filter material the filter material can be removed and replaced as needed.
2 RN pal said that these kinds of masks will not be used for corona cases or possible corona cases or surgery. But they could be used for other procedures or uses. I plan on using one when I go out, which is only for groceries.
what an ingenious idea!!!!
The CDC recommends 100% cotton and a non-woven barrier. Although I appreciate the nurse’s point of view, I am not making mine for nurses treating patients, but to keep my family from touching their faces, as we all do up to 3000 times a day!
What about using a kotex pad/liner that sticks inside for the filter in the homemade mask?Couldn’t they remove it after each use?
I have bought a roll of jelly roll batting and stitch it in place, as well as using medium fusible interfacing and Wunder Under. On the inner facing layers. I’m not sure if the amount of resistance it gives, but it is harder to breath through than just the two layers of fabric. I wonder if spraying them with Scotch guard afterwards would help?
Here is a link to the batting.
https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/katahdin-100-cotton-batting-roll-2-12in-x-25-yds.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAjwvOHzBRBoEiwA48i6AnaPC2nwEU5-krHqFyyAcbGTmW9ZSsV9iI0W-xJckFYTbmr2faFUERoCT24QAvD_BwE
I wouldn’t spray with scotch guard. You wouldn’t want to be breathing in those chemicals.
Area hospitals are wearing these over ppe in order to extend the life of their masks
Masks, fabric or otherwise have different levels of efficacy and they ABSOLUTELY do help, in the proper context.
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/diy-homemade-mask-protect-virus-coronavirus/
Well stated!
My mask protects you, your mask protects me. Together, we protect grandmothers, grocers, bus drivers.
Yes, medical workers need more protection, but for *everyone* going outside, at least two layers of cotton should be worn (the CDC agrees).
Why? This is about public health, not personal health — it’s about reducing the spread of what you may very well already have (many people are asymptomatic).
So put on your masks — and make some for other people
check out new furnace filters or vacuum bags. hepa filters. tear them out!
vacuum are difficult to breath through, and may have fiberglass in them.
To all,
We will get through this crazy Coronavirus! Stay safe- keep your distance if you can.
I applaud those essential workers, you are all the stronghold to everyone’s survival.
I have been doing a lot of research on making a mask so I can make them for the elderly in my community and for hospital workers.
I can’t just stay at home and do nothing!
This fabric is definitely excellent as interfacing, I am going to use it, but for a barrier to bacteria, I am going to use an allergy filter. I found some online and cheap too, it comes in a roll that can easily be cut. The only thing is I don’t know how breathable it is against a person’s mouth and nose, it must be if it’s an air filter! ????
If I come up with a good idea that works to make a true N95 mask at home I will post it.
I am in NYC. I fear and know that this is going to overwhelm the Healthcare System.
Stay safe everyone.
Can you please provide the information regarding the allergy filter. Specifically the website purchased from and name of the product. Thank you
Hear, hear!. These types of homemade masks may be beneficial to those with allergies during the spring and summer, but as PPE, no definitely not. If it is not to the specifications of an N95 respiratory device, it is not effective preventing the transmission of the virus through the air.
HOWEVER, it can be a physical reminder not to touch your face. There by reducing contact trasmission.
When a medical professional wears a mask, it is to protect those who are vulnerable FROM the germs a doctor or nurse might be carrying during an exam or surgery. That is why you see them in hospitals so much. A mask cannot protect an individual from germs unless it also shields the eyes (called a splash shield), because eyes are a primary site of getting infected, a gown, shoe covers, etc. With these masks, adding layers of filters will probably only make them impossible to breathe through. If air gets in, germs get in, whether from forcing air around the edges or through the fabric. Masks like this DO help if they are to prevent an ill person from passing germs to others (through coughing) if they must travel, such as to the hospital. They would also help for a person trying to filter large particles such as dust, pollen, possibly smoke… so there is a use for them. But preventing catching germs from others? Not so much.
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Masks do help reduce the amount of hand to face contact by reminding us not to touch our face and they also tend to send a message to other people not to come close. I wonder how effective it would be to also spray them with an antibactefial spray …..?
I admit I know nothing about this topic, but what about allergy pillow case fabric for the filter?
I use pipe cleaners for the nose crimp. Just be sure to fold in the sharp ends!
Hi! For the nose piece I cut up an aluminum pie pan and folded the piece be about 1/4 to 1/2 by 2 1/2 to three inches long. Then I rolled them flat with a wooden dowel. They’re REALLY strong and hold their shape. Rolling them also took care of any bumpy spots. Hope that helps. I sewed them inside the top hem.
Thank you, I was wondering about those.
What did you use for the metal nose pinch at the top? When I wore masks for 20 years, I would only wear the ones with metal in the top! The one I made myself at home yesterday is annoying me because the sides of the nose are open! Thanks!
Ok, first of all, you’re adorable. Second, I posted my first comment before watching the video and I see now that you used bread tie thingy for the metal. I love that and your video answered my question and now I have a great project for this afternoon! Thank you so much! Wishing you well!
Also this is a virus, not a bacteria, making it an even SMALLER organism, which would be easier to enter the void spaces. Voids can be because fabric thread density or even the fit to your face. Masks do not protect your eyes, and eyes do provide a port of entry. Your eyes are a moist, entry point. The moisture, tears go into the little duct in the corner of your eye, eventually draining into the back of your throat as your nose does. Any germ: virus, bacteria, molds, etc can then take advantage of the pathway to infect you if you were in close proximity to someone coughing, sneezing, and even those who shower us with their blessings as they speak – some people have issues controlling their saliva-spit. You would need the face shield too, to protect eyes.
Medical people use masks both to protect themselves from others, think respiratory illnesse; they also use to protect other people from themselves, think someone whose immunity is down because they are getting chemo, and those getting surgery/procedures.
If people really want to help, stay home and reduce risk of spread. Go to your local government website and look to see how you can help. Many are looking for volunteers.
Also, read about the 1918 flu. Look at the devastation it caused. If we are not careful this could be similar.
There are things government does do for us in these times
But, we are responsible for ourselves. We need to stay home and do not invite people in.
When you read about the 1918 flu did you see the interview with Edna Register Boone 1918 influenza pandemic survivor. She believed her family survived because her mother put 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water for each family member every morning. At 10 years old she delivered food to her infected neighbors. She lived to be 104. A very interesting story. If anyone who reads this thinks it could save a life, please share her story! Thanks, Donna
Baby wipes dried out are a non woven fabric. Good for filter
Some materials have positive charges and some have negative charges. I understand that negatively charged materials attract the virus molecules. Any knowledge or thoughts about this?
What about using dryused dryer sheets for a filter? I have been saving them for uses in some crafts
Cut a piece of parchment paper To put in the pocket. Parchment paper is waterproof and they can be replaced after you wash the mask.
are these directions printed anywhere? It is diificult trying to sew and watch at the same time. I need written directions
You can use a polypropylene fabric that is sold under the craft name Olyfun,It’s sold at Walmart, Joann’s and Hobby Lobby. I did my research and found that this is the same material in the N95 mask. I’m making 100% cotton as the outer fabric and the polypropylene as a throw away liner.
I did the water test and the water ran right off.
Does anyone know if felt might be a good non-woven fabric for masks? I’ve been using plastic wrap in my pocket. I love the idea of parchement paper from above. Thanks for your thoughts about felt. I just order some, but it can still be cancelled.
I’ve been a nurse for 40 years and I think some of the comments are a little harsh.. I think everybody knows the most desirable masks are very limited and even simple masks can be hard to find. What most people don’t realize is how many times they touch their face. At the very least, this would help in that way. I think you are to be commended for sharing your skill and knowledge. If nothing else, masks lend a degree of feeling a little safer to those who may feel helpless. And I read it is estimated the simple masks only block 50% of the viral particles. That’s better than zero. Everyone be kind, BE safe.
I agree!!
Oh thank you for writing what I was thinking! ALL masks are running low and something is better than nothing. Just remember to change mask often, don’t wear same one all day. Also these are great masks for our friendly veterinary clinics that have donated their ‘real’ masks to first responders. I wear my homemade masks because I have a respiratory issue and sometimes I must go out. I refuse to buy surgical masks right now. Be kind to one another, now is a time we need one another! đŸ˜‰
I am a healthcare provider and have also started making masks for wearing out. A regular N95 mask if worm 100% perfectly filters 95% of particulate matter. Many do not wear or get a good fit (think, the pics of those NY nurses with the red lines on their face trying to get a good seal) they have to be tight and they are not easy to breathe through. We wear them when we care for contagious patients who while gasping for air and unable to breathe cannot wear a mask. The current lines trending in science say 600 thread count cotton together with natural silk or chiffon (polyester and spandex) or a polypropylene (olyfun) are the best for comfort and effectiveness. Two layers of dishtowels is actually best (90%) but try to breathe through that. The silk, chiffon and olyfun hold a charge that are bacteriostatic and create an extra layer of protection. At any rate any good fitting mask will protect you from 50% to 90% if fits well and allows no gapping. If we all wore crappy masks we would reduce spread by around 87%. I make them and give them out to encourage people to wear them. You can all visit NIH, CDC, sites and other medical/science sites and get this information. Different studies have slightly different or some varying degree of results but all research says they help. As for moisture it is part of the issue but creating a mask that has a good inner layer you shouldn’t sweat or have breakthrough, terrycloth 1 ply might be a consideration. Ironing will kill most microbes so in-between washings that is a quick option. We by sure virtue of being in this conversation are part of the solution because any face covering is a move in the right direction, please be encouraging and not negative because anything will help.
There is so much negativity posted here…I think a mask with a removable filter is a great idea.
As to the level of protection, my feeling is it’s better than nothing at all. And if it helps prevent a carrier who is asymptomatic from spreading it to others it’s worth it. We should take heed from other countries and listen to what they are saying…And they seem to agree that everyone wearing a mask will halt the spread of this virus…
vacuum bags are difficult to breath through, and those and furnace filters may have fiberglass in them.
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My husband suggested using Swiffer wipes as the middle layer. It seems like it would be good but I am concerned as some materials have been identified as being made with harmful materials. Can anyone comment on using Swiffer sheets?
I wouldn’t use any filter that had cleaning chemicals in it. I saw posts a few years ago about how Swiffer mop fumes were thought to kill cats. Not true?? Maybe you could use baby wipes if they are rinsed really well and dried.
You might try Christmas Tree decoration hooks for the nose wire. Some are plastic coated.
DRY Swifter Sheets will work as a filter- it was suggested to use 2. Also coffee filters, use 3. many reusable shopping bags are made of melt blown fabric. (the non-cloth ones) & are good to use as well.
Yeah, i bet coffee filters are a good idea, your awesome!
I just had to come back, and give you a little giggle in all this scary stuff, i said you were awesome for suggesting coffee filters, well, they could then be referred to as “cough-ey filters” right? Hahaha
“ccccccchuckle” I needed that.
I love you people đŸ™‚ We shall overcome this with a positive attitude !
Coffee drinkers for the win! They are sure to have a supply of “cough-ey filters” (good one, OldHag420!), and the coffee bags come with removable metal strips that can be removed and used as a flexible nose wire.
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What are you fabric dimensions?
I’m about to make one of your masks for a friend who can’t seem to find an Olson to fit. Any recent thoughts to add to your instructions, i.e.: new research findings or better fabrics discoveries? Thanks!
Thanks Breski ! I think many have contributed their findings in the comments, I don’t know what to add đŸ™‚ I did came about an Olson style mask that comes in many different sizes. It’s called the “jesse killion face mask ”
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