Yvette’s Mask for Personal Use

First, Greetings from my sewing room. 

It’s my place of peace, surrounded by the flowering plants reminding me of the love of friends and family members who have gone. They comfort me in troubling times and inspired me to design what I’m calling Yvette’s mask for personal use.

These last few days I’ve been focusing on keeping that COVID19 virus at bay, and so designed a scrub cap at the request of a nurse working at Belleville General Hospital.  That post went over really well, thank you. Here’s a link to that post.

There’s been a lot of talk about home-made masks, much of it controversial.  I just want to stay safe, and if that means wearing a mask while shopping, I’ll do it.  I spent 2 days looking for patterns, making masks, wearing them in the house, trying different styles and patterns until I came up with this one.  

Please note:  I used fabric so my masks would be completely washable.  To use one as safely as possible, I suggest that after washing and drying your mask that you put it into a sealed plastic bag.  Take it out when you arrive at the store you plan to shop at and put it on just before you enter.  Take it off before you get into your vehicle and put it back into the bag.  When you get home wash and dry it, and remember to wash you hands well.  Going to more than 1 store?  You need a clean mask for each store.

The issues I found?

• my glasses fogged up
• it felt uncomfortable
• awkward to tie behind my head
• hate the pleats
• took too long to make
• disliked the wire at the nose
• and so on and sew on.

Here’s what I came up with and I named it “Yvette’s Mask”.

Download the pattern, then be sure to print at “actual size”.  I advise using Adobe for printing PDF’s.   The pattern link is at the bottom of this post.

Sewing Instructions:

Select 100% cotton fabric with a close weave.  It’s been suggested that batiks are a good choice.  Some people have added a “hepa” layer, while some use a lightweight fusible non-woven interfacing.  I did not. 

Cut 2 at a time through 2 layers of fabric placed with good sides together.  Cut twice for 4 pieces, 2 are the outer layer and 2 are the lining.

Using 1/4 inch seam allowance sew the curved front seam on both sets.

Open out each set and either press the seam allowance to one side or top-stitch the seam allowance to one side. Press or top-stitch the seam allowances to opposite sides to make the next step smoother.   (I found it easier to top-stitch than pressing the curved seam).

Place the 2 completed layers with right sides together.  Match the pieces at the center seams.  Watch you don’t get one piece turned around.  Ask me how I know, lol.

Again using 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew both layers together around 3 sides, leaving one of the straight ends (ear) open. 

Turn right side out and press. 

At the open end, tuck the raw edge 1/4 inch to the inside and press.

At each end fold and press 1/2 inch toward the lining side and press. 

Top-stitch.  Use 1/8 inch at the top and bottom and 1/2” at the ends to form a casing for the elastic.

Cut 2 pieces of 1/4 inch or narrower elastic about 10 inches long, and insert one into each casing. I used round elastic cord.

Try on the mask and tie the elastic ends together so it’s comfortable.

Trim off the elastic ends and pull the knot into the casing.

You can also use hair elastics, if you do, tuck them under the 1/2 inch  before you sew down the ends.

Questions?  Email me at yvettechilcott at yahoo dot ca

Yvette’s facemask  instructions for Yvette’s mask for personal use.

Yvette’s facemask pattern with a 1 inch test square added.

Updated; how to add a wire nosepiece