I'll skip over the perfunctory introduction of my inspiration for this project, and just get to the topic - face masks. I've started making them. Lots of them. On my sewing machine. And I've declared sewing a permanent hobby, so I've created a new MadhuKnitsandCooks.com category - sewing (!).
My first face mask pattern was Bluprint's, which was linked in an email I received. The pattern seemed easy enough, but you really needed bias tape or a bias tape maker. I didn't have either and wasn't inclined to order either, so modified the pattern to use t-shirt cut ties instead.
That worked fairly well because of the density of t-shift material, but the sides still felt weak and I didn't have confidence that this mask would survive multiple wears. While I think that is largely a material issue - the t-shirt material is too dense and flexible (not rigid enough) - I think the pattern flaw is more fundamental. The side ties not only secure the mask to your head, but they are also hold the pleats of the mask together, which I think is too much for these thin ties to do.
Ok, so on to another pattern. I am not sure how I found the Sarah Maker pleated face masks pattern, but I have really enjoyed it so far. The construction of the mask is more complex than the Bluprint version, but it has far more reinforcements across the tension points of the mask. You can also easily make the fabric ties from strips of fabric without a bias tape maker. I haven't tried this pattern with elastic ties yet, but I have some elastic coming so will be giving that a try too.
The pattern also has a slit in the middle of the mask for putting in an additional filter, which adds to its versatility.
Masks are here for the near future so I look forward to making more and more of these over the coming months!
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