In the current COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings are becoming more important, with some evidence to show they help to prevent spread of the virus from the wearer to others.. So, I thought I would get my sewing machine out and give it a bash!
A sewing machine is handy, but by no means essential! You will also need:
Fabric - 2 pieces cut 20x22cm (one of these pieces can just be plain because it will be underneath anyway!) and 2 pieces around 10x4cm (this doesn't need to be exact).
Elastic - 2 pieces around 21cm each
Needle and thread
Sewing machine (optional!)
A little bit of patience (certainly to start with at least !)
The steps are as follows..
1. Cut the pieces of fabric to size, as above states, one of these pieces can just be plain, as this will be underneath anyway!
2. Turn the pattern of the fabric inwards and stitch together
3. Flip the material through, so the outside of the pattern faces outwards
4. Press (or iron) down, until flat, and stitch along the top and bottom again to secure
5. Place a ruler on the material and measure 4.5cm down the material, marking at 4.5cm, 9cm and 13.5cm on both sides
6. Once happy, turn the material upwards to form 0.5-1cm pleats, ensuring it is straight across the material. Add pins to secure
7. Stitch along both sides to secure the pleats. I tend to work towards the pleats - from the bottom up - to avoid them moving. This is especially important when using a sewing machine!
8. Line up the two smaller pieces of fabric along both of the edges of the mask and fold each raw edge inwards
9. When happy with the position, fold and pin in place. Then, either hand stitch the material in place, or tack (very loosely sew along the line to hold in place and remove the pins), before machine stitching the pieces in position. This should hide the sewing currently visible down each side.
10. Place the elastic through the tunnel created at each end. A trick I find helpful, is popping the elastic on a hair grip and using that to pull it through! If you have a darning needle, you can also use that (probably slightly more 'professional' !!)
11. Hand sew the ends of the elastic together (making sure it isn't twisted!!!) and pull the join through to be hidden in the side tunnel of the fabric
12. And that's it! You have a face mask to keep you and your loved ones safe!
Thanks for reading guys, I hope it was useful!
As always, any thoughts or comments are welcomed - either on here or instagram (click the instagram icon, or my tag is @thebeautythatsurroundsus_ ).
Stay safe and be kind!
B x
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