The main aim of a fabric mask is to prevent YOUR bodily fluids from being expelled or you being splashed on by someone else’s bodily fluids. It is my (non-medical) understanding that air still flows through the masks. The best fabric for surgical face masks is cotton that can be easily washed and NON woven fabric as a filter that can be replaced several times during the day. You can purchase readymade carbon filters too.
We have been getting so many e-mails from readers asking if we have free patterns for making your own medical masks or surgical masks. Most countries are experiencing a shortage due to the coronavirus COVID 19 and people are wanting to find a backup.
Of course, no medical mask is as good as a surgical grade respirator mask but unfortunately, we do not have a DIY for one of those just yet.
Patterns
Some of the DIY patterns for surgical masks below use dried out non-woven baby wipes as the filter, but you will need to find a pattern to suit your own needs.
- Gathered facemask with Ear loops (Pink floral in Photo)
- Shaped Face and nose curved surgical mask for a tight fit (camo fabric photo)
- Craft passion has a great pdf template for sewing your own medical mask and comes in different sizes for different ages too. Craft passion face mask is one of the most popular patterns at the moment as it is easy to follow. You can see it on the Craft passion website. They also have a version for a facemask cover
- Bluprint has create an online tutorial for a firm structured mask also, this style tends to sit on the face better.
- Of course, you can’t beat off the evil coronavirus without this Starwars themed Medical mask by Me sewcrazy.
- This mask is created using a Knitting pattern. I am not sure how great this one would be without a filter but, anything is better than nothing when it comes to the flu. Here is a crochet version with inserts for filters.
- Not up to making your own surgical masks? You can still buy handmade fabric masks on Etsy.
Even though last week when we wrote this article we got complaints about running this article, now medical centres are ASKING for sewing people to make masks. Masks a million is what it is being referred too and here is a pattern for making medical centre masks. If you have some spare time maybe you can make some to donate too to help support our doctors and medical staff.
We have now created a facebook group for making the medical masks and other Charity sewing projects.
Updated to add there are still huge amounts of supplies available you just need to know where to look. DX.com not only has masks and hand sanitizer but they even sell coronavirus test kits (though surely it can’t be that easy can it?) Make sure you check their shipping times.
Check out this article about all the different options for safe and suitable mask filters. Wondering how to strengthen your mask? Add interfacing. We also found a supplier for the metal nose clips.
We have added a tutorial for making the Face Shields which can be found here.
https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/468655904973041016/
Looking for more tips on how to build up your immunity and prevent common colds and flu? check these articles out
5 Essentials oils for coughs and Colds
DIY Hand sanitizers you can make at home.
This post contains affiliate links which means when you purchase from them we get a small % in kickback
Before making these masks for your local hospital or medical centre, make sure they are accepting them. Each country and location have their own rules and guidelines when making these to donate.
Looking for Mask Mates headbands with buttons to prevent the elastics pulling on the ears? Check out this Crochet Tutorial.
In the last few weeks, sewing supplies have become hard to obtain, including Elastic. If you are looking for supplies many Handmade crafters are selling off their stock of Elastic on Etsy
Need to make a lot of masks? Check out this amazing Mask Cutting Machine. It cuts 6 masks out at a time!
Wanting to create your own custom face mask? Check out this Website that allows you to design your own mask with ,photos, font and colors.
Updated to add a UK based Mask seller for premium anti-bacterial masks.