Pauline
Forums Admin
Hardly a travel topic but it relates somewhat because we may need masks to travel and it is not easy to buy the good ones (N95).
Face masks made with two layers of good cotton (high thread count) give you some, but not total, protection from coronavirus. They are supposed to be worn to protect others from you in case you have the virus but are not having symptoms yet. But they can also help protect you a bit I think.
I’ve watched a lot of sewing videos and tried several patterns and my favourite is the Olson Face Mask from Unity Point Health in the US.
PDF with pattern: https://www.unitypoint.org/filesimages/COVID-19/UnityPointHealth-OlsonMask-Instructions.pdf
YouTube video:
View: https://youtu.be/ZnVk12sFRkY
Youtube video showing easier way to make them:
View: https://youtu.be/StMPYZ-waso
Another version of sewing instructions: https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/simple-step-by-step-tutorial-for-the-olson-mask-pattern
The Olson Face Mask has a filter pocket so you can insert and additional layer - HEPA filter, coffee filter or paper towel. A nose clip (pipe cleaner or wire wrapped in duct tape) can be easily inserted. It is not the simplest pattern to sew but it is pretty easy. I like the fit over the nose and chin. And I really like the way the filter pocket works. Some patterns use an extra layer of cotton for the filter pocket which ends up with 3 layers of cotton and 1 filter. Too thick to breathe through I think.
I am still experimenting with the best way to attach - around the ear or tied behind your head. I’ve tried hair bands (can’t get elastic) and they work well. I also tried longer elastic cord around the head and cotton straps that you tie. I think the hair bands work best for easily putting it on.
You throw out the paper towel and wash the face mask each time it is used, plus all the usual precautions.
Have you made a face mask? What worked well for you?
Top left shows inside of mask with with paper towel sticking out of filter pocket.
Bottom left shows front of mask. No ear or head straps yet.
Right shows mask with hair bands for ear strap.
Face masks made with two layers of good cotton (high thread count) give you some, but not total, protection from coronavirus. They are supposed to be worn to protect others from you in case you have the virus but are not having symptoms yet. But they can also help protect you a bit I think.
I’ve watched a lot of sewing videos and tried several patterns and my favourite is the Olson Face Mask from Unity Point Health in the US.
PDF with pattern: https://www.unitypoint.org/filesimages/COVID-19/UnityPointHealth-OlsonMask-Instructions.pdf
YouTube video:
Youtube video showing easier way to make them:
Another version of sewing instructions: https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/simple-step-by-step-tutorial-for-the-olson-mask-pattern
The Olson Face Mask has a filter pocket so you can insert and additional layer - HEPA filter, coffee filter or paper towel. A nose clip (pipe cleaner or wire wrapped in duct tape) can be easily inserted. It is not the simplest pattern to sew but it is pretty easy. I like the fit over the nose and chin. And I really like the way the filter pocket works. Some patterns use an extra layer of cotton for the filter pocket which ends up with 3 layers of cotton and 1 filter. Too thick to breathe through I think.
I am still experimenting with the best way to attach - around the ear or tied behind your head. I’ve tried hair bands (can’t get elastic) and they work well. I also tried longer elastic cord around the head and cotton straps that you tie. I think the hair bands work best for easily putting it on.
You throw out the paper towel and wash the face mask each time it is used, plus all the usual precautions.
Have you made a face mask? What worked well for you?
Top left shows inside of mask with with paper towel sticking out of filter pocket.
Bottom left shows front of mask. No ear or head straps yet.
Right shows mask with hair bands for ear strap.