Thanks to all of you, we know our customers have been responsible for making thousands (probably tens of thousands) of mask to help stop the spread of Covid. #SewingIsEssential
We get lots of questions on mask making lately so here are some of the tips we can share:
- Batiks are a tighter weave and provide slightly better protection than two layers of a tightly woven printed cotton, https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/sns-nyt-best-material-coronavirus-mask-20200408-pga45pinvfgpvpdo6pei4nm6ze-story.html
- Not all cotton weaves are created equal. Our cottons start at 240 thread count and go up to 320, many box store brands are 160 thread count for their premium fabrics (buy a yard of each, wash it and weigh it and you'll see for yourself). Looser weave is a less effective mask.
- Paper towel as a "filter" has been tested and found to be less than optimal, test results can be seen here: https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/paper-towel-effective-against-viruses-diy-mask/ the same holds true for tissues and coffee filters. For a short time the CDC had a bandana pattern that include a coffee filter to compensate for the loose weave of the bandana, this is an alternative to two layers of high quality cotton.
- Polypropylene as a filter is the same fabric (different weave and thickness) as used in an N95 mask and offers greater filtration, non-woven is the best for catching Covid. You can get Polypropylene interfacing or embroidery stabilizers that will work.
-Fusible interfacings have gained popularity as a filter layer, keep in mind that the glue once adhered will create a layer of glue that you now have to breath through. This will make the mask difficult to use, also fusible interfacing can come away from the fabric when placed in a hot dryer so you still need to top stitch it in place. Only cut-away interfacing should be considered, but most look to add no more filtration than you would get with another layer of fabric.
- Make masks in different sizes so you get a better fit, the better the seal around the face the better the protection it offers
- Pleated masks fit a wide variety of face shapes and facial hair, but they are harder on your machine. If your machine has trouble sewing over the pleats consider a two part curved front pattern like the one available at freesewing.org, this is much easier on your machine.
- Ties also allow for a better fit on a wider range of faces.
- Elastic ear loops make it quick and easy to put a mask on but if not sized to the face you get gaps that make the mask less effective
- Multi-piece mask patterns provide for a better fit but must be sized to the face; you get a mask much more similar to an N95 mask shape when you use the multi piece pattern.
- Nose wires, or nose bridges, help generic pleated masks stay in place and fit better. Choose a wire that can withstand washing, pipe cleaners poke through the fabric after a few washings. Tomato wire or aluminum nose bridges will stay in place much better and withstand washing.
There is a lot of information out there, I tend to defer to what is on the hospital and CDC websites. I recommend staying away from sponsored sites and those trying to sell you a product. Get the facts and then make your own decision. If you see a recommendation for a product check with the manufacturer and see what they say. For example Hoover says do NOT use their vacuum bags in face masks they are not safe to breath through. Dupont says not to use their Tyvek but you can use Xavan as a filter. The info is out there, I suggest you do the research before using any product you don't really know in your face masks.
For more information, check out the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-coverings-information.pdf
- Not all cotton weaves are created equal. Our cottons start at 240 thread count and go up to 320, many box store brands are 160 thread count for their premium fabrics (buy a yard of each, wash it and weigh it and you'll see for yourself). Looser weave is a less effective mask.
- Paper towel as a "filter" has been tested and found to be less than optimal, test results can be seen here: https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/paper-towel-effective-against-viruses-diy-mask/ the same holds true for tissues and coffee filters. For a short time the CDC had a bandana pattern that include a coffee filter to compensate for the loose weave of the bandana, this is an alternative to two layers of high quality cotton.
- Polypropylene as a filter is the same fabric (different weave and thickness) as used in an N95 mask and offers greater filtration, non-woven is the best for catching Covid. You can get Polypropylene interfacing or embroidery stabilizers that will work.
-Fusible interfacings have gained popularity as a filter layer, keep in mind that the glue once adhered will create a layer of glue that you now have to breath through. This will make the mask difficult to use, also fusible interfacing can come away from the fabric when placed in a hot dryer so you still need to top stitch it in place. Only cut-away interfacing should be considered, but most look to add no more filtration than you would get with another layer of fabric.
- Make masks in different sizes so you get a better fit, the better the seal around the face the better the protection it offers
- Pleated masks fit a wide variety of face shapes and facial hair, but they are harder on your machine. If your machine has trouble sewing over the pleats consider a two part curved front pattern like the one available at freesewing.org, this is much easier on your machine.
- Ties also allow for a better fit on a wider range of faces.
- Elastic ear loops make it quick and easy to put a mask on but if not sized to the face you get gaps that make the mask less effective
- Multi-piece mask patterns provide for a better fit but must be sized to the face; you get a mask much more similar to an N95 mask shape when you use the multi piece pattern.
- Nose wires, or nose bridges, help generic pleated masks stay in place and fit better. Choose a wire that can withstand washing, pipe cleaners poke through the fabric after a few washings. Tomato wire or aluminum nose bridges will stay in place much better and withstand washing.
There is a lot of information out there, I tend to defer to what is on the hospital and CDC websites. I recommend staying away from sponsored sites and those trying to sell you a product. Get the facts and then make your own decision. If you see a recommendation for a product check with the manufacturer and see what they say. For example Hoover says do NOT use their vacuum bags in face masks they are not safe to breath through. Dupont says not to use their Tyvek but you can use Xavan as a filter. The info is out there, I suggest you do the research before using any product you don't really know in your face masks.
For more information, check out the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-coverings-information.pdf
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