The topic of “sewing a face mask yourself” is very controversial. While advocates swear by the surgical mask as a protective measure, the World Health Organization and the federal government recommend against itWearing a face maskaway. The face mask only makes sense if you are sick. Nevertheless, the respirator mask is an option for those who want to show solidarity through it. And who knows, maybe a homemade breathing mask with a filter could filter out at least some of the pathogens. We show you three patterns for respiratory masks: One for a surgical mask with folds and elastic bands, one with a seam in the middle and a respiratory mask with ribbons instead of elastic bands. Which of these best suits your face shape and how to put the breathing mask on and take it off correctly – we will explain this to you in the article.
Sew a face mask yourself: Sewing pattern for a surgical respirator mask with folds and elastic bands
The surgical breathing masks serve a different purpose: They are not intended to protect the surgeon, but the patient from viruses and bacteria. These unique breathing masks are attached to the ears with elastic bands. The folds ensure that the mouthguard adapts better to the shape of the face. Of course, the homemade fabric mask cannot offer the same protection. It still has one crucial disadvantage: If you want to sew a face mask yourself, then you should only use one layer of fabric. This means that you cannot integrate a filter. Another argument against a surgical mask made of fabric is the fact that you have to iron the wrinkles after every wash. OneFabric mask with elastic bandsand wrinkles also has advantages: it can be put on and taken off quickly without having to touch your face with dirty hands or the mask itself. It offers a fairly high level of comfort and is breathable. This means that, unlike other masks with filters, you can breathe in and out without any problems.
Different materials are suitable for the mask. Fleece works well for this purpose. No matter what fabric you choose, make sure it can be washed at 90 degrees. In order to disinfect the breathing mask, you have to wash it at 90 degrees and then iron it. If you want to sew the face mask yourself, then you shouldPrint out the patternand use as a template. You will also need the following materials: fabric, elastic bands, preferably flat, and a sewing machine. You can also sew the mask by hand, but you should make sure that the seam is as tight as possible.
Make your own FFP3 respiratory mask: This is how you can retrofit a diving mask with a P3 filter!
First, cut out a piece of fabric measuring 18 cm wide and 36 cm long. Then iron four evenly spaced folds into the fabric, 1.5cm deep. Place the fabric on the work surface. The left side of the fabric faces upwards. Topstitch the fabric at the bottom and top and pin the edge reinforcements in place. Then pin the elastic bands with pins and sew them to the two sides of the breathing mask.
Wear the mask for a maximum of 2 hours a day. Replace it with a new breathing mask after 2 hours. Try to only hold the face mask by the rubber bands. In the evening, wash and iron all masks used at 90 degrees.
Sew your own face mask: pattern for a breathing mask with a seam in the middle
The second breathing mask with a seam in the middle is from the dust masks that people wear to festivals like Coachella or Burning Man. Your pattern is much simpler. ThisBreathing mask has the advantagethat you can integrate wire above. This is how the mouthguard is on the nose. The breathing mask has another advantage: you can sew it from two layers of fabric and even make a filter pocket.
If you want to sew this face mask yourself, you will need a pattern, fabric for the outer layer of fabric, fabric for the bottom layer of fabric and possibly a filter of your choice. Cut 2 pieces out of each fabric. Sew the top pieces of fabric to the bottom pieces of fabric and then sew the top pieces of fabric together.
Cut two 17 centimeter long pieces from flat rubber bands and insert them into the side edge reinforcements. Place the wire at the top and sew it into the edge reinforcement.
Make your own face mask: pattern for a breathing mask with folds and headbands
The third mask is similar to a surgical respirator, but has a filter pocket at the back and is attached to the head using head straps. This variant can be easily adapted to your own face shape. You will need: fabric for the outer layer, for example boil-proof cotton, breathable fabric for the inner layer, for example fleece and two straps, elastic or not.
Typically, similar to the surgical respirator, you will first need to cut a sheet of cloth from the fabric for the top layer and iron creases into the cloth. Then topstitch the ends of the fabric and sew the bottom layer of fabric to the top. Cut a hole in the center of the inner fabric layer. Then all that remains is to sew on the headbands.
You can tie the finished fabric respirator mask around your ears or head. Although it adapts well to the face, you may have to retie the headbands several times a day. Overall, it offers significantly less comfort compared to the other variants and is more suitable for shopping or a short walk with the dog. You can combine this breathing mask with a HEPA filter. Or you can let wet wipes dry and then use them as a filter. Kitchen paper is also often recommended as a suitable filter, but whether it really filters the air remains questionable.
Even if you wear a face mask, you should definitely wear one tooother protective measuresdon't forget. It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before putting on and then removing the mask. Don't forget to keep a distance of at least 2 meters from other people. Do not touch your face when wearing the breathing mask. Do not remove the mask to eat or smoke. Replace the cloth mask every 2 hours. Wash the respirators at 90 degrees and iron them to disinfect them. The patterns are for adults only.Children and babiesIt is better not to wear a face mask. Always seek advice from local authorities and your family doctor about whether you should wear a face mask or not.
