https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:09:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121225 Sun, 17 May 2020 12:00:45 +0000 Jjsloane 2121225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - great work and pretty fabrics! I'm intrigued by the snug fit.<br />I've just been making a basic pleated rectangle mask pattern with pocket for filter, nose wire and elastic for my friends and family until I ran out of my elastic (ordered more a month ago and just got it this week).<br />Meanwhile I joined a local group (</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://millionmaskchallenge.com/">https://millionmaskchallenge.com/</a>&nbsp;) that is making masks to donate to local healthcare and front line workers. Most prefer ties on their masks so I've added those as well as a chin pleat and 2 nose pleats for fit. For my friends and family I now include a channel for a removable nose wire - mine are the thick ties from coffee bags which have an adhesive on one side so they don't slide out easily. It's been fun relearning sewing and using my stash up.&nbsp;<br />Keep up the good work! I've made about 100 so far (60 donated) and am still going because it's kind of therapeutic. Keep us updated on your quest to create the perfect mask!<br />The blue ones below are headed to a local Police Department today and the fun ones for general donation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121224 Sun, 17 May 2020 11:25:30 +0000 Staysfit 2121224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lynn, I will try to pleat the sides of the engineer mask. &nbsp;That is a great idea. &nbsp;I already modified the pattern slightly, but a pleat might be the perfect addition. &nbsp;I agree that a mask with the fewest needle holes would be the best. Thanks for the Instructibles link. &nbsp;It’s the same mask as the Riley Blake, only slightly larger in dimension by about ~ 0.25 inch in every dimension. &nbsp;It is an easy mask to increase or decrease in size because all the sides are straight.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>Runcarla &amp; Rachy, I made a UF prototype two mock up mask and tried both a channel, loops for a tie, and Sewing in all four ties. &nbsp;It works best with the ties but it became a bit cumbersome since all four had to fit between the layers before I flipped it right side out again. I still think the process was faster and easier than adding a binding tape all around. &nbsp;I also sewed in the nose wire, which I have been pre-wrapping/sewing into in a cloth casing at the beginning and it didn’t interfere with flipping the mask right side out. &nbsp;I find the cloth casing makes the wire more comfy when wearing for extended time. &nbsp;I worried about a removable wire slipping out during use, and then leading to the temptation to touch the mask. &nbsp;I also didn’t know if electrical tape would hold up with with multiple washings. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, &nbsp;Even though I have been working long hours, I still have more time than usual because my daily commute is ZERO! &nbsp;I often spend 2.5-3 hours driving on a work day. &nbsp;It’s enough time to make a mask, do some Spring cleaning and spend time with my family.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121201 Sun, 17 May 2020 05:11:37 +0000 Suz 2121201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is super technical but I am <b>SO IMPRESSED</b> with all of you. And <b>Staysfit</b>, you are just amazing -- with all you have to do, you are also sewing masks to keep your family safe??? I bow.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121199 Sun, 17 May 2020 03:37:42 +0000 Lynn 2121199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I forgot. Ties or elastic that goes over the back over the back of the head will give a way better and snugger fit than the ear loops.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121198 Sun, 17 May 2020 03:36:20 +0000 Lynn 2121198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can sympathize Staysfit. I too have tried multiple masks types, including all the ones you mentioned. I had settled on the Marfy mask but actually like the fit of Jesse's mask, the mask by the engineer from Fabric Patch, better. I fits my brother and sister perfectly but both my mother and I have a little gapping under the chin even in our correct size. &nbsp; I think like clothing you have to individualize the fit. I found if I make a very small pleat in the middle of the sides it pulls the bottom seam up and cups my chin much better.&nbsp;</p> <p>BUT- I personally would prefer not to have a seam running right over my mouth and nostrils. Needle holes are WAY WAY WAY bigger than viral particles as you well know.&nbsp;I know the woman from Fabric Patch says nesting the seams of the outer fabric and lining covers the holes the needle makes but I am not sure that is 100% true.</p> <p>Thanks for posting the Riley Blake mask it looks like the same mask I was planning to try next as there is no seam over the mouth. The darts would let you customize the curve over the nose and chin by widening or narrowing them as needed.&nbsp;I do really like the curve of the nose and cheek area on the Jesse mask so may try morphing that curve onto the Riley Blake mask.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<b><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instructables.com/id/AB-Mask-for-a-Nurse-by-a-Nurse/?fbclid=IwAR3ctmxWRW1R7a0AVp-b4hQDGWe6gzGRBYHAQsqEi5KwtK-iL-78LlI_8ak">https://www.instructables.com/.....-78LlI_8ak</a></b></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121095 Sat, 16 May 2020 18:56:12 +0000 rachylou 2121095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>... and just talking here... I’m tempted to take the pattern - so you get that narrow fit - but sew it like the Marfy and do channels for the straps... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121094 Sat, 16 May 2020 18:55:55 +0000 Staysfit 2121094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Runcarla’s idea.....I am going to try it. When I made the Marfy, I stitched the straps to the mask. I didn’t make it with a channel, but I could try that also...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121090 Sat, 16 May 2020 18:40:04 +0000 rachylou 2121090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m looking at the prototype 2 pattern... it’s interesting that they went with straps sewn onto the mask. I guess it’s at the edges so perhaps it doesn’t matter. My mom fussed about poking holes with the needle through the layers of the mask... since that’s a hole big enough for virus particles to go thru. So all my seams are turned... no top stitching. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121087 Sat, 16 May 2020 18:33:14 +0000 rachylou 2121087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! Maybe I will try making #1. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2121081 Sat, 16 May 2020 18:09:33 +0000 Carla 2121081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@staysfit - can you save yourself all the bias work by sewing the mask right side to right side and turning it inside out through the pocket you create for the filter? &nbsp;You can still make a channel for the elastic at the chin, and stay stitch 1/4 of an inch around the edges to keep things neat.</p> <p>When you made the Marfy mask, did you sew the ties to the sides, or did you make a channel so that you could customize the fit by snugging &nbsp;in the ties? &nbsp;When I put mine on I slip my head through the bottom loop, cup the mask under my chin, pull it up over my face as I snug in the ties, then tie it off high over my head. &nbsp;Lastly I push down on the nose wires. &nbsp;</p> <p>I find the tightness of the loop around the back of the head at the bottom is what snugs in the chin - without an elastic. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2120999 Sat, 16 May 2020 13:01:15 +0000 pil 2120999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, It does seal well for me with the nose wire - I think part of it is that the mask is wide. Maybe the fogging issue is better be because it protrudes more and gives the breath somewhere to go other than straight up?</p> <div>I folded the ends over on another one in order to run a cord through but it doesn’t fit as well.</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2120990 Sat, 16 May 2020 12:31:50 +0000 Staysfit 2120990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>pil, thanks for the suggestion. &nbsp;Does the mask seal well to your face? &nbsp;I have been picky about the fit, wanting it to be sealed to the face around every edge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2120989 Sat, 16 May 2020 12:28:16 +0000 pil 2120989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, I spent plenty of time at fabricpatch and the UF website. I made the UF mask as well but have not duplicated it.<div>This simple pattern from Pins and Needles has worked the best so far for glasses fogging. I modified the pattern by cutting out the darts and using elastic rather than a tie.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://media.rainpos.com/4868/easy_face_mask_with_darts_s_m_l_20200430080027.pdf">https://media.rainpos.com/4868.....080027.pdf</a><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/masks-patterns-and-experiencelong#post-2120982 Sat, 16 May 2020 11:58:35 +0000 Staysfit 2120982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the past month, I have been making mask prototypes and sorting out which pattern fits best for my family. &nbsp;Obviously DIY masks are not a guarantee against infection and are being recommended to protect one from spreading germs to other people rather than as a primary protection against becoming infected if there is virus in the environment</p> <p>Most people in my family have narrow facial structures, prominent noses, small chins, and small to average head circumferences. &nbsp;I know that Runcarla has had success with the Marfy mask pattern. &nbsp;I sadly did not, even after making modifications. &nbsp;I tried the Craft Passion pattern, the Olsen Pattern, and several iterations of rectangular pleated patterns because they had different dimensions. &nbsp;They were all leaky. &nbsp;I eventually settled on a modification of two different patterns.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /> </div><div>&nbsp;1. UF Health Center mask prototype 2. &nbsp;The pattern is simple to make if using Halyard H600, because the seams do not need to be finished, but I modified the pattern for use with quilting cloth and it became complicated. &nbsp;I make a three layer mask with a filter pocket. &nbsp;The seams need to be placed on the inside to keep the finish smooth. &nbsp;To make it pretty, I also make a bias strip binding for the circumference and it has to go over the top of the four straps which are already projecting from the mask when the binding is attached, meaning that holes need to be poked for the straps and then it needs to be zig zag stitched across the holes, etc. &nbsp;(Someone better at sewing may be able to help me come up with a better method...). &nbsp;However, this mask, with a nose wire, pocket for a filter, and sometimes elastic in the chin, seems to fit everyone the best. &nbsp;It sits low enough on our faces that it does not fog glasses. &nbsp;It is snug on our chins. &nbsp;The ties secure the seal and I can see that people are breathing through the mask not around it through gaps because the mask material rises and falls with their breath. &nbsp; </p> <p>I make filters using a mask pattern from Bridal Sewing. &nbsp;It has a similar shape and size to the UF Health mask pattern, but places the filter dart seams at a different place from the darts on the cloth mask which I hope adds some sort of benefit.</p> <p> </div><div><br /> </div><div>2. &nbsp;The second mask I am making is one that was originally designed by a nurse to fit over an N95 mask. &nbsp;I use the pattern created by Riley Blake designs. &nbsp;I have added elastic across the bottom and a nose wire to perfect the seal. It’s an easier mask to make than the first, and I will make a version with ear loops so I can use it for places like the hair salon, where ties around the head are not helpful. &nbsp;A similar pattern in a larger size is available from Jessica Nandino on nursemade.com. </p> <p>3. &nbsp;The fabric patch.net has a set of engineer designed patterns where the fit can be customized based on your facial measurements. &nbsp;She also provides a tutorial on how to further adjust that mask pattern if your exact measurements are not on one of the patterns. &nbsp;I recently played around with a few of the sizes and also created a customized pattern for my face. &nbsp;Even with customized measurements and adjustments it does not seal as well to the face for my family as the previous two patterns. &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><div>4. UF Health face mask prototype 1 is a pleated mask. &nbsp;It was the best fitting of all the pleated rectangle versions I tried. &nbsp;</div><div>I figured out how to make a mask for my 80 year old mother with a shoulder problem which prevents her reaching behind her head; hearing aids and glasses making ear loops problematic; and a latex allergy. &nbsp;I used covered spandex elastic bands with toggles. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>“ My pocket pediatrician” has a mask pattern and very detailed tutorial but the pattern requires a lot of elastic. &nbsp;I did not make it yet because my elastic supply is limited and I think I can produce more masks with a good fit when using a nose wire, and reserving the elastic to the chin section only.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some tutorials suggest using foam to seal the nose area. &nbsp;I tried using some neoprene weather stripping material but it did not help improve the seal of my masks.<br /></div><div><br /> </div><div>Below are some photos of my masks, and I am going to add links to the sites I found most helpful in making them. &nbsp;The first mask if the Riley Blake with elastic chin and nose wire. &nbsp;The second is the modified UF Health prototype 2 mask, with pocket, nose wire, and elastic chin. The third is the modified mask I made for my mom.<br /> <div><br /> </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fabricpatch.net/face-masks-for-covid-19-relief.htm">http://www.fabricpatch.net/fac.....relief.htm</a>e<br /></div><div><br /> </div></div></div></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://anest.ufl.edu/wordpress/files/2020/03/PROTOTYPE-2-TUTORIAL.pdf">https://anest.ufl.edu/wordpres.....TORIAL.pdf</a> </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://anest.ufl.edu/files/2020/03/PROTOTYPE-1-TUTORIAL.pdf">https://anest.ufl.edu/files/20.....TORIAL.pdf</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://blog.rileyblakedesigns.com/riley-blake-face-mask-drive-tutorials/?_ga=2.6383860.734296679.1589630935-1283377485.1589630935">https://blog.rileyblakedesigns.....4296679.15</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bridalsewingtechniques.com/blog/2020/mask-template">https://www.bridalsewingtechni.....k-template</a></p> <p> </div></p>