YouLookFab Forum » Topic: DIY Face Masks

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: DIY Face Masks - lots of info https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:01:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php pil on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2113888 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:13:37 +0000 pil 2113888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just ran across a different sort of pattern - neck gaiter with a filter pocket. <div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://creativetien.com/2020/04/09/gaiter-style-mask-neck-tube-or-scarf-with-filter-pocket-made-from-a-t-shirt/">https://creativetien.com/2020/.....t-made-fro</a> </div> Chris987 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112837 Thu, 09 Apr 2020 14:38:38 +0000 Chris987 2112837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto what Angie said.....thanks so much all! Angie on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112680 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 22:20:34 +0000 Angie 2112680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for all the info, ladies! GREAT STUFF Jane on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112635 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 20:02:43 +0000 Jane 2112635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Karen, thank you so much for showing so clearly about how to make ties. There are so many super tips on the thread. An amazing wealth of information.  karen13 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112633 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:56:55 +0000 karen13 2112633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you want to make comfortable easy ties to thread through a casing, old t shirts are perfect. You can get a continuous strip from the ones that don't have side seams - they re knit in  a tube. It is often called t shirt yarn. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqyhNDSXEfg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqyhNDSXEfg</a> karen13 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112576 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 16:27:54 +0000 karen13 2112576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laura- bend the ends of the pipe clean back on itself a 1/4 inch and squeeze flat. I like the thickness of pipe cleaners, but don’t know how well they will hold up to washing. Lynn - thanks so much for all the info.  I also found the craft passion style pattern to be a bit loose around the chin so I simply increased the dart there. But I really like the ones you posted as they seem to address that issue well, although perhaps a bit more complicated to sew. I like that there is no seam over the mouth.<div> </div><div>I have been sewing a bias binding strip through the outer layer of the mask before assembly so that I can remove a wire nose piece as needed for laundering.  <div> </div><div>I had seen that fit test video and found it fascinating. However for people who are not sewers it’s important to note that they are using a special material for the masks that is used in hospitals to wrap surgical instruments for sterilization. Although I do think that using a design that seals better even with just cotton fabric will probably give you a better result in the end. I was thinking about trying one of the University of Florida masks in cotton fabric and giving it wearability test. </div></div><div> </div> Lynn on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112563 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 15:42:07 +0000 Lynn 2112563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much information on masks after my daily research.  Excellent summary on current status of suggested materials and filters <a rel="nofollow" href="https://jennifermaker.com/diy-face-mask-filter-materials/">https://jennifermaker.com/diy-.....materials/</a> <div>Here a hospital fit tested several styles of mask and there was one that worked the best Video here <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZBbkn-g-vE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZBbkn-g-vE</a>  I think the fit on this would be similar to the Marfy one but the ties are positioned differently and I can see how that my give a better fit. It also might fit more people.  </div><div>Pattern for the mask that worked best here <a rel="nofollow" href="https://anest.ufl.edu/clinical-divisions/mask-alternative/#prototype2">https://anest.ufl.edu/clinical.....prototype2</a></div> Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112549 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 15:04:00 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2112549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Marfy mask - I’ve downloaded the instructions and looked at them but not made it yet - is two layers, an inside and an outside, sewn together. I don’t think it’d be a good option for making for other people because it has a dart for your nose and a shaped fit so you’d want to fit it to your face as you went. So far for nose pieces I’ve used plastic bag ties, pipe cleaners, and wire zip ties with the end cut off. The pipe cleaners like to move around and the ends can poke so I prefer the other two. Paradoxically, as someone with glasses I prefer the no nose piece kind, I think because it’s less bulky there. If there’s no nose piece I prefer ties to elastic because you can more easily adjust it to a snug fit. The CDC has a page with some sewn and some just folded together options. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru.....rings.html</a> I started with some tutorials but I’ve adjusted how I’m making mine as I went so I’m not sure posting the links would help much at this point. Most recently I’ve shifted to making ones without any binding, just twill ties on each corner. I’m almost out of elastic and double folded binding is time consuming, but I’ve got a giant reel of twill tape from somewhere. (You could also use ribbon or shoelaces or...) Basically cut out two rectangles 9” by 6”, sew them right sides together most of the way around, putting in the ties at each corner, about 18” each tie, then turn right side out through the gap you left. Fold down two 1” pleats and topstitch all the way around a couple of times, closing up the opening that way and securing the pleats. Chris987 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112529 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:56:57 +0000 Chris987 2112529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JAileen thanks I'll check that out. karen13, what terrific advice....make sure you can breathe!!! Thanks for taking the time to enter all the other tips and links, great resources! Thanks pil and rachylou deb the paper towel filter idea is interesting but that probably would not last through washing Lynn, thanks for all the great info, definitely not too much! I know that in some Asian countries wearing face masks is normal for the general population (in many Chinese cities for example because the smog is so bad), but it's a whole new world for many of us, so having a LOT of info is a good thing. pil on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112497 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 11:05:31 +0000 pil 2112497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was a long listen someone like me with a short attention span, but interesting. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZBbkn-g-vE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZBbkn-g-vE</a> This is the link to the two University of Florida prototypes she showed. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://anest.ufl.edu/clinical-divisions/mask-alternative/#prototype2">https://anest.ufl.edu/clinical.....prototype2</a> rachylou on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112492 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 08:47:24 +0000 rachylou 2112492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a question for you, Lynn: is the Marfy a single-layer mask? I was looking at the tutorial and can’t quite tell what is going on... Lynn on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112478 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:54:46 +0000 Lynn 2112478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, I have been doing a lot of research on cloth masks. There is actually not a lot of evidence based information out there but I did find this article. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/">https://smartairfilters.com/en.....ask-virus/</a>  The business insider article that pil posted is also interesting. The consensus from the hospitals requesting masks is that  tightly woven cotton is the preferred fabric. Cotton/poly blends are OK.  Breathability is really important. Fabrics that are too thick or polyesters lead to moisture build up in the mask which can cause the mask to lose it's filtering capacity and may actually increase risk of infection. BTW if you are tempted to try the vacuum cleaner bag as a filter after looking at the smart air filters site some of the HEPA filters contain fiberglass which you do not want to breathe in!!! Plus you will NOT be able to breathe in it for very long. IF you want to use a filter the blue shop towels, OlyFun, or a non woven interfacing (not fusible) seem to be the best bets from my reading but do your own research. I have been making lots of masks for the local hospital but have also prototyped several of the various mask patterns out there for personal wear and for family and friends. I actually prefer the shaped ones over the pleated on. The best I have tried  are these two. The have a better fit under the chin vs the popular Craft Passion one that is frequently mentioned.I found the latter gapped under the chin and did not give a good seal there.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0050/2474/3524/files/Suay_Mask_Pattern_2020.pdf?v=1586309614">https://cdn.shopify.com/s/file.....1586309614</a>   <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.marfy.it/free-mask.html">https://www.marfy.it/free-mask.html</a> Here is a tutorial for making this mask. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://clothingengineer.com/2020/04/05/free-marfy-mask-tutorial/">https://clothingengineer.com/2.....-tutorial/</a> The fit of these create a better seal under the chin than some of the others online.  The gatherheronline mask the Phoebe posted is an interesting take on a pleated mask with a pocket for a filter. I liked it for a pleated mask but  I increased the length to 8" instead of 7" for better coverage. I kept the same size for the box pleat.  Having worn a lot of mask I agree that ties are much more comfortable and give a better fit than elastic loops over the ears.  A wire over the nose really helps to create a seal. If you goggle you will see lots of suggestions for what to use.  Probably more information than you wanted:)))     deb on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112450 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 02:54:43 +0000 deb 2112450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Adding a paper towel between the fabric layers acts like a filter. This was on the news the other night. Anonymous on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112423 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:38:42 +0000 Anonymous 2112423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a rel="nofollow" href="https://gatherhereonline.com">https://gatherhereonline.com</a> Selling the material and supplies for masks and providing instructions for a fitted style and a box pleat style, both gathered on the sides for a better fit. Quilting fabric is a popular choice and I know from experience that too thick is difficult to work with if you're following the popular patterns. They organized their home sewers to make masks for hospital personnel too. pil on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112414 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:06:57 +0000 pil 2112414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I ended up using fabric from a pair of my 90 year old mother’s capris that were going to Goodwill. Not a fun fabric (brown) but serviceable. Maybe this has already been mentioned but I read about blue shop cloths being good. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/homemade-mask-using-hydro-knit-shop-towel-filters-better-2020-4?op=1">https://www.businessinsider.co.....020-4?op=1</a> karen13 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112348 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 20:29:29 +0000 karen13 2112348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.moodfabrics.com">https://www.moodfabrics.com</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://califabrics.com/search.php?search_query=quilt%20cotton&section=product&mode=1">https://califabrics.com/search.....038;mode=1</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.fabric.com">https://www.fabric.com</a> All of these have been mentioned on a sewing forum as currently shipping, but that situation is fluid and I can't personally vouch for any. They are all posting some disclaimers about shipping time. karen13 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112337 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 19:50:07 +0000 karen13 2112337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I apologize if this info repeats something found elsewhere -  haven't been on YLF much of late. I recommend holding up the fabric you are considering, in the number of layers you intend to wear , and test breathing through it, holding it tightly sealed with you fingers around your nose and mouth. Based on this I will NOT be using high thread count (600+ if memory serves) old worn out sheets from my rag bag for the body of the mask. It is very hard to breath through a double layer, and even a single layer is harder than two layers of my quilting cotton. A couple of quick recommendation I've gleaned from some of my sewing websites and home experiments. 1) Practice wearing it at home bit before you wear it out, including taking off and putting on - you don't want a failure where you ahve to remove it in the middle of the grocery tore line. 2)You don't need elastic - fabric ties or strips work, even shoe laces work fine. Ear loops (elastic or hair ties) will put more stress on your ears than fabric ties or elastic across the back of you head and neck. 3) There are several designs with a pocket for a filter material. Again make sure you can breath through all the layers you are using before you make a bunch. 4) Knit fabric (t-shirt) is more porous and probably less effective a filter than woven, but use what you ahve. Some studies indicate a cotton poly blend knit fabric is a better filter than 100% cotton knit. 3) If making a two layer mask, use a different fabric on each side so you don't accidentals take off an put on the outside against you mouth before sterilizing or washing.  5) Glasses are tough - they fog a bit for me with this pattern, and with the "Deaconess" (pleated square ) version I tried. I can't show it because DH took it down to his mom. The Deconess was slightly better for fogging, but I suspect it is because it allowed more air to escape.. Here are some tips for glasses wearers. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-wear-face-masks-without-fogging-glasses-coronavirus_l_5e8bd866c5b6e1d10a68988f">https://www.huffpost.com/entry.....l_5e8bd866</a> If you sew a little, this is a good pattern/video for a two layer mask. Don't rewear the second side against you face as the sewist suggests! <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=DqlmDf6_hsY&feature=emb_logo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?.....e=emb_logo</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://sewitonline.com/pages/download-free-pattern">https://sewitonline.com/pages/.....ee-pattern</a> It is similar but easier than the one I am modeling below. Tip  use a shoe lave or fabric strip about 36" long as a single tie to hold i  place like I show. Easier on/off than two ties. I sewed an open chanel to insert a pipe cleaner/twist tie/wire across the nose bridge, rather than inserting inside permanently per the video - but not necessary. Here is the Pleated Deaconess pattern <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask">https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask</a> JAileen on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112334 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 19:41:08 +0000 JAileen 2112334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I just saw this article:</div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html?referringSource=articleShare">https://www.nytimes.com/articl.....referringS</a> </div> Chris987 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112292 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 17:01:32 +0000 Chris987 2112292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaileen, good point about fabric thickness vs. being able to breathe! There is a Walmart near me which sells groceries so it's open. However I'm doing grocery delivery to my 91 year old mom so I'm trying to keep myself more isolated than I would just for myself so I'm not going to visit any stores right now. DH has always done our grocery shopping so he picks up stuff for my Mom and then we deliver it together without making any direct contact with my Mom. kathie, thanks, I'll take a look at Fabric.com Lisa p, an old sheet is another good idea, thanks. Definitely washable! Thanks rachylou, a pillowcase or heavy T would definitely be good. THanks. Jaileen, I only have one bandana and I'd rather not repurpose it at the moment, but it's a good idea.  Laura, good ideas. I agree that a reusable shopping bag could be too thick, plus some of them don't seem washable. Good suggestion about small boutique fabric stores on line. I just checked the quilting store near me, and found that they sell ALL their fabrics on line. I have been in the store but had no idea they also sold online. I only spent a few minutes but found a whole lot of choices under "novelties"...local sports team prints, dinosaurs, astronauts, Flintstones, etc etc ....YAY I can spend a few fun hours choosing something. In case anyone else is interested the shop is in Massachusetts at  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thequiltedcrow.com/">https://www.thequiltedcrow.com/</a> ... The Quilted Crow. They ship anywhere in the US and also outside the US.  Thanks again Laura for the idea! Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112287 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:37:15 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2112287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t think you want anything thicker than quilting cotton or sheets fabric, especially if you’re using a pattern with pleats and/or binding, because your machine will have to sew through a lot of layers and that’s challenging. I’ve been using quilting cotton and most of the articles I’ve read said anything with a tight weave works well. You can add interfacing or a pocket for a removable filter but most people don’t have those anyway. I want to experiment with reusable shopping bag fabric but I suspect that’ll be harder to cut and sew. I’m trying to crank through a bunch in a hurry right now because an acquaintance works for a hospice and needs masks for visitors. ETA about actual vendors; fabric.com is owned by Amazon so they might be faster or overwhelmed. Dunno about Joann’s, and there are a ton of small boutique fabric stores online. Maybe check twitter or instagram for any local-ish ones in hopes that they’d get to you fastest. JAileen on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112285 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:36:22 +0000 JAileen 2112285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another thought:  do you have any old bandanas?  One is big enough for a mask.  Bonus, they’re soft. rachylou on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112278 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:09:42 +0000 rachylou 2112278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My auntie suggested a high-thread count pillowcase. I thought that was smart because they actually tell you the thread count on bed linen... The one study that everyone talks about used a Hanes Beefy-T, pre-washed. Anonymous on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112268 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:32:16 +0000 Anonymous 2112268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to use a plain white sheet and cut it up .  I was able to find some bandanas on -line a few days ago , but have decided if we need more , I'll sacrifice an older white bed sheet and use that.  I'd prefer to keep them simple and almost austere, so even the bandana was a stretch . But it's not just about me so .....   Kathie on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112266 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:26:22 +0000 Kathie 2112266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you poke around, there are a few studies that look at different types of fabric and their effectiveness. An old dress shirt is a great idea, thanks! When I checked a couple days ago, fabric.com still had suitable cotton quilting fabric. JAileen on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112262 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:57:42 +0000 JAileen 2112262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think quilting fabric is what you want.  My masks are two thicknesses, and even they obstruct breathing a little.  <div> </div><div>In our area Walmart is open, and they have fabric.  Do you feel up to visiting one?</div> Chris987 on "DIY Face Masks - lots of info" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-sources-for-face-mask-fabric#post-2112250 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:13:01 +0000 Chris987 2112250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SO MANY GOOD IDEAS AND RESOURCES WERE POSTED HERE SO I'M RENAMING THE POST  ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do any of you fabbers know of online fabric sources that sell fabric suitable for face masks? I'm thinking something a little thicker than quilting fabric but not as thick as the canvas on a tote bag.  I've never bought fabric online but I suspect there are plenty of sites.  We have a few simple masks for painting projects  but they can't be cleaned so I want to make some that are washable. I don't have any suitable fabric scraps on hand, and have been keeping up so well with closet clear-outs and donating that I don't have any clothes I could cut up either I will ask DH if he's willing to donate an old dress shirt but I still would like to buy some fun fabric online. I'm looking for sites in the U.S. As I'm about to post this I checked out Joann Fabric online and they have all kinds of face mask instructions, fabric etc. If the stores were open I'd shop there and support my virtual neighbors who work there, but like everything else they are closed, so I'd still be interested in any other fabric sites folks know of . Thanks!