We are living in strange times and all indications show that Corona may be with us for a while. This is not really ideal but if we are stuck with it, we need to take steps to looking after ourselves.

After a lot of indecision with the powers that be, it seems that the best way forward is to wear a mask. This decision took a while too because it was always thought that masks do not help. If I can put my biologist’s hat on for a moment (previous lifetime), if I can give you one piece of advice to protect yourself it would be

DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE!

To be honest, a mask helps with this because it makes you aware of how many times a day your fingers make contact with your face. In addition, a mask is believed to stop the spread of infection in people who have the virus but have so symptoms. So it seems that a mask is helpful.

Well I don’t want this to become a medical post. The aim of the game here is to show you how to sew a mask for yourself and your family. This is a bit of a one-size-fits-all pattern but you can tweak it a bit with the elastic on the sides to make it either larger or smaller. What I love about it is that no template is required. And no piecing. It is all done with what can only be described as fabric origami! It is cut and measure and if you have some 10″ precuts, you are halfway there!

So let’s get started! What do we need first of all…

• 2 pieces of fabric 7″ wide x 10″ long. One piece will be the outer and one will be the lining. I like pure cotton for this. It is comfortable to wear, easy to sew and, most importantly, it is washable.
• 2x 10″ long pieces of elastic. Mine is 1/4″ wide because it is more comfortable.
• Your usual sewing needs including a rotary cutter and ruler and mat.

To begin with, stack the lining that outer fabric together and remove a 2″ triangle from each corner. To do this, measure down 2″ on each corner, join the marks and cut. I have made two masks at a time (four layers) using this method.

Now place and outer and a lining right sides together and pin. Then sew all around the outside with a normal 1/4″ seam leaving a turning gap in the bottom of the mask. The bottom will be one of the long edges. You only need to worry about which is which if you are using a directional print.

Clip across the corners being very careful not to accidentally cut the stitches. This reduces bulk and helps the edges of the mask to lay nice and flat

Turn everything the right way out and roll the edges so that they are perfect. Press the mask.

The next step is to topstitch the bottom and the top edge narrowly. This will also close the turning gap in the base of the mask. Use about 1/8″ seam to topstitch

Now fold the top and bottom edges towards the centre using the corners as a guide. Give these a really good steam press to make them sharp and precise.

Topstitch across both folded edges (this is part of the magic jiggery-pokery that makes the mask 3D).

Finally we need something to hold the elastic! Fold the sides over by 3/8″ and topstitch. As you can see, we have not unfolded the main pieces yet. The side seam sews over the top of them (part two of the magic jiggery-pokery).

Thread the elastic through the channels that you have made and then overlap it by about 1″ and sew it securely. This is the part where you should ideally fit the mask on and make sure that you like how it sits. You have a bit of play here for fitting.

Fold the mask in half and finger press the front to make it sit right. Gently pull the top and bottom parts out too

That is about it! I don’t particularly like it when the elastic comes out of the mask and you see the raw ends. The best way to combat this is to put a couple of hidden hand stitches into it and the mask lining to anchor them.

Finally, for those of us who must wear glasses, this mask is quite good at not fogging up your lenses. None of them are perfect but this is the best non-disposable one that I have tried so far.

I hope that this helps you and your family to stay safe. Happy sewing and see you next time!

Debbie xx