Two weeks ago I posted a face mask pattern link, which you can find HERE. Since that time, there has been a lot of talk and speculation about face masks being effective. Today the CDC has recommended that people in the US wear homemade face coverings to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. You can read all their recent guidelines at this LINK. Since, there will be a lot of these masks being made now, I have added several additional Face Mask patterns. This first one is from the New York Times & is the easiest to make. This is the type that seems to have become the standard design. You can use elastic, fabric ties, ribbon or whatever you have on hand. This one also has pleats that are easy to make using your sewing machine. They also include instructions for hand sewing.

Now if you want to spend a little more time, this next link has 3 different versions with video tutorials. There are pocket versions for inserting a filter (if you’re able to get one) HEPA vacuum bags are supposed to be pretty good for filtering by cutting the bag down to size for the pocket. These have gotten to be difficult to find, but you may have some. I used a regular vacuum bag and inserted a small piece into the pocket. This design also includes a casing at the top for inserting a flexible metal piece (pipe cleaner or sturdy sandwich bag tie) Also, a version that uses a pattern and is form fitting to the face making it unnecessary for the nose casing.

100% cotton fabric is the best to use with a tightly woven weave. You will want to wash your fabric before cutting since cotton fabrics can shrink.

VIDEO TUTORIAL SHOWING 3 DIFFERENT FACE MASK VERSIONS

Now keep in mind that these are home made masks, they are NOT medical grade masks. They are not going to be as effective as the commercial grade masks or the N95 masks. Do not use one of these fabric masks expecting to be able to go about doing your normal activities. You still need to use social distancing as required by federal and state governments. Be cognizant of your neighbors as you are at the grocery stores and attempting outdoor exercise. We are all in this together and the more we all follow the recommendations the quicker we will be able to get back to normalcy. Let’s all stay safe.