Mask Standards
Fabric & thread
*Tightly-woven, 100% cotton, 2-ply with high thread count if indicated. Quilter's cotton is ideal; densely woven cotton provides best filtration. Hold the weave up to a light; the less that comes through in between the yarns, the better. Flannel can be used if it is brand new, 100% cotton.
*Fabrics should be new, nearly new, and properly stored and cared for
*Fabric must be washed and pre-shrunk before sewing (hot water, hot dryer) and masks washed after making
*Mask must be different color fabric on inside and outside
*Use good quality, all-purpose (any polyester or cotton) thread, such as Gutermann or Coats & Clark. Vintage and store brands are not ideal.
*Tightly-woven, 100% cotton, 2-ply with high thread count if indicated. Quilter's cotton is ideal; densely woven cotton provides best filtration. Hold the weave up to a light; the less that comes through in between the yarns, the better. Flannel can be used if it is brand new, 100% cotton.
*Fabrics should be new, nearly new, and properly stored and cared for
*Fabric must be washed and pre-shrunk before sewing (hot water, hot dryer) and masks washed after making
*Mask must be different color fabric on inside and outside
*Use good quality, all-purpose (any polyester or cotton) thread, such as Gutermann or Coats & Clark. Vintage and store brands are not ideal.
Construction
*Use 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 stitch length (or 10-12 stitches per inch if your machine indicates length that way)
*Always back-stitch at start and stop for strength
*Check for proper thread tension. No loose seams.
*Ties should be a minimum of 18" long
*Use 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 stitch length (or 10-12 stitches per inch if your machine indicates length that way)
*Always back-stitch at start and stop for strength
*Check for proper thread tension. No loose seams.
*Ties should be a minimum of 18" long
Masks May Not Include
*Latex/elastic of any kind for hospital masks
*Metal
*Vintage fabric or thread
*Filters or removable inserts of any kind (nose piece, etc)
*Synthetic fabrics or wool
*T-shirt or any knit/jersey fabrics (except for ties)
*Latex/elastic of any kind for hospital masks
*Metal
*Vintage fabric or thread
*Filters or removable inserts of any kind (nose piece, etc)
*Synthetic fabrics or wool
*T-shirt or any knit/jersey fabrics (except for ties)
Do not make masks if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, have a fever, have been exposed, are under quarantine, or are sheltering in place with a person positive with or suspected of having COVID-19.