Let’s DIY mask! Nope, not yogurt mask (I prefer to eat the yogurt instead)… but fabric face mask. I do not know how effective a fabric face mask is, to guard against the coronavirus, but Thailand’s Health Authorities did encourage people to DIY. “Better than nothing”, I like how the article sum up in 3 words. Surgical mask is almost extinct in the market right now (or at least in my country), and even if you have a source for it, how long can the stock last?  Why not leave the disposable surgical masks to those who need them more… for instance the medical staff and those who are at high risk of infection… Noble much? Nope, just stating a fact that they need them more than I do. Whatever it is, we need to practice personal hygiene. If you are wearing fabric mask, remember to wash it daily. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water… Check out this PDF on how we can protect ourselves and people around us. Disclaimer: It is not proven in any way that the mask template that I am providing is effective to guard against any virus. Template provided may not fit all face shapes, users to alter the template as deem fit. Here we go! Material needed for this project:
  1. Template (provided in the article)
  2. Scissors
  3. Threads and needle
  4. Elastic bands
  5. Push pins / binder clips (to fasten the fabric)
  6. Fabric (suggested material to be waterproof or less water absorbent)
  7. Twist tie (optional for type 2 mask)
  8. Replaceable filter (Netizens suggested dried wet-tissue, tissue, kitchen towel, disposable coffee filter… up to your creativity. Let me know which one has the best effect. *wink)
I got my fabric from Daiso, denim material cushion cover (Type 2 mask) and apron (type 1 mask). Type 1: 3D mask (with pocket for filter insert)
Step 1: Print out this template, stretched on A4 paper. To check if the print-out side is correct, ensure the actual measurement matches with what is stated on template.
Step 2: Cut along the red dotted lines on the paper. Step 3: Place the cut out on your fabric, cut out the shape leaving at least 0.7cm allowance. You will need 2 identical pieces for each template.
Step 4: Fold about 0.7cm in and sew along side B1 (to prevent fabric from ravelling)
Step 5: Fold about 1.0cm in and sew along side A1 (to insert elastic band as earloop at later stage)
Step 6: Fabric A – Sew the 2 identical pieces together along A2, fabric facing inside out, as shown. (Optional step: Cut stripes along the sewed side, this ensures smoother curve when you flip over at later stage.) Repeat the same for Fabric B.
Step 7: Piece the 2 sets of Fabric A and Fabric B together, facing inside out. Align the 2 sets as shown. Sew side A4 and B4 together; sew side A3 and B3 together.
Step 8: Flip the product outside in.
Step 9: insert elastic band as shown. Adjust the length of band accordingly.
Step 10: Voilà! Insert your own filter and you’re done!
Type 2: Surgical-styled mask (with pocket for filter insert)
Step 1: Cut the fabric according to the dimension in the template (36cm by 20cm & 2 pieces of 11cm by 6cm).
Step 2: Fold the bigger fabric into half and create the folds according to the template. Your product should look like this.
Step 3: Add a few short stitches to secure the folds. Alternatively, you may iron the folds to ensure the folds stay in shape. Step 4: Cut a twist tie, measuring about 12cm. Fold fabric 0.5cm in, insert and sew it as shown in the template and sew.
Step 5: Sew both front and back pieces together as shown in photo, leaving a 12cm open in the centre.
Step 6: Sew the smaller fabric to the main piece as shown in photo, fold in all 4 sides to prevent fabric from raveling
Step 7: insert elastic band as shown. Adjust the length of band accordingly.
Step 8: Voilà! Insert your own filter and you’re done!

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