DIY REUSABLE FACE MASK with FILTER POCKET-4 Style Options-1 Easy SEW Pattern-Won't Fog Your Glasses!

READ ALL OF THIS!
THIS IS NOT A RELACEMENT FOR THE N95 MASK! I do not make any claims that this mask will prevent illness. This mask is to be used as a measure to protect others around you in situations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain. It keeps in your droplets and keeps you from touching your face.
It is up to YOU to PRACTICE PROPER SAFETY HYGIENE and DISTANCING. We can do this!

This is an INTERMEDIATE SEWING project. You need to know how to run a sewing machine and basic sewing skills. I do use a serger, but it is not necessary if you have zigzag on your sewing machine or pinking shears. I am using an Industrial machine that only has straight stitch.

This video has very detailed, but easy instructions, so you will have SUCCESS ON YOUR FIRST TRY. Start- to-finish for one mask is 15-20 min. This pattern is versatile in style, fits both men and women, and includes 4 different style options, with or without elastic. Because the elastic is NOT sewn in, it is easily replaced.

You can email me for written instructions that a kind viewer did for me (they do not include updated pleat hack).
[email protected]

This video is in closed caption.
Updated Pleat Hack    • My NO-FAIL PLEAT HACK - REVISED and U...  

This mask has a filter pocket to hold a non-woven fabric, such as meltblown fabric, coffee filter, which is what the CDC suggests, paper towel, blue shop towel, etc. The aluminum nose wire is adjustable, comfortable and keeps your glasses from fogging up (Big Bonus).
100% cotton fabric means it is machine washable (in a mesh bag), breathable and very well made.
You can get 2 masks from one fat quarter (22"x 18").

FILTER SIZE: This mask is to PROTECT OTHERS FROM YOU, so make the filter big enough to cover your mouth and nose. Do not restrict your breathing.
DO NOT use a mask on a child under 2 years of age p/the CDC website.

Each time you wear it, you must discard the filter and wash the mask. ALWAYS HANDLE THE MASK AS IF IT'S CONTAMINATED after you wear it and wash your hands immediately.

I washed one, in a mesh lingerie bag, with a big load of blankets, with hot water and dried in the dryer (was OK). I prefer to hand wash in the sink and hang to dry.

HERE ARE THE SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED (including CHILD sizes)
100% quilters cotton enough to cut:
(1) 15"x 7.5" rectangle and (2) 2.5"x 4" rectangles for (ADULT)
(1) 13"x6.5" rectangle and (2) 2.5"x3.5" rectangles for (KID age 7-10 approx)
(1) 11"x5.5" rectangle and two 2.5"x3" rectangles for (KID age 3-6 approx).
You will need to experiment. All kids are different and I don't have any.
You can get 2 masks from one fat quarter. Washed, dried and pressed.
1 yard of 1/4" elastic (this will be enough to make either style that uses elastic)
UPDATE: I now use (2) 12" elastic and let the wearer tie the knot for a perfect fit.
7" (Kids 6" or 5" respectively to the above information) of Wire for the nose (14 or 16 gauge aluminum (I used 14 gauge 1.5mm), 18 gauge soft copper, or plastic coated twist ties like from the garden center on a spool (not my favourite choice but will do, so they say)
*CARDSTOCK for pleats: 3"x 8.5"(Adult)- 2.5"x8.5"(kid)- 2"x8.5"(small kid)
Coffee filters, blue shop towels(paper) cut to fit inside when it's expanded, to cover your mouth area.
Thread, scissors and/or rotary cutter, ruler and mat, a regular ruler, clips or pins, paper for making a pattern if you are using scissors to cut out your pieces, wire cutters, marking pencil or chalk, round nose pliers or needle nose pliers to turn ends of the wire for safety
Sewing machine with zigzag stitch and/or a serger to finish the raw edges or pinking shears.
Steam iron

COMING SOON: Video on mass-producing this mask in bulk

My sewing machine is a 30yr old Singer industrial, my serger is an 18yr old Janome and my iron is an Oliso Pro that I got on Amazon.

Amazon is my go-to for everything and Pandahall (China)
Here are the links to some of the materials I purchased on Amazon.ca: Check Amazon.com

FOR THE CLIPS, search "clips for sewing" and take your pick. They are super cheap and some come with a nice variety of sizes.

ALUMINUM WIRE-14 gauge (1.5mm) If you cannot find 14 gauge, get 16 gauge.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07P...
UPDATE ON WIRE: I just purchased 100m on Pandahall.com. It takes 15-18 days to arrive.
https://www.pandahall.com/p-1492283-a...

200 yds 1/4" ELASTIC
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07W...
UPDATE: Pandahall.com
https://www.pandahall.com/p-1803408-1...

MELTBLOWN FILTER FABRIC
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B085...