Duck Bill Personal Face Mask – Made Easy
Hello Dear Friends and Readers, I hardly know what words to say to you today. This horrible crisis has everyone on tenterhooks. It’s very stressful. I see that today the CDC (USA) has now advised on the public wearing home made cotton masks when they go out to prevent community based transmission of Covid19 – if they choose to. I certainly want to wear one, to protect others from me and vice versa, in as much as is possible with a non medical mask. Here is the link to that information.
Medical masks must be preserved for those in healthcare but we need something too.
Here is latest information about making face masks.
Last night I was using one of my Happy Day Microwave bowl holders,
Happy Day Microwave Bowl Holder Pattern
I had an epiphany, I think I could modify the design to make a personal face mask. So I stayed up late last night and have been working this morning to perfect the design I bring to you today. For those of you who made the Happy Days Bowls in the past, you will see how easy this to do. I have seen there are so many people making masks now which is absolutely wonderful. However they range from moderately simple to more complex. They can take a bit of time to do. Some of the requirements may not be at hand and you don’t want to go out to get them. I am hoping you will see how quick and easy this is to make with things you already have at home. Those of you familiar with my blog will know that I like to use squares and this is no exception. This mask incorporates a bit of form around the nose and a pretty good seal around the face.. If you don’t have any elastic then substitute or make some ties in it’s place.
As a disclaimer, this not a medical face mask. It does not reduce the need for physical distancing. It is intended for your personal use only. If you make one for someone else, they should wash before using. Please understand that you should wash your hands before donning, before doffing (removing) and after removing, as the mask could be contaminated. Remember it is only made of cotton, if you are interested in knowing more about high filtration in medical masks check out the following link. You don’t want to wear this mask for long periods, especially if you suffer from shortness of breath.
So without further ado let’s whip up a Duck Bill Personal Face Mask – Made Easy.
Please read all instructions before commencing.
Please Note. The masks in the photos are ALL the same mask. The pink one with the ties is in the open position ready to wear. Feel free to use ties or elastic, whichever you prefer.. The others show how they look when they are folded flat.
All seams based on 1/4“.
Requirements for one Duck Bill Personal Face Mask – Made Easy
2 of 10“ x 10“ squares of cotton quilting fabric or sheeting.
2 of Freezer bag twist ties
1 of 12“ length of 1/4“ (6mm) elastic
Method of construction
To the right side of one of the squares, pin the ends of the elastic so that it is not twisted to two adjacent corners of the square as pictured.
Cover with the second square of fabric, right sides together. Fold the two twist ties longitudinally. Place in the centre just away from fabric edge within the seam allowance, between the two corners where the elastic is laid.
Beginning from the left corner with the elastic, sew a 1/4“ seam allowance around the perimeter, sewing over the elastics and twist ties, leaving an opening fro turning.
Clip the two bottom corners only, then turn to the right side. Use a chopstick or similar to assist.
Tun in the seam allowance of the opening. Pin in place. Top stitch all around the perimeter. Begin on the top side of the square as close to the edge as possible. Add a second seam to the top edge. Fold the top edge to the centre. Fold the bottom edge to the centre.
Tun over. Fold the whole piece longitudinally along the centre line, seams on the outside.
Pin in place. Carefully sew down the side seams. Go slowly, it will be thick.
Repeat for the other side. This is how it will look now.
Now…this might sound strange, but align the seam you have just sewn with the adjacent lower edge of the mask, this will be achieved by moving it on a 45 degree angle. If you are not sure, put the mask on and you will see how you will need to sew the side seams down flat on the sides of the mask.
Stitch in place. Do the same on the other side.
Here you can see how it will look from the front, back and side views.
Now it is ready to wear, it can be shaped around the nose. It is a good reminder, not to touch your face. I wear it to the shops. Wash hands before and after removing. Hand wash and dry promptly.
Here is how it looks on.
I hope this is helpful. All I can say is, please keep safe, I wish you all good health. At least we can support each other on line.
If you enjoyed this post you may also find this useful.
Surgical Scrub Hat – Ladies & Tutorial
If you are looking for other projects for 10“ squares, here is another.
Little Flower Bag and Tutorial
All the best,
Susie
© Susan Stuklis 2020