Welcome and Join

Deschutes Maskers

New Deschutes County, OR Volunteer Group to Sew and Distribute Fabric Face Masks

Greetings!  We are two Bend residents, Barb Cummings and Kate Rumelt.  We are trying to encourage other sewers like ourselves to make and donate reusable, fabric face masks to groups in our beloved Deschutes County, who are particularly threatened by COVID-19. 

Accompanying posts provide the materials list, the downloadable pattern for the Deschutes Masker face mask, and sewing instructions. Another post addresses why we have chosen this pattern.

You are certainly welcome, and in fact encouraged, to use the information and pattern provided to make masks for your own family and friends.

However, the focus of Deschutes Maskers is to make and distribute free, washable and hence reusable, fabric masks to those in need of them outside of our personal circles.  Eligible recipients would include, for example, medical personnel, elderly people living in retirement or other group communities, care centers, and delivery and retail employees (who are out and about daily seeing to our needs).

We’ve all heard about the nationwide shortage of disposable manufactured face masks, such as the pleated surgical mask and the N95 respirator.  It turns out that sewers in numerous areas of the USA already have started addressing this shortage by sewing fabric face masks for their communities.  We are hoping that you will join with us in starting a volunteer movement to do the same here. 

In initiating the Deschutes Maskers, we invite anyone in our county to participate, who wants to make a useful volunteer contribution.  We especially are looking for people or businesses who will donate their time and/or materials-on-hand, to sewing or distributing reusable fabric face masks. Please use the comments section below to let us know of your willingness to participate, what you can do, and where you are in the county.

We also would like to hear from those individuals or groups in need, who would like to receive these masks.  The main requirement is that the masks actually be used!   

Our view is that wearing a fabric mask—especially a brightly-colored, cheery one—is a good way to communicate love for our community and our defiance against this terrible virus.

Finally, we owe a very special thanks to Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair, without whose enthusiastic support and help, the “Maskers” probably wouldn’t have taken shape.

Let’s go Maskers!

Barb Cummings (R) & Kate Rumelt (L)

About the Mask Pattern

Deschutes Maskers

How and Why the Mask Pattern Was Selected

We have adopted a specific sewing pattern for the Deschutes Maskers. This post explains how and why it was selected.

Barb and Kate reviewed patterns and plans for home-sewn, adult fabric face masks found on the Web.  We prototyped two designs, constructing them in fabric, and checking their fit on various adults. The first style considered was a fabric version of the flat, disposable, pleated surgical mask with which most of us are probably familiar.  

The winning style is an adult-sized, contoured/round design developed by artist Jen Murphy and medical professional, Sabra Stein.  Their excellent and very informative fabric mask website is https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask (hereafter referred to as the “original site”). 

Here is a Deschutes Maskers face mask, which is based on and very similar to the regular-size mask in the original site. The Deschutes Maskers pattern adds a few minor modifications to the original, to improve fit as well as longevity through repeated hot washes.

We believe that the Deschutes Masker pattern is the best mask design of those out there that we reviewed and prototyped, for the following reasons:

• The edges fit closely to the face, reducing gaps that let in sneeze and cough droplets
• The top edge is contoured to accommodate a sewn-in nose-wire, further improving fit and decreasing gaps
• The curved cut provides a trim profile for the wearer, and is as comfortable as a mask can be expected to be.
• It is quick and simple to sew, using only a single-piece pattern template
• Its durable, 2-layer design can be washed hot, and reused over and over
• An opening can be left at the bottom of the mask for optional later insertion of a filter
• It uses earloops instead of cumbersome ties
• Earloops are threaded through a casing rather than having to be sewn in, allowing:
• easier sewing
• earloop length adjustability for each wearer, critical to good fit
• easy replacement of elastic earloops for wearers who might be allergic
• easy replacement of worn-out earloops.

Legal Disclaimer:  We make NO CLAIMS that masks made with this pattern will protect you from COVID-19.  Use at your own risk.

Supply List

Deschutes Maskers

Supplies Needed to Make Face Masks

Summary of What You Need:

Deschutes Maskers master pattern download

Fabric, prewashed and dried

Thread

Narrow elastic for earloops (about 22-28” per mask, depending on adjustment option selected)

Bendable, thin wire for nose-wire (about 4” per mask)

Clear nail polish, or alternative

Important Details About What You Need:

Pattern:   

The mask master pattern is simple, consisting of only 1 piece that you can download here and print.

To print the master pattern accurately, make sure your printer is set for “actual size” or “100% size” printing. 

Fabric Amount:

For 1 mask, you need to cut 4 fabric pattern pieces (ppcs), each of which uses the mask master pattern as the template. 

Two of these ppcs will make up the mask exterior, with the other two used to make the interior layer.

It may help your planning to know that 1 ppc can be cut from an 8” x 8” square.

Fabric Type:

Many of you probably have fabric in your stash that will work beautifully for these masks.  For both exterior and interior mask layers, use good quality/tightly woven cotton or cotton/poly fabric.  Use regular, good quality sewing thread able to withstand daily, hot machine washing and drying. The goal is to create a strong, double layer mask, which also is breathable.

You can use the same fabric for the mask exterior and interior, or vary them for interest or quicker recognition of which side is which.  It’s up to you and the fabric you have available.  

The original site emphasizes not to use stretchy, sequined or velvet materials.  Stick to the tight-woven cottons (or cotton-polys).   If you hold a layer of your fabric up in front of a light and look through it, you can see and evaluate the tightness of the weave.

Fabric Prewashing/Drying:

Be sure to hot-wash and dry your fabric before making masks with it.  This is so any shrinkage occurs before you measure the material and make the mask.  

Earloop Elastic:

An elastic loop on each side of the mask hooks over the wearer’s ears, holding the mask on. 

You can use any kind of flat or cord elastic that is narrow enough to be worn comfortably behind the ears.  Some good earloop elastics include 1 - 2 mm jewelry elastic round cord, or narrow, flat sewing elastic, 1/8” – 1/4” wide.   We have tested both and they work.

If you don’t have enough or even any of the elastic, don’t let that stop you from making as many masks as you can.  The earloop elastic is inserted as quick last step in the mask-making process, and is not sewn in. So if necessary, earloops could be added later.

Nose Wires:

In our prototyping, we used 24-gauge galvanized steel wire (on-hand in garage).

While you need not use exactly the same thing, you do need a wire that is thin, bendable, holds its shape, and won’t rust after laundering.  For example, you might consider a thin, coated strand taken from a copper electrical wire.  

Each mask nose-wire’s finished length should be 3-3/4”. 

To blunt the tips, apply 2 or 3 coats of nail polish, or a touch of hot glue. 

If the wire ends are still too sharp, consider adding 1/2" to the finished length, and then bending each end back 1/4" and crimping.

 

If you want to make masks but are missing some supplies:

Contact us through the comment section below, and Barb and Kate will attempt to match you with someone who can help

If you have supplies to share:

Again, use the comments section we will attempt to match you up.

Mask Pattern Download & Instructions

Deschutes Maskers

Mask Master Pattern and Sewing Instructions

1. Download Mask Master Pattern here. Be sure to print in "Actual Size" or "100% Size."
2. Choose, wash in hot water, and dry fabric(s).
3. Set out the wire that you will use for mask nose-wires (about 4” per mask).
4. If you have it, set out the narrow elastic that you will use for earloops (about 22-28” per mask, depending on adjustment method chosen).  Otherwise, skip this step for now, and post a comment letting Barb and Kate know you need earloop elastic.
5. Be confident that the more masks you make, the quicker, easier, and more intuitive the process will become. The steps below can go quite fast.

Cutting Your Fabric

1. Using the Mask Master Pattern downloaded and printed at full (100%) size, cut 4 fabric ppcs for each mask, each using the Master Pattern as template. (Picture 1)
2. Two of these ppcs will make up the mask exterior, and the other 2 will become the mask interior/lining.
3. You can use the same or different fabrics for the exterior and interior layers--it is up to you. Some believe that different fabrics for the 2 layers add interest or make it easier to see which side is which.

Picture 1:  4 ppcs to make 1 mask, all cut using the Master Pattern Download

Sewing

1. Use 1/4" seams throughout project.
2. For each mask, identify the 2 ppcs for the exterior layer, and the 2 for the interior.  Using Picture 2, also note the PPc areas, including mask bottom edge and curved center front seam.
3. Turn all 4 ppcs wrong side (WS) up.  Fold each ppc's straight bottom edge up by approximately 1/8", and then up by the same amount again.  Press to hold.  You should end up with a narrow bottom-edge hem about 1/8" high, with no raw edge showing.  Stitch the hem in place on all 4 ppcs.
4. Match the 2 interior and 2 exterior ppcs into pairs, fabric right sides (RS) together.
5. For each pair, on fabric WS, sew the mask's center curved seam.
6. Do the following to help prevent fraying during washing, as follows. On WS of mask exterior, fold both center curved seam allowances to one side. Sew the doubled seam allowances to the mask fabric underneath, keeping the fabric underneath smooth. Slightly stretching the mask fabric towards you helps flatten the curved seam allowance for sewing. Repeat for mask interior, except fold the seam allowances to the other side, to reduce bulk later.
7. Match mask exterior and interior ppcs, RSs together. Starting at one bottom corner, sew up the earloop casing edge, around the curved top of the mask, and down the other earloop casing edge to the other bottom corner. In other words, attach exterior and interior by sewing around 3 sides of the mask perimeter, while leaving the hemmed bottom edge unsewn and open.
8. The next step is to attach the nose wire. Switch machine to a medium-dense zigzag, wide enough to encase the nosewire in it. Center the nosewire at the top of the center front seam, marking in the top edge seam allowance, where the ends of the wire will rest. Then place the wire in the seam allowance, just barely above the perimeter stitching you just completed. Zigzag over the wire to hold it in place, creating what amounts to a thread casing to hold it in place
1. The ideal is for the bottom of the zigzag stitching to fall on top of the perimeter (straight) stitching, so the nosewire ends up affixed above and right next to the straight stitching. However, as long as the wire is zigzagged somewhere onto the 1/4" seam allowance of the nose area, it will work. 
2.  Begin and end the zigzag, before and after you reach the wire ends. The zigzag at the wire ends should be dense and continuous enough that the wire cannot slide out of your thread casing, from either end.
3. This may sound difficult, but it becomes quick and easy with practice.
9. Using the open bottom edge, turn mask RS out. Press. (Picture 3)
10.  Mark a centered 3" length along the open bottom edge. This becomes a hemmed opening into the mask interior, allowing the wearer to insert an optional filter layer, if desired. (Filter material is not included in this pattern.)
11. Topstitch near the edge around the entire mask, except for the 3" filter opening. Consider using a zipper foot, as it may ease passing by the nosewire area. In addition to strengthening the whole mask, topstitching finishes fixing the nosewire in place.
12. Lay mask lining side up. On one side of the bottom edge, measure approximately 4" from the center seam, and use this point to fold the earloop casing edge toward mask center. Repeat for the other earloop casing edge. On mask lining side, sew the casing in place, on top of the previous topstitching.  (Picture 4)

    

    Picture 2:  Mask PPc Areas

    

    Picture 3:  Mask turned right-side out
    

    
    

    

    Picture 4:  Mask interior with earloop casings, earloops, and "tourniquets"

Attaching Elastic Earloops, and Making Them Adjustable

1. Our prototyping showed that earloop adjustability is critical to improving mask fit on each individual. Good fit is key to reducing gaps that can let in sneeze and cough droplets.
2. From narrow elastic or stretch cord, cut 2 x 10" pieces for the earloops. Dab clear nailpolish on the ends to prevent fraying.
3. For our "tourniquet" earloop adjustment method, cut an additional 2 x 3" pieces. If you have it, consider making these a contrasting color.  Omit the nailpolish.
4. Feed a 10" elastic piece through each of the mask's side casings, using whatever tool you have available.
5. Grasp and align the 2 cut ends of one of the earloops, which are protruding from each end of the casing.  It makes things much easier if you keep these ends together by applying a quilter's clip, clothespin, small binder clip, barrette, or anything small that clips closed.
6. Take up one of the 3" "tourniquet" pieces of elastic. Below the clip, tie this around the two strands of the earloop elastic. Tie the tourniquet as tightly as you can, using a square knot (which doesn't slip). (Picture 4).
7. Trim the tourniquet ends to about 1/2". Apply clear nailpolish to them. Remove the clips.
8. Check earloop adjustability. Take an elastic earloop end in each hand (below the tourniquet), and pull them gently apart against the tourniquet. The earloop will get smaller. Make it larger by grasping the earloop sides from above the tourniquet, and again pulling them apart against the tourniquet. 
9. After you've adjusted the earloops, you might take the mask off and rotate the tourniquets and earloop ends so that they are up inside the earloops' fabric casings, out of the way and invisible. 

Legal Disclaimer:  We make NO CLAIMS that masks made with this pattern will protect you from COVID-19.  Use at your own risk.

Fitting the Mask to Your Face

The mask's fit against your face is crucial.  All edges--the complete perimeter--should firmly touch your face.  There should be no gaps.

Our mask has built-in ability to fine tune the fit to each individual wearer's face.

Steps To Adjust the Mask's Fit to Your Face

• Learn how the earloop size adjustment works.
• Put the mask down on a table, interior side up.  Identify each earloop's two raw ends, which are tied together with another, short piece of elastic (called the "tourniquet.")
• Choose one of the earloops, and using two hands, pick up an elastic end in each hand.  Now gently pull the two ends apart against the tourniquet.  The earloop gets smaller.  To make it bigger, again pull the two sides apart against the tourniquet, but this time from above the tourniquet. 
• Put the mask on, with the earloops over your ears. 
• Adjust nose-wire positioning and shape
• The top of the nose area should be positioned below the bridge of your nose. 
  
• When putting on the mask for the first time, we've observed that many people need to grasp the mask below the chin and pull it down a little.  If you were wearing glasses, the tip of the nose area would come up comfortably a little underneath your glasses.
• Shape the inner wire around your nose to eliminate gaps.
•   Adjust earloop size.
• Use the method learned above.
• Earloop size can be adjusted while you are wearing the mask.  Reaching back with two hands, pull against the tourniquet from above (increase) or below (decrease). 
• When you're happy with their lengths, you might want to take off the mask and rotate the earloops inside their casings, so tourniquets and elastic ends are hidden and out of the way.
• We suggest not cutting off excess earloop elastic.  The ends have been treated not to fray in the wash.  Also, if someone might get this mask after washing (group laundering situations), they might need different a earloop length.
• Check overall fit on your face--Do this each time you wear the mask
• Run your fingers lightly around the whole perimeter of the mask.  Check for gaps everywhere.  Don't rely on just looking in a mirror.
• If you find a gap, try moving the mask up or down a little (amounting to having it sit on your nose a little higher or lower).  You also can reshape the nose wire, and/or change earloop length, or the amount of gathering of the fabric casing.
• If the mask is way too big or way too small, and you have no other good alternative, you can alter the mask sewing.  The simplest way might be to undo the side casing stitching and restitch it, by machine or by hand.  You could make the turned-back casings less wide, increasing mask width, or do the reverse to decrease it.

The opening at the bottom of the mask allows you to insert a third, "filter" layer, if desired.

You can wash/dry the mask hot, by machine or by hand.