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.