What Sewing 500 Masks Taught Me

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! This is one of my first tutorials and clearly I had a lot to learn. I have taken the advice given to me and applied it to my newest videos and incorporated your tips into my sewing. I learned how to sew from watching KZbin videos just 4 months ago, so I am thankful to have sewing experts sharing their experience. Please check out my newest uploads!

[@TrishDarbonne]

Wow, girl, 500 masks wasn't cheap in materials or your labor. Your community is blessed to have you!

[@bwt99]

Absolutely wonderful video. Thank you for no music ( as my hearing is not the best and voice is not drowned out) and not trying to talk through the whole thing, just the essentials. Best video I have seen. You are applauded for your work and I know you will be blessed. Thank you

[@tennysoneffie6943]

All the advice is great and occasionally it’s relevant....but here’s the thing.....we all have our own way of doing things....this video is perfect.... I salute you for everything you are doing for your community. Blessings!

[@peach.lambert]

You're a rock star for sewing so many! I have also turned my craft room into a one-woman mask factory. It feels good to be able to contribute! Chain piecing when you sew the sides would also save you more time. Sew down the top of one, don't cut your thread and just sew down the top of the next and so on. Once you have all of the tops done, cut thread, flip them around and chain piece the bottoms. This saves time and thread :)

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

I almost chained them at the beginning like you said, but I'm still pretty new at sewing and was nervous they may slide around too much for me and make more work than it was worth. Definitely something a veteran can do however! Great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@koalasez1200]

Nice video [especially since there is no music and you aren't babbling the entire time...bless you for that :) ]. I'll start doing the chain-stitch method. Quilters do it and since I quilt I'm at a loss as to why I didn't think to do it....probably because early tutorials didn't show batch process. I cut my fabric 7" wide as it helps keep the mask in place when you talk. I like your folding method too....eliminates an extra ironing step. For someone just learning to do tutorials, awesome job! Thank you.

[@JudyHart1]

KoalaSez I’m a quilter too, was thinking it might be even faster to take two yards of fabric, right sides together, cut strips, then sew those strips together, then cut into mask size. Cut two 6” wide strips, sew each side, then cut those into 9” rectangles, would eliminate one whole step, like strip-tube quilting.

[@rsplatt100]

I have found I have to be careful when ironing to not touch the elastic as it weakens it. I make mine 9.5” x 7” as my co workers in the medical field say they want more coverage

[@lukoflo7668]

Another fabulous tutorial Amber, thank you

[@auxpower13]

Excellent job! The best tip and justification for batch processing is at 16:45. Thanks for sharing and helping everyone who is contributing!

[@pammorschauser2090]

You could run all the longer straight sides one after the other and save thread. Thank you for sharing your method. And thankyou for making so many masks!

[@mmcclure51]

haha... just what I said. At least I agreed w/ you! haha

[@auxpower13]

@@mmcclure51 and save time which is more important. Some machines are finicky about pulling the thread and restarting so this avoids potential escapes from the flow where you might have to rethread part of the machine. Saving thread also reduces the number of material changes on the machine! Great stuff and keep the ideas flowing!

[@mmcclure51]

something we have found is that it's easiest to sew all the "same side" on each set of two. You don't have to cut the thread b/c you just sew from one to the next. Then, take the "string" of fabric sets and sew down the other side. Way more efficient.

[@susandolan213]

I have been tearing my hair out. When I was sewing in the elastic despite as I thought doing what several videos were showing me how to pin it. It is only when watching your video I realised what I was doing wrong. I was attaching the elastic but not tucking it inside the mask..So when I turned it out the elastic was still inside. I have spent hours today and no.finished masks to.show for it. Thank you and you are awesome 😊

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

I’ll be honest I did that my first few masks too! I figured if I was struggling so were other people so I made this video. I’m glad I could help!

[@carolynmerritt7100]

Very nice. However, I did notice you didn't do any back stitching at least for the pleats. They may come apart more easily with only one pass.

[@sbudzinski]

Thank you! This video is exactly what I needed to see/hear . I am very new at sewing..and was very intimidated to get my sewing machine back out for such an important project. Your video was perfect in every way! Please dont change your style of filming or explaining. Thank you again.

[@Marny5580]

i researched all sorts of patterns, and printed about 14 of them. I cleared boxes and made a path to the machine and a place for a stool. I dusted and cleaned my console singer - turned on the machine light, threaded it (one never forgets how to thread a sewing machine!), all excited to actually sew a mask after 2 weeks + 1 day of r & d ... and placed the fabric, lowed the presser foot (all excited now!), and pressed the knee bar. motor labored! hand wheel would not turn! LOLOL aarrgghh ... and no mask made. laughter galore. so called the repair the next day and two laters took machine in for the service it needed since 1964. i hope to pick it up tomorrow. LOL

[@jamesmargraf9751]

Excellent way yo show the process. I really appreciate seeing the sewing over and over. I appreciate your time and efforts. Thank you.

[@rozebradshaw157]

The pleating style is different. I will try it. Thanks and great video

[@gaylemae]

I cut 9 x 12 pieces, removing the one seam, plus take a tiny dart on the seamless side 3/4” by 1/8” wide to cup under the chin. Use a chopstick to push seams out, scraping it down seam to give a crisp edge, no ironing needed. I also topstitch, which I didn’t see you do in the video

[@robyngeist1659]

gaylemae could you do a tiny dart for the nose also, or would that be uncomfortable? I was given 2 masks that had the dart. I thought it was for nose. Lol

[@lorrae683]

Thank you, love all the tips, I’ve made 300 hundred so far and they take me 20 minutes each, going to give this a try today, Awesome!

[@lesa6399]

LorRae bless you!

[@heatherway25]

Thank you so much for these tips. They’re very helpful. Take care and stay well.

[@IMOO1896]

You just give me a wonderful idea! I have been sewing all my seams with white thread, cause that what I have most of, (and I “don’t love” filling bobbins), I have a second machine that I will use for fashion thread and keep my white for connecting seams. The majority of my masks have been, and will be donations, but for a few custom, I want to do them right!. You didn’t actually say the phrase, but the idea came from a statement you made. Also, I love your pleating method, very efficient, but not complicated. Thanks so much!

[@DrStout_onYT]

Five masks in 20 minutes? Astounding! My first mask took nearly four hours!!! Luckily, I’ve gotten much quicker, but definitely not that quick.

[@sharonbartley808]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@shawnyv1046]

Dr. Carolyn Stout Same 😆 same

[@mariaisabelmarshall5175]

😂😂 Same here!

[@kw7187]

Inam amazed that you made so many by yourself. Wonderful job!

[@azucly76]

Thank you for showing how to improve on techniques. I started to do this as well and have been able to make better quality masks for my family and friends. Also great idea on the pleats. They were the most tedious to do but now i see how to create them faster.

[@Jerzidi9]

This is a great video! Informative with everything needed to make these masks. Thank you so much. I’ve already shared to friends who want an easy mask with instructions. Great job!

[@Jerzidi9]

I forgot to tell you that your printed materials are awesome. Thank you.

[@nancyhixon1141]

Wow, awesome video! I'm glad I found your channel. Thanks so much for all the tips🌴🌻🕊🐕🦄😎🕊

[@cyndikarp3368]

Thank you for an excellent demonstration of sewing a face mask that fits. Happy Sewing. When sewing Homemade Face Masks, it's critical to add: Breathable Permanent "Non Woven" Interfacing or Fabric. This will help prevent the passage of the COVID-19 virus. Iron-On or Sewn-in without the glue, should be on the back side of at least one of two different colors of Quilters Cotton, high density thread count. Interfacing also helps to face mask to hold it shape better & not collapse.

[@JudyHart1]

Cyndi Karp I was just thinking, stabilize the outer fabric before you start cutting. I am doing the non-woven stabilizer too, had just picked up a whole bolt of it a couple of months ago at JoAnn, half price!

[@lesa6399]

Bless you for all your time & thoughtfulness.

[@daltsav]

If you use a rotary cutter it will save time in cutting and more accurate.

[@ruthportway5198]

Well done. I have been making masks but on a far more modest scale and of a more complicated design just for neighbours, family and people who feel vulnerable. They work well but are much slower to make so I will now try some of your design. You are doing a great job and tfs the video

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

Once all this is over and fabric stores open up again I plan on getting some nice fabric and making super complicated ones with nose pieces and filter inserts for my family. I really enjoy making these and they are a good item to have on hand "just in case". I feel like for now its important to just get as many out there as possible for the community to use. I'm glad I could help you find a new pattern that works for you!

[@karenmurphy7066]

You go girl! Awesome! Thank you for sharing your techniques! You give me hope I can make some too! Excellent video and wonderful step by step. Thank you Amber!

[@margeryciambra7344]

Looks so easy...thank you for this video....Now let's see if I can make one...I tried some others that were very complicated. Thank you. Margy

[@lindap9079]

I haven't made 500 (Yet) but I agree with you about going through thread. It didn't take me long to switch to using surger thread. I was going through small spools at an alarming rate.

[@angel674able]

Love your tutorial on making masks. chain piecing is wonderful . I still struggle with the pleats it's a hit or miss :)

[@phyllisantosz857]

You are amazing, and I thank you so much for sharing. I feel I really have learned a lot from your video. It was so easy to understand and very helpful. Thank you

[@dianarobertson9407]

Great video! I'm an old pro and picked up a few tricks. Thank you!!

[@christinahall3318]

As I am watching your video I’ve also read some of the replies and am amazed! We mask makers have all learned different ways of making the task go faster. But friend faster is not always better. You are doing a great job and kudos to you for your selflessness. I’ve not made 500 yet but almost 300 in 3 1/2 weeks. Keep up the great work.

[@shirleyrushin3851]

This mask works for me, but I'm small. It's a bit to small for my hubby. Thank you for the simplest instructions!!! BLESSINGS IN GODSPEED 🙏😇💞

[@koalasez1200]

Try 10x8 for hubby. Or 9.5 x 7.5.

[@gloriaa3652]

Nice. I am putting pipe cleaners on the bridge-of-the-nose part of my masks. Wasn’t sure if you inserted some. Just so people know, I got my pipe cleaners at a pipe shop; pipe shops are considered essential and so are open in my state. They are pretty cheap.

[@TruFantacee]

You can find those in Walmart, dollar tree and family dollar in the the craft section

[@donnarichey144]

You are amazing to make so many. It took me 2 days to finish one I was doing with 3 layers. I have numb hands and everything was an ordeal. I learned from others. I did put in wire for the nose. But I like yours and will try without the nose wire. Thank you.

[@SilverHair_1999]

Very good video! Thank you for sharing and being such a blessing in your community. ❤

[@patwentland7588]

LOVE your fabric!!! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@Barb515]

I do something similar with the Olson Masks to try to be more efficient. Thanks for Posting ..Love the fabric !!!

[@JudyHart1]

Very good video, love your technique.

[@janegregis3863]

Awesome!!! I cut my material 9x17 inches. Basically, I sew 1/4 inch on the short ends, then I fold each end 4 1/2 inches, so the middle part measures 7 inches. The whole thing should resemble a pillow sham. I sew all the way around the entire fabric with the wrong sides together. I pleat the sides, then sew a casing on the left & right side over the pleats, it covers up all the rough edges on the sides. When you’re done you can insert something to act as a filter in the back of the mask. No turning inside out, or dealing with elastic. I use t-shirts, trim off bottom, then cut 1 in strips & cut to desired length. If there are seams trim them off & cut to desired length. Then I take the t-shirt ties and run them thru the casing. I use a 8 in long hemastat to insert the ties. My husband said the t-shirt ties are much more comfortable to wear, especially if it’s for long periods of time. So far I’ve made about 200 masks.

[@dellis6884]

We have been using 2 different fabrics because you don't want to remove mask and inadvertently put on opposite way with now possible soiled outside next to your mouth.

[@craigbirss9258]

you are doing a good job picked up some ideas from you thanks

[@denawaskiewicz1326]

Beautiful fabric!

[@shirleyhuff1284]

Have you tried chain piecing to save thread

[@roseruiz4717]

Thank you for sharing the tips and tricks!

[@cherylkhan1687]

Thank you so much for this video. So helpful! One question.... approximately how wide is the mask after you have pleated it?

[@judyhoffman1359]

I keep wondering why some people put in nose bridges, and some do not.

[@dianearrants3268]

Excellent video

[@judithcollins3744]

Very cool! I love your production line method.

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

I noticed you don't topstitch the open end, but go directly to pleating/finishing. Do you find that the loose flaps separate? It looks like your pleat stiching is about .5" from the end, so wondering how you catch that last bit. Your method's a lot faster than doing the shaped mask (which is what I've been doing and it takes about 20 minutes each. I'm also using one layer of non-woven interfacing to improve the impermeability to small microbes, so that adds time and stiffness to the finished product, but I've only made about 50 and had to use ties because there was no elastic to be had anywhere when I started.

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

I try to get as close as I can to the edge so it’s actually .25” or less. I haven’t had any issues with them falling apart, and no one I’ve donated to has told me it’s been an issue. I’ve washed my masks a few times and they’re all holding up well!

[@tracyjulien3287]

How do you secure the stitch of the pleats? You didn't back stitch so how did you secure them?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

In videos I made later (“Pleating Hacks” “1000th Mask”) I clarify that I change from a straight stitch to a triple stitch so I don’t need to lock my stitches, as well as making the pleats more durable.

[@donnarichey144]

Watch whitney sews she was making so many and she found doing all one sides on the masks was faster and you save thread , you do in a long chain then do the other side.

[@dalegarnett7398]

I noticed you don't top stitch where you turned under the seam and ironed. Is it caught when you sew the pleats?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

Yes. I have never had an issue of my ends falling apart and I’ve washed them a few times already.

[@Otowneecee]

Idk how you’re feeling about these critics who have so much to say without putting up their own videos to teach, but I wanted to let you know you’re doing a great job. Just because these critics already know what you’re teaching, that doesn’t mean your video isn’t valuable for people who don’t know what you’re offering for free. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

Thank you! this means a lot to me. The local quilt shop by me gives 2 hour lessons for $175 which is why it took me so long to learn to sew. Used with caution, KZbin can be a great resource!

[@marylindaramos2443]

May I ask, why do you use flannel material? Does it work like a filter? TYIA

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

At first flannel was suggested as it is a better filter but now nurses are reporting they don’t like it as it collects moisture and is hot. Since this video has been uploaded a lot has changed for mask preferences.

[@peggyflowers6755]

Why aren't you doing chain stitching?

[@AnointedSong]

@Peggy Flowers Perhaps she is unaware of that process. I just learned about chain stitching from watching another video. While I have a machine I am a total novice. Maybe you could explain chain stitching so that, if she is interested, she can try it... or she can continue to do what she is comfortable with.

[@SilverHair_1999]

Peggy Flowers....maybe you could explain please what chain stitching is, for people that's not familiar with it. Thank you 😊

[@tinakirksey9675]

Brenda Meredith Chain stitching is where don't cut the thread after you sew one. Then you just sew one after another then you just snip the threads in between each one. I hope this helps. It really saves time and thread.

[@RaxaShah49]

Tina Kirksey And this way you also save a lot of thread.

[@KnottingHookCrochet]

How wide is your fabric to get 28 out of a yard?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

Tenderfoot Art most of my fabric is around 44 inches wide, so by cutting the fold first I am able to get 4 rows of 7 masks from a yard. Note: I am using 2 different fabrics (flannel and quilting cotton) so technically I am using 2 yards (one of each) to get the full 28 masks. If you are using the same fabric for both sides you will get 14 masks.

[@kathrynburlingame5357]

What kind of elastic are you using please?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

Due to the elastic shortage I was using these hair ties. They work great! 200 Pieces Seamless Hair Bands... www.amazon.com/dp/B07TB613LQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@MsDstarr]

Thank you for this video. What sewing machine are you sewing on?

[@jerrynevins1803]

You are an inspiration!

[@maddiecedeno8989]

Great job

[@evalinanebitsi9163]

Thank you, look make it look easy.

[@mercrn1995]

Awesome job! :) What sewing machine are you using?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

I have a Brother HC1850. I love it!

[@justinthefarm]

not sure who you are making these for but in my area flannel is not recommended for medical staff since it is too hot. They won't even accept it. Also, masks need to have nose fittings. Maybe I missed it because I fast forwarded hoping I would pick up some tips.

[@gaylemae]

Janet Farmer you could insert the wire thru the side and topstich around it.

[@justmydeals]

You simply cannot breathe through flannel.

[@Otowneecee]

Must be a regional thing. Because I’m in Southern California and I can breath perfectly fine for hours through one flannel panel and one panel of quilters cotton. Also might depend on the flannel type. I Can’t breath through wool or acrylic flannel at all. Like...period.

[@thatsmyGiGi]

What type machine do you have?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

I have a Brother HC1850. My most recent upload is my review of the machine.

[@huginanenvelope]

pro-tip hahaha yes and its better to use dark material to cover the blood

[@hannahluwatson7579]

@amberx19 What kind of machine are you using? It is so quiet!

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

I have a Brother HC1850, but I also edit the sound so you can hear me better.

[@SunRayBabyJ]

Nice video!

[@ThomasOrndorff]

Thank you!

[@tommygirlg4536]

I like this fabric where did you get it

[@lucyannetooper9475]

Impressive !!!

[@aktarango]

What kind of sewing machine do you use?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

I have a Brother HC1850. Its awesome!

[@aktarango]

amberx19 I have been looking around for a better machine and your looked pretty heavy duty 👍

[@aktarango]

One more question what size of leather needle did you use? 12 ?

[@susanrobinson1775]

Love this in bulk!!!

[@Kim-og4bp]

This is a great tutorial. Easy to follow. Do you have any tips on why my cardigan that holds bobbin keeps dislodging. Needle looks good. Help.

[@arlenemance7867]

Is the tension on your machine set at 4 I’m having problems with the thread pulling out of the needle

[@gaylemae]

Arlene Mance: pull the thread out about 4” after you remove the last item sewn, so the top thread doesn’t get pulled out as it starts to sew

[@cathyg8702]

When you finish whatever you are sewing sew onto a little piece of folded scrap. Cut your work off the back without disturbing the scrap. When you are ready to sew again just butt the new piece up to the scrap and start sewing, cut the scrap off the back to use again.

[@jackieshipp7047]

Your great we are grateful. Wanna donate too

[@robertadzeima5132]

Thank you.

[@tracyjulien3287]

No filters or metal nose strips??? How effective are these masks without fillers & metal nose strips???

[@jennettebennett2620]

I could not hear most of the video well enough to make these, volume was too low, and I had mine to the top. Could you please consider that next time? It's easy for people to turn their vol down but if one has theirs all the way up, there's nothing more they can do. Better for you to be loud and let those people turn theirs down, that way, we all get to hear.

[@cutt1293]

Thank you for posting this tutorial. Very easy to follow and understand. Also, you make a great model but your face masks do unfortunately hide your beauty. 🙂

[@Matriarch57]

No nose wires are great for people without glasses, for people with glasses, not so much.

[@BloomByCC]

Love Love Love to you

[@KrisTheUkeChickGilbert]

Is it not important to back stitch the pleats?

[@sherreenichole]

Kris The Uke Chick Gilbert I was wondering the same

[@gaylemae]

I do, and you could still chainstitch them

[@ericabates5361]

Hello, It is not essential for us to wear a mask outdoors but I would rather wear something than nothing at all. I made a few handmade pleated masks with 7" elastic & was 1/4" thick 💜 then when I wore one to go shopping a few weeks back, it started to hurt my ears. 😋 then I put 4 ties on instead 😋 then I also put 2 elastic headbands on & crossed them at the back 😋 Our Hospitals or Care Workers in the UK do not want homemade masks because they are not PPE standard 💙 But Great Job on the 500 masks you have made & donated. So very kind & helpful of you 💕 & you have certainly got Top Quality Marks for you Pleating Method 😁 Erica x

[@oliviamangiapane1994]

Where are you located I have tons of thread?

[@ruthportway5198]

Erica Bates I think care workers who cannot get N95 PPE will accept handmade masks, I have given some today

[@luhansen8214]

The

[@janetmckinney2487]

should the sewing of Elaslic/

[@peggyflowers6755]

Chain Stitching: Skip to 1:46 for the sewing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYPYenRorpujjsk

[@milliecantre3952]

Love your video. Thank you for close up view. My problem is making pleats. Any pointers. I’ve tried and don’t get it. Thanks, Tori

[@peggyflowers6755]

@@milliecantre3952 She also posted a video on how to make just one mask. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6nHanpslrOHerM

[@cathydanzinger4738]

B

[@surtigirl4374]

Like

[@margiecastonguay517]

This mask you makefits a man too?

[@AmbertheStitchWitch]

In the description of the video I have included 4 different sizes. If you find the size large (8 inch elastic band) still does not fit you can cut it to 9 inches or make your mask itself wider, by going to 10 or even 11 inches wide.

[@debbielind7062]

I don’t understand why she just doesn’t show making one mask. Would save a lot of time watching video. No need to sit and watch making 4 of the same one.

[@debbayley2161]

Debbie Lind - she did in her other video when she had only sewn 97 masks! If you listened to this one - you would have known that!

[@justmydeals]

I don't know why I expected a video of many tips, but that's NOT what this is. It is just this one lady sewing masks over and over again. The only tips were: I gave up after 9 minutes, and the only "troop" into that point was: Don't worry about color matching the thread on the inside, you won't see it anyway.