What we’ve learned after making 167,000 masks!!!

We made masks for the masses, and learned some tricks along the way. We have an updated pattern for a snug fit if you have an opportunity to get face measurements.
Click the link below for the personal fitted mask template by Jesse Killion
media.rainpos.com/220/persona...

[@DonnaWillis]

As a physician I have reviewed a host of DYI mask tutorials. This FAQ mask video is by far the best! It has clear directions, explanations, and useful advice. It covers most of the mask designs, techniques, and materials. It is what I will refer to patients and their families. Sincere thanks to The Fabric Patch. Stay well by following basic public health advice. Be confident in your ability and common sense. We’re all in this together everywhere in the world. What you do matters!

[@TheFabricPatch]

Thank you so much!!!

[@womaninattic]

Donna Willis thank YOU! For the review, the encouragement and for all that you do.

[@carmenpadilla3076]

Donna Willis. Wearing masks lowers your oxygen level in your blood by 15 to 20% and raises your heart rate . It puts stress on your body that will impact on your immune system. Stamford University did a study on surgeons. They dont protect you from viruses. They were never ment to be used for that.

[@shirleybishop7907]

@@carmenpadilla3076 We all know that. Have a nice day.

[@jdstep97]

@@carmenpadilla3076 - Then what were they _meant_ (as opposed to "ment") for? How do you know that? And are there other scholars who oppose masks?

[@kerwynbrat5771]

I'm a nurse, let me give you a wear tip for your full head elastic bands. Place the bottom band on top of your head and the top band on the bottom back of your head. This will create an "x" just in front of your ears. This makes the mask fit much better and much more securely.

[@BrianScottLeist]

thanks... i tried that and it helps a lot... not a fan of this but if I want to shop, I have to play this game.

[@ismata3274]

yes!

[@jenniferflax4677]

Yup. I get out of breath so have to have slower motion, especially if trying to walk fast or run😥

[@suebean3873]

Ro Omrow I read that, but I cannot figure out why they would say not to criss cross. Can’t imagine what that would do if you did criss cross.

[@debrareyna9243]

@Lost Hero I would argue that what he's doing is the antithesis of selfish. He doesn't like wearing the mask but he's doing it anyway. Selfish would be NOT wearing the mask.

[@gthalen]

I have been teaching for 34 years, and I am so impressed with your communication skills. You know what you are talking about and speak so clearly and specifically, no alert viewer would be confused. Bravo to you and thanks. I hope when you are not making masks that you are a teacher!

[@ZBexx]

This is wonderful~ thank you for sharing all your trials. As an experienced sewer I feel this gives a lot of options and the details one wants to know before making more masks, great to hear all the feedback you've had and sharing it!

[@nadinesherry8494]

This is AWESOME!! And yes, I will now making the custom ones for the family. Great new pattern. I love that you are helping us all help each other!!!

[@craftpassion]

Thank you, Cindy, first of all, thank you for choosing Craft Passion's mask to sew and test. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that your video for answering all the questions that were being asked from all over the world. I will link this video and update the pattern that Jesse Killion has made to my original mask pattern page, as well as pin it to our FB Face Mask Support Group. Thank you again.

[@shaminnaicker7637]

Thank you for being open to suggestions and for always embracing other points of view. You are an amazing person. God bless.

[@TheFabricPatch]

My pleasure!! Thank you for your design and for sharing it. We are a good team!

[@exoticbeautifuleyes5]

Craft Passion I choose your tutorial to make my masks. Thanks for sharing your tutorial and the web page! Greetings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷!

[@nanakf2981]

Craft Passion - when I was looking for a mask pattern I choose your tutorial. I thought it was presented well. My husband likes the fit so well he asked me to make a few extra for his woodworking shop. I have one in progress for myself too! I will try this new Jesse Killion pattern too - I'm sure we'll love them both. Thank you again for your contribution.

[@jessicah3450]

I love the idea of aluminum baking pans! The ones used for grilling are generally thicker. I wash mine in mesh bags to help them last longer.

[@donnawebb6291]

Thank you for sharing all you have learned with us, so we don't have to "reinvent the wheel." Excellent video! I feel like I've been to mask-making class.

[@johnriles462]

Finally, a pro outfit is answering unanswered questions. These are truly relevant answers to problems we amateurs are having. I'm going to be 72 and have been sewing off and on for 40 some years, much less lately. I will watch your other videos now. Many thanks for your sharing, please continue to do so.

[@TheFabricPatch]

Thank you!! Super nice. Email me if you have questions.

[@xyzsame4081]

Seamstresses (sewing then of thousands of masks) meet engeneering skills - that is the best of civic engagement. Thanks for your efforts.

[@stephaniemorris3760]

Seamstresses always have been engineers! Scientist invent the materials and engineers bring that knowledge to practical use.

[@amhanson_]

Sewists.

[@antoinettemitchell2888]

THANK YOU for these videos: you are an excellent instructor. from a front line nurse who is still making masks

[@karenlaake8093]

Thank you for all the tips! and bless your heart!🧡‼️ Thats a lots masks you made and I'm sure you are VERY appreciated‼️

[@IlainaM]

Also I am an engineer just learning to sew. Bravo to Jessie. I came up with similar design. You need an angled side to mask so elastic pulls upward making a seal under chin. This is why nurses cross the elastic on mask.

[@guillerminaciriaco-runge2417]

What I did with putting the wire is to use 5/8 rib ribbon and sewed one side so you can insert the wire.

[@Lydiatapley]

@@captcobbler28 I am confused as the measurements on the pattern pieces don't seem to be the same as the ones mentioned in the video . help please?

[@MaryfromCA]

@@Lydiatapley did you check the 3 inch bar at the top with a ruler. Your printer may be set to something besides 100% so the scale is off when printed. Mine is spot on the money

[@Lydiatapley]

Mary C thank you, all sorted! X

[@loisosullivan2355]

Lydia mTapley

[@evitapsingleton]

You are so wonderful for freely sharing your knowledge, coming back and doing a wide-ranging, in-depth recap as well as giving credit to Jessie for his pattern. These actions are indeed the sign of a true giver. Blessing to you and yours!

[@nataliewest8400]

Thank you so much for all you've done and for sharing Jesse's patterns . As warmer weather approaches, we appreciate the bit of extra space for breathing that is incorporated into his patterns. Thanks for sharing his patterns as a slight adjustment to what you have done. My husband and I now have comfortable masks that fit us tightly.

[@michellemcbride6327]

Y’all are amazing!!! I want to thank you ALL for all the long hours and hard work you’ve put in all in the name of Love!!! May God Bless you all for you are unsung heroes as well❣️👏🏼🙏

[@babeage]

You're an amazingly generous and kind person. Thank you for your service and for inspiring so many of us.

[@tanyajuli4145]

You are awesome to wholeheartedly adopt Jesse's design instead of seeing it criticism of the one have been making. Thanks for this update, for the info on string materials and a clear and concise breakdown. This is VERY helpful.

[@deborahakers5548]

I have to admit you have answered all my questions before I could even ask them!! Great tutorial and Thank You so very very much because I haven’t made any but some were given to me and I have to say you are the most help for a mask if anyone ever needed help! You are a God Sent ! I just bought a bunch of fabric to make my family masks so now they can pick what will make them the happiest! Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻😃😃😃😃

[@momt1013]

I found "doorbell" wire at hardware store. It is a thin copper plastic coated wire that comes triple (white, red and black coating). I cut into appropriate lengths and glue gun dot the ends so no exposed wire and place into a sewn in pocket on wrong side of lining of each mask. So far has worked well

[@sacrebleu1371]

That is a good idea.

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

This is the best mask "lessons learned" video I've seen! Thanks for making this! When I make my masks now, I will be standing on the shoulders of giants!

[@jessjtadesigns]

You’ve helped me so much in my mask making effort! Yes all these I have found out too, I’ve settled on a pattern that fits well, and you can breath through, with interfacing. 200 in one month, and recently 50 more to women in need shelter near me. I hope I never have to do this again. But I will if we have too. I pray for each one of you. Stay well and wear your cute masks😍.

[@carpedekem]

I'm particularly sensitive to a mask rubbing my mouth as I try to speak, so I appreciate the extra room given by the Jesse Mask. I made it even better suited to my needs by sewing a 6" piece of fairly heavy wire (with looped ends) to the inside of the outer layer of fabric, above and parallel with my mouth. I shaped it so that I've got a wire cage that holds the fabric completely away from my mouth, even when I breathe in. In order to accommodate the extra volume this creates, I needed to go up a quarter inch size in the nose to chin measurement. Thank you, Fabric Patch, for sharing your experience and knowledge! Stay well!

[@royalmaster203]

good idea

[@Alexandriniums]

I have been wondering if something like this would work. Thank you!

[@idledreameress]

Great tweak - thank you for sharing. Maybe plastic strips cut from a milk bottle could be another alternative.

[@azaleasmom1]

Thank you for your advice. I appreciate you sharing all of your experience with mask making. You have helped me immensely, as I have made now hundreds for local and other people for donations.

[@mhuser4590]

Many, many, many, many THANKS!!! I really cannot express how much I appreciate all of your information!!! Blessings to you!!!!

[@jlovelace486]

This is the best tutorial I've seen. Here in Ohio, were flattening the curve, but still making masks. I've found hair elastic bands for thick hair work great for ear loops. Also, "fabric" reusable grocery bags are polypropylene. They work great. Awesome job and kudos to your whole staff.

[@robertstaffa9232]

I came across this video recently by accident. I have to say, thank you for all that you have been doing in this effort. Aside from being very detailed in the presentation of your very helpful instruction, you are an awesome person for staying on top of your skills by thoughtfully tweaking your product. Best to you!

[@angiemcdermid4845]

Its July and I am inspired to make another set of masks for my family and friends that fit better and are more comfortable for the long haul. Thanks so much.

[@kathywilliams8708]

Thank you for your thorough instructions for face masks. I watched your initial videos and this follow up was great. I appreciate your guidance. This has been an important learning curve for all if us. Thank you for sharing.

[@florakoutouzakis9615]

I am a long time lover of sewing and so have a great deal of experience. You explanations were clear, and consice. Your instructions were understandable. The different options for ties were great ideas. It's one of the best tutorials on yt. No fuss, no muss. You took the stress out of it. I hope more folks will feel encouraged to lend a hand. Thank you. God bless you. 🙏🙏🙏😇❤❤❤

[@bosszxz90]

I very much agree that this is a great tutorial, my sister is a nurse. Under her guidance, I bought 5 packs of organic cotton muslin cloths on the DEFONO store on Amazon as the fabric of the mask. I made 26 masks for healthcare workers. If you need fabric I recommend it to you

[@jbmsr42]

This was an amazing source of information. I especially liked the fitted mask, as I really wanted to make some for me, and others, that is comfortable! Thank you so much! Bonnie

[@sharonwood2864]

Thank you so much for your absolute dedication to detail with these KZbin presentations. I've made many masks with your recipe over recent months weeks/ months and have felt safe and well guided by your recipes.. I have made masks for friends and family and felt that I couloutrage them to feel well protected. This presentation, the responses to all the FAQs and to people's anxiety, is just so sweet and thorough. I am a nurse in the community in Australia c.. I wish you all well and thank you for your efforts and your absolute thoroughness. you are absolutely awesome. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dandmpug1]

This was immensely informative - thank you so much, not only for this video, which helped me so much (even though I've been sewing for decades), but for all you've done during such a difficult time. Stay safe!

[@nellers31]

That second pattern fits my face the best...looks a lot like one my coworker made for me. Goes under the chin nicely. I finally made one mask, hand sewn. Lol I broke two sewing machine needles... Also got tired of fixing my bobbins. 😂 Thank you for the videos. They have helped me!

[@libbywalsh358]

You are amazing. ❤️ thank you so much for giving so many people your time and experience. Also your contribution to the world during this pandemic. What a gift you are. 🤩💖

[@libbywalsh358]

Youn say we made the masks. How many people were involved? ❤️

[@lindarodriguez2899]

Thank you! I have made almost 80 masks for my family members and thanks to you I have used washed polypropylene grocery bags and have used tshirt ties when I couldn't find elastic! You are a wealth of information! Thank you, and thank you for this update!

[@gailterry3134]

Excellent tutorial!! All your tips will help improve the fit and feel of my masks greatly. Thank you so very much for all the hard work you put into these mask tutorials!!!!

[@Fit_Kitty]

Just want to thank you for all of the great information! I've watched all 4 videos and I'm planning to make masks for my husband and me. Thank you for all the masks you've made for our health care professionals! You and your team are amazing!

[@manupatel8986]

Thank you so much for this well thought out follow up video in ways to improve the quality, the efficiency and wearability of the protective masks. This is Big! Saves Lives!

[@sandigomez6773]

Thank you for how thoughtful, innovative and informative this video is. Appreciate that you shared so much great information!!

[@shikapollard9567]

Thank you for all your words of wisdom and hours of experience!!! And thank you to Jesse Killion who has just made making masks for my four men (6' to 6'4") much easier!

[@lindysmallwood2039]

This is one of the best information videos I’ve seen. I’m a nurse. Thank you so much for taking care of all of us. Patient care is a team effort. You are a great part of our team!!! Be safe ❤️🌺

[@Reading9188]

Thanks for the informative video. You have covered about everything. Thank you for taking the time to show us the various ways to make masks. You have showed me that my masks can be improved upon. You are a blessing to people. May God continue to bless you.

[@vickilawhorn8284]

First of all, you deserve a standing ovation for assembling all those masks! As a Californian, we are now two months into our shelter in place orders, but are slowly easing back into the real world again, so I'm just steadily making more masks for my family. I stumbled upon some of the same insights that you shared, especially when working with elastic and ties. Pipe cleaners have worked well for me as the top piece to get a better fit, and my sewing machine has done fine securing them at the ends. Thanks for posting the new pattern from Jesse Killion. I think one of my sons who will be back to work really soon will find this a little more comfortable. Great work and advice! Thank you!!!

[@bgirlsquirrel]

I have loved your videos on the masks. I have made a bunch for my co-essentials, my moms, my neighbors and their families, and a whole bunch of my friends and their co-workers. I've been using the heavier aluminum baking pans the whole time as they have been easy to find. I don't fold them in layers, I just fold the edges in so nothing is too sharp on the nose and then I only have to see it on through one layer of aluminum. Everyone who has gotten a mask from me says the aluminum pans was so clever! Well done. I also ended up modifying the mask pattern to make channels for elastic or a Paracord drawstring. I leave the bottom part of the cord intact, then you only have one tie to contend with. I also ended up finding a polyfabric called Smart-Fab, a little lighter weight than the Oly Fun. Again, thank you so much for all your hard work and effort for first responders and teaching us how to do this. Much love from the other side of the mountains 💜💜🐿️

[@laurajeanpalma857]

I can't thank you enough for your GREAT tutorials. I've learned much. These have been so valuable. ... for me I need to have all the answers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! ❤️

[@carliamiller]

You all did so much work and as a healthcare worker I appreciate your thoughtful insight and medical knowledge! And as a novice sewer, I love your simplified design! AND as a fellow Washingtonian, I'm happy to see so much local help.. Thank YOU! ❤

[@beth_2125]

It's very generous of you for being willing to share someone else's patterns. Thank you!!

[@tharp769]

You ladies are amazing! I'm not in the medical field. I am just a grandma trying to protect my family & make some extra masks for my community. I appreciate & value your videos & the sensible, easy to follow information you provide. Thank you for your hard work, love & kindness...& most of all for sharing. Stay safe & healthy.💚

[@SandraS1397]

I started making masks for my husband and son who are still working and decided to make for community.

[@QuiltLady]

There is no such thing as “just a grandma”! I bet you are amazing. Wouldn’t be fun if we could be a meet and greet covered dish supper and sharing of our findings. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s suggestions and information. And of course the video!

[@Angela-zf8sn]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THESE TIPS 😊 I've tried to make a mask several times and I'm just wasting t shirts and pillow cases I gave up but this video gives me hope to try again thanks so much!😊

[@traveler9199]

Thank you for all your help and you have done such a wonderful job with great humility. Bless you all always.

[@pattybrant2147]

Wow! You are warriors to be thanked! Just watching you makes me proud to have a sewing machine. Blessings

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

Who would thumbs down someone giving so much to society?

[@geegee4582]

A jealous person?

[@KathyGwosdz]

I was wondering the same thing....

[@arbonneladyTN]

Some people just like to put a 👎 on everything! Sad pathetic people.

[@23angelpie]

Idoit deniers

[@Kate98755]

Bluegrass Arts Anne why would you thumbs down, ridiculous

[@roxannad9134]

I know many that have problems tying straps and they don’t like elastic, so I made shorter straps with velcro on the ends. Even someone with arthritis can put them on and get a snug fit.

[@irismorales501]

My husband suggested that to me,, but I figured it would be annoying to have hair get caught on the velcro. I have long hair (as does our granddaughter) and the thought of having to deal with velcro tangled in hair is not too appealing. Have you had issues with that? Would work for people with short or cropped hair....

[@roxannad9134]

@@irismorales501 The velcro was a wonderful solution for those who don’t have the ability to tie straps in a bow. The ones with long hair didn’t have any complaints - they were very happy to have a mask to use.

[@harmonygibbs7904]

I would suggest snaps a well. very good on a 'tie' that has a little stretch to it as well.

[@meiraloraduncan8953]

Harmony Gibbs That’s a great idea because with multiple snaps you could make it adjustable to suit the wear.

[@jdstep97]

Roxanna D - The velcro sounds nice, but my hair would get stuck on that all the time.

[@sheilacasey6293]

I’m blown away by your generosity of information. You have saved me hours of experimenting. Thank you so much.

[@bonnieblackburn8441]

Thank you for all the great ideas and help! We appreciate all you do!

[@jackiemorrell2298]

Thank you for your skills and passing on the lessons learned. Also, gotta love an engineer, thanks Jesse K.

[@kkcm53]

Thank you! I've had a terrible time making my family a mask that fits. This should do the trick😷😊Thank you again! Blessings💞

[@thecannamomshow]

Thank you, this is exactly what I needed today. I started making masks in March for a friend working in a hospital and have been using the same pattern since. But my family has been giving me feedback on fit (especially my daughter who is a runner) and I was on -line today looking for exactly this!!! Going to take my family's face measurements right now.

[@PhilR0gers]

Excellent video, and the "made-to-measure" patterns are the best ones I have found anywhere.

[@leftycrafter]

“Just don’t eat it” (the polypropylene) 🤣🤣 Perfect.

[@Lobo4ever]

I'm using foam covered wire tie (for plants) for nose pieces with excellent results, and I've found that I also prefer ties that go around the head instead of the ears. I use 1/4" elastic for the headband, and shoe laces for ties at the neck to get a snug fit. Thanks for the tips!

[@acrafterscanvas9408]

Thank you so much for this mask. I now believe I can get my perfect fit. Again, thank you and God bless your company and Jesse Killion.

[@paulamirada2]

The title alone is what drew me to watch this video. Great title and video for everyone. Not just for masks but, I learned more about the different products out there. Huge thanks to The Fabric Patch and to all those who have contributed their time educating the world. Thank you kindly.

[@samanthabushkes1805]

Thank you for the video, I’m making masks for my community in the U.K. I’ve also been using Polypropylene as a lining. It’s great to know that my research is good, and other sewers are using the same as me. Well done for your hard work xx

[@lynnstratton2890]

Thank you so much for all the information and guidance you have provided! I’ve made both of your recommended styles, the newest for a nurse who preferred a more custom fix. Everyone loves them, and I am happy to be able to contribute to the cause! Thank you!

[@TheFabricPatch]

Thank you so much! Yes when we had to make thousands of masks quickly generic size was a necessity but now it’s very very nice to have some custom fit masks that are very comfortable to wear. Thank you so much for your support!

[@ninaholmes4120]

Thank you so much for your tireless research on the many versions of mask making. You are indeed an Angel of Mercy😇

[@jeanetteanictomatis4080]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this - saves everyone precious time :)

[@barbc6471]

Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise in FL is cutting both straight and curved pieces of stainless steel for nose pieces for masks. They sell as few as 10, for $5, and also in larger quantities. These can be sewn inside your masks, or even on the outside. They have a small hole at each end of the strip. I sewed mine into the seam allowance after I stitched the mask, next to the outer layer to keep it farthest from your skin. They are sturdy but flexible enough to bend to fit easily. You can read a lot of comments on their page from people who have used them. They have donated many of these to people making large amounts of masks to donate and by making these, they have been able to keep their employees working. Mine came in 3 days. Check them out on their Facebook page.

[@LindaBelinda2]

This was such a clear and concise presentation. Thank you for your knowledge and sharing it to all of us. Bravo, 👏🏼👏🏼from The Bahamas!

[@karenp1800]

What a fantastic and thorough summary. 28 viewing minutes well spent. Thanks very much for the well more than 28 minutes it took to put it all together!

[@marijabu]

Thank you SO much. I have been using your pattern for many weeks and it has been popular. The updates are super useful.

[@ruthportway5198]

Thank you so much Cindi, I have been making the masks using craft passion pattern and your instructions. I then found a way of inserting the elastic during sewing and then top stitching the whole item to finish. I have done some wider, not sewing the elastic in but turning the ends of the masks to the Inner side forming a casing. The elastic is threaded through the casing so that the wearer can tie a knot each side to give a personal fit, turning the elastic so that the knot is in the casing, the elastic can then be replaced if it perishes from washing. You have done a wonderful job making so many masks and inspiring many of us in the community to make them for family, friends and neighbours, I have shared the pattern and your videos with many people in UK. Thank you

[@55600852]

Can you show a pic or video?

[@lillygirl1303]

I've just finished making over 50 of these masks. I made a small tweak to make them fit better. On the sides where you spoke about a small gap if the elastic was too high, I made a pleated fold with the gapped material. Not only does it solve that problem but it makes the mask fit better overall.

[@juliek3367]

Thank you so much for all of the information. I have tried a few different styles and haven't really been 100% happy with them. I have been altering the patterns I have and I think Jesse's look exactly like what I have been trying to come up with. I really like your tip regarding moving the lower strap up 1/4 to 1/2" from the bottom of the mask. Thank you again.

[@colourwheel5703]

What a great video. Thank you so much for sharing all that you’ve learned. We appreciate it. 😀🇨🇦❤️👍

[@ivyjagganarine4080]

Thank you. Your video was excellent and I like the new design pattern.

[@lilianaperodeau5216]

VERY INFORMATIVE, I appreciate the effort you've put into it. Thank you very much

[@anapaulaleandro9589]

Thank you so much for your detailed explanations. I’ve made many masks with different patterns.This was great to watch to realize the best possible masks to make. Keep up the great work.

[@drshilpasm]

Thank You so much for the tips and updates it will help me improve my mask design. The wall piece behind you is a master piece,just superb!!!

[@bec7357]

This is amazing thanks! Thanks to Jesse too! You could also put it in a linen bag for washing and drying.

[@SparkyJoon]

When I realized early on that elastic was going to be impossible to find, I started to sew buttons on all four points that the elastic would be sewn in the masks. Then I made loops on each end of my elastic to fit over the buttons. Multiple masks can be used with the same two pieces of elastic when done this way.

[@francinemoroney1603]

Great idea also elastic wears out after many washes especially if you bleach your mask so the button idea makes it easier than having to take apart a perfectly good mask just to change elastics...brilliant

[@dale3404]

Love this idea.

[@parischildress20childress99]

👍👍👍👍😊

[@irismorales501]

@@francinemoroney1603 Great idea! While looking through a particular fabric online site, found that elastic comes with Botton holes already sewn in. That would be a time saver for anyone not too comfortable with making button holes. But I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing your idea.

[@rebekahanderson1825]

Sandie Mackintosh I was in the hospital recently and my husband had to wear a mask. His ears got so sore! Then we noticed that some of the nurses had buttons on their masks. Great idea!

[@namaste9708]

This is a wonderful update. I certainly appreciate your knowledge sharing and instructions. Thanks for making all those masks! Bravo!👏 Pam from Georgia

[@ashlynnbillingsleywright4844]

THANK YOU!!!! Just discovered this amazingly helpful video. Please keep making them as you learn more! ❤️

[@lauraklaiber6244]

just a trick I've learned, and would like to share... I've used bias tape opened then sewn along to top raw edge, then folded back down and sewn right along the bottom edge to form a slide through pocket for your metal nose piece. slide the metal, (whatever you use)out whenever you need to wash your mask, and just replace. also using double sided skin safe tape on your cheeks, under the eyes, will stop glasses from fogging. Hope this helps, as always stay safe, and God Bless

[@begonial6151]

Laura Klaiber I like your ideas. I was concerned about the nose piece in the washing machine and my glasses tend to fog up if not snug. Thank you.

[@007trudig]

I cut 4 inch by half inch pieces of scrap ultra suede and sew on to slide nose piece thru.

[@aviatrix1947.8]

Thank you!! That's brilliant!

[@kelewk]

What did you use for the "skin safe tape"?

[@ernestinebyrne9912]

Karen E. Lewkowski you can buy medical non stick tape on Amazon. That is where I bought mine.

[@1LoDeezydotcom]

When you burn the cording, take something flat, such as a book, and roll it melted edge until cool. It kind of makes it more uniform & also tapers it if you finesse it right

[@ncjimandkaren]

Thank you SO much for your very informative video! This is helpful for the masses, especially those of us whose sewing machine is a bit dusty now. Stay safe and Godspeed!

[@joycelynch9783]

Thank you VERY much for sharing all of what you’ve learned in such an easy and understandable way. I especially like how you used items that are readily available. And KUDOS to making soooo many masks for those that truly need them.

[@cissymcilwain8964]

I have learned a lot of what you were saying just by making the mask for nurses and etc.!

[@marilynencarnacionenciso4592]

From Las Vegas: I had watched LOTS of DIY mask making, YOUR’S IS THE BEST, EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND EASY TO FOLLOW. Thank you so much.

[@elizabethnavarro8350]

How long has to be the strings for the lycra around the head?

[@kathynelson8997]

The best and clearest mask video I've seen! Thank you so much!!

[@LoriGarland]

We’ve been making many of these and appreciate your tips. After a few hundred we’ve adjusted our designs and find the following works well 1. fold over the ends at the ears and sew and slid the elastic through. 2. Our masks have washed well like yours. We were concerned with the elastic wearing and wanted the ability to change that out. Works great and also gives us the ability to change from over the head to ear loops. We’ve found over head fits better but, some have mobility issues that prevent them from placing masks over head. 3. One other tip we’ve found works well is adding elastic along the bottom middle (about 4 inches). Provides a very nice seal. 4. We’ve also split our inside material into 2 halves (with generous overlap). This provides an easy way to change filter material out. We’ve been using the Filti filter material that is rated up to 95% @ .3microns. We had used side pockets but found them difficult to get filters into. Thank you for all your advice.

[@bethh7619]

I taught myself to sew throughout this pandemic!!! Pretty pleased with myself. I have 20 masks and even made a bag to hang in my car for them.

[@leftycrafter]

Bag in the car is a great idea! Did you use any specific pattern?

[@Kimariesings]

Same here. My sewing skills went from zero to now I at least do not curse or want to throw my machine across the room. I have made approx. 100 masks.

[@carrolar20]

I did too - congratulations I'm quite pleased with myself as well

[@chronic_payne5669]

Same, never touched a sewing machine previously, but I'm pretty damn please with my new skills.

[@kt65199]

I just bought a sewing machine and I sont have a clue what I'm doing with it . I tried sewing today and my kids wont let me sit down for a second to figure it out. I dont have the patience or time . I want to make some mask for me and my babies. I just pray I get the hang of it sooner than later

[@melissaroberts4216]

All the videos and advice has been so tremendously helpful and inspiring. Here are tips I have after doing so many of these: I use 18 gauge jewelry wire cut 3.25" long and curl in the ends with a small needle nose pliers that came in a jewelry pliers set. After the mask has been turned inside out and ironed with the ends tucked in, I start top stitching at one end of the top curved edge, Turn the corner then sew in the ties with the top stitching on one end and continue back along the mask bottom and cut thread. While the one end is still open, make a rectangular pocket to insert the nose wire. Measure about 1.5 inches from the center seam, stitch down four stitches or about a quarter inch from the edge, Backstitch back up to the topstitch line, then down again over the stitches. Turn and sew to 1.5 inches on the other side of center and cut thread. Run a small knitting needle into the rectangle to find the gap between the seam allowances. Take it out and insert the wire. Close up the rectangle with the same triple stitching to seal the wire in. Then finish the topstitching on the open end, sewing in the ties (or elastic) as you go. For ties used some shoelaces but mostly 3/8" grosgrain ribbon. For a while seemed that was as tough to find as toilet paper but found two good sites with fast shipping and good selection-- ribbonbazaar and efavormart. A huge time saver is cutting the ribbon with a woodburning pen. Use a metal ruler as a straight edge and cut on a piece of glass. No fraying and no more turning under the ends and stitching the slippery ribbon ends. Wish I would have known that for the first hundred masks! Made rotary templates with the thickest plastic I could cut with scissors. Even so sometimes shave off a bit of plastic if not careful. Just saw today where Barn Catz Studio is selling what looks to be the same craft passion pattern in acrylic rotary templates for the amazing price of $5 for both the men and women's sizes! Doing it at cost as a public service. Cant wait until they get here, think this will be a game changer. Prefer the pellon 931td and 911ff fusible for stiffness vs breathability. Tough to find but there are a couple local sewing machine/vacuum repair shops that have stayed open and they have had it in stock when joanns and other big online places haven't. Have used a lot of my batik stash which was all prewashed. However as an extra step after sewing I soak the mask in the sink with boiling water just to be sure the fabric and ribbon is colorfast. Keep rinsing until water is clear. Then air and iron dry before putting each into it's own ziploc bag labeled Man, Woman, or Child. I include a typewritten note with each batch I drop off explaining what's in them and how washable they are, and contact info they need more. I usually wash my mask when I first come inside, as I'm washing my hands. Hope these help. Take care everyone!

[@mesepaedwards3766]

This is the best video ive seen thank you soooo much for all the hard effort, dedication for making all the masks. Bless you and all your sewers, from New Zealand

[@kimberlywalders6063]

You do sure a great job on these mask videos. Thank you so much for all of your endless hours you have put into this. You are so sweet doing this. Blessing to all of your team! Stay healthy! God Bless you and Yours! Lol I’m glad you say there is no wrong side to the filter fabric. I was wondering if there was a right and wrong side. Glad to know.

[@shadowstarr7]

All of your videos are extremely instructive and I would like to thank you for this "What we've found..." video of what has worked and not worked so well. I also would like to point out, especially to your viewers who've expressed concerns over the center seam (17:37), is that we must remember that none of these masks protects us from contracting this or any other virus, but helps to prevent the person wearing the mask to not spread the virus to others (symptomatic or asymptomatic). For those of us who are wearing them without having the virus out of respect for our fellow neighbor or have been 'mandated' by their government officials- sick or not, these are perfectly fine for non-medical use in our everyday lives, but not in a clinic or hospital (the addition of the Hepa filter does make these fit for those situations where close contact with many people can't be avoided - whether they have the virus or not). Referencing here from information from NIH, CDC and some of the medical staff created videos here on You Tube asking for this Coleman mask style for hospital usage (they would be providing the Hepa filter, nose wire, face tape and ear pieces for custom fitting) if you wanted to help by donating them to the hospitals. I hope that this information helps your viewers who have concerns about the center seam holes in this Coleman style mask. Great job to everyone at the Fabric Patch!

[@naturalone7215]

T-shirt ties are so much more comfortable than elastic. The ones that tie up over your head stay on better. Works better than any ribbon, either. Also, elastics don't work for many people, such as people with hearing aids.

[@cindystoller6345]

In my mom's sewing box, I found a card of elastic cord. It has to be 30-40 years old! It costs 19 cents new! But it still stretches perfectly. That's what I used for my sister's mask, since she has hearing aids.

[@snurchy]

@@cindystoller6345 I also had some cotton based (not polyester) elastic that was about 20 years old. It was soft and flexible and worked wonderfully. Unfortunately I had only enough to make about ten masks so then I started using t-shirt material for ties.

[@kaistockman6443]

Yes! I bought some elastic off Amazon but then I found some elastic cord in my beading supplies and made a couple masks for a friend and she preferred the cord. So now I may donate the elastic. I wonder if they would have more in beading areas of the craft stores? If it’s all sold out in the sewing section. But since people have to order online and pick up I bet it’s all sold out.

[@anniebosche77]

NaturalOne I wear over the ear hearing aids and glasses. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve flipped a hearing aid across the room taking off my mask. Plus it’s very uncomfortable. So glad to see all these other options. Thanks for your input.

[@suepace9058]

@@cindystoller6345 Too funny...I found some old elastic cord in my mom's old sewing box that also was at leas 3 years old.

[@perritomagallon9207]

Thank you! You have a big heart! And your patch work is amazing! One day I'm going to learn!