Sewing Basics: Face Masks and Scrunchies!
So it is pretty safe to say that masks are here for the long run. At this point being a recommendation or requirement for well over a year now. And while I can understand why they are disliked, I feel that a mask is better than being required to wear something like a hazmat suit when outside the house. But that doesn't mean we need to stick with boring ones. Like the internet has shown us, you can decorate and make a simple mask a true accessory while still having it be safe.
So if you're into DIYing here is the extremely basic sewing project of a Mask and matching Scrunchie.
Disclaimer: This is a for fun project with no claims of effectiveness. Please be sure to take caution to protect yourself and others according to the CDC and World Health Organizations Guidelines.
Supplies:
Fabric (I used a Quilters Cotton)
Elastic
Sewing Machine (or hand sewing needle) and Thread
Template
Scissors or rotary cutter
Mask Instructions:
First Off I have a plastic mask template that my mom bought off of fatquartershop.com. You can easily find a similarly shaped mask guide online I am sure and print it out to use.
To use the template, I just folded my fabric so that I had four layers then cut around the template with a rotary cutter and scissors. This gave me four pieces, two outer and two lining. I also cut 2 pieces of elastic, both 6inches long.
Then, I sewed down the center of the mask fronts for both the outer and the lining. You should be putting the mask pieces right sides together, matching up the curved edges. I like to sew with a stitch length of 1.5 according to my machine. If you are not as comfortable with a sewing machine, I would recommend a stitch length of 2.5 to 3 because it is easier to seam rip if you make a mistake.
When you have sewn both curved edges of the mask front and mask lining, press the seam. Then match up the top curved edge of the mask pieces, right sides together. Sew and Press.
Take your pieces of elastic and pin the edge of the elastic into the corners of the mask. Sew around the remaining three sides, Leave a small section open to turn right sides out.
Press the seams and then turn right side out. Press again and sew up the opening used to turn out. Now you're done! Adjust the fit accordingly through pleats and shortening/lengthening the elastic.
Scrunchie Instructions:
Cut a strip of fabric 4 to 5inches by 42inches (width of fabric). Cut a piece of elastic 3 to 6inches long. (I did 3inches of elastic and it is too tight to put around my wrist and it only goes around my hair once. Go larger if you want to wear it around your wrist).
Fold the fabric in half, long ways (like a hot dog bun) with right sides together.
Sew along the long folded edge (I use a 1/4inch seam allowance). Pin one end of the elastic to a short end and sew along that edge, catching the elastic.
Turn the tube right sides out using whatever method works best for you. I have a special fabric tube turning tool.
Once turned, grab the edge of the piece of elastic sandwiched in there. Sew this elastic edge to the edge we had previously sewn, reinforcing with multiple rows of stitches.
Fold the raw edge of the fabric, now scrunched in a tube, and fold that edge under to hide the raw edge. push it to cover the other end of the fabric, hiding the elastic we sewed in. Sew a line over this to secure and close the end. (In my case the fabric scrunched so much that I just tucked the raw edge and it is completely hidden by the fabric folds).
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