Facial Masks - Coronavirus

[LeBlack]

I just stumbled across this same article this morning! Finally, something I actually do have on hand!

The article states: "They discovered that by adding two blue shop towels and using a design that produces a tighter-fitting mask, they could make a mask that could block up to 95% of the particles they could test, while the cotton masks blocked 20% to 60% of the particles."

I've got 95% cotton/5% spandex masks with a filter pocket I am going to try this with. However, a big problem is that my masks don't fit tight over the bridge of my nose; consequently, my glasses fog up. DH and I have been trying to solve this. I've seen patterns with instructions to hot glue twist ties or pipe cleaners to the top of the mask. Think I'll start with pipe cleaners.

And sort of related to masks: DH has a collection of safety goggles from his pre-retirement days. Now that experts are warning us to protect our eyes as well as our nose and mouth, I'll be adding a pair of goggles to round out my lovely facial get-up, lol! Maybe the people wearing bags over their heads had the right idea to start with!

Jewelry making wire can also be used for the nose.

 

[LeBlack]

1. I found an old bikini top. Keep one cup on ribcage string, discard other cup. Cut off neck string and tie it to rib string to increase length. Wear upside down - point goes over chin, ribcage string goes over nose and ears, tie in back. Maybe not the best material because it is a poly blend, but it has a lining sewn in and it is easy to cut a slit and add a filter. Small, but super easy.

2. I found some old cloth napkins, the kind you might have to iron, cotton linen. I think this material is very good and can be used for the simple Korean no-sew scarf mask.

Thank you for the thread.

Sounds like you could make 2 masks ?

 

[NuttMegg]

Using blue shop towels in homemade face masks can filter particles 2x to 3x better than cotton, 3 clothing designers discover after testing dozens of fabrics

 

[PayrollNerd]

Using blue shop towels in homemade face masks can filter particles 2x to 3x better than cotton, 3 clothing designers discover after testing dozens of fabrics

I think if they come up with a filter pattern, those of us who can afford to purchase these towels, can add those either as a liner or insertable filter.

‘Polyester hydro knit towels are readily available at hardware and automotive stores. The two brands they tested were ToolBox’s shop towel and ZEP’s industrial blue towel. Interestingly, Scott’s pro shop towels, which are also made with a hydro knit fabric, didn’t work as well, Schempf said.’

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Video: How to make your own mask at home

 

[Gardenista]

ABC 20/20
dtSp37ag fonnsodmtirendns ·
From busy factories to living rooms, individuals across the country are creating homemade masks to help during the coronavirus crisis: "Everyone's really hopeful that we're going to get through this, especially as a nation together." Deborah Roberts reports. https://abcn.ws/2UZZqG4

 

[LeBlack]

I think if they come up with a filter pattern, those of us who can afford to purchase these towels, can add those either as a liner or insertable filter.

‘Polyester hydro knit towels are readily available at hardware and automotive stores. The two brands they tested were ToolBox’s shop towel and ZEP’s industrial blue towel. Interestingly, Scott’s pro shop towels, which are also made with a hydro knit fabric, didn’t work as well, Schempf said.’

Had family members scouring stores in our area and they did not have these blue towels. We're lucky we had some already and they can be reused - hung in the sun to disinfect or hand washed and dried in the sun. (People say they've washed these in the washer, but I'm not testing it.)

We are not in an area with a high amount of Covid now.

 

[PayrollNerd]

So I stitched a channel about 1/2” from the top to insert a wire for the nose. I’ve seen examples of rolled up aluminum foil, florist wire, waxed nose wire designed specifically for masks and a few other types of wire, even a twist tie from bread. Most need to be removed before washing.

 

[Deleted member 158085]

Had family members scouring stores in our area and they did not have these blue towels. We're lucky we had some already and they can be reused - hung in the sun to disinfect or hand washed and dried in the sun. (People say they've washed these in the washer, but I'm not testing it.)

We are not in an area with a high amount of Covid now.

I got mine at a store that has an automotive section. I paid online and did a curb-side pick-up.

 

[Deleted member 158085]

Have you guys seen the tutorial on turning t-shirts into ties? Oh my goodness, y’all, this is the easiest thing in the world. And they will stay tied better than bias tape.

I knew I had a large piece of knit somewhere. I thought it was several yards of jersey, but it turned out to be a pretty new jersey sheet. So I started cutting one inch strips (and it doesn’t even have to be straight) and then pulled on them afterward and they rolled up neatly into ties! I’m going to send that with my brother’s next batch of masks and he can choose between that and elastic.

 

[LeBlack]

Have you guys seen the tutorial on turning t-shirts into ties? Oh my goodness, y’all, this is the easiest thing in the world. And they will stay tied better than bias tape.

I knew I had a large piece of knit somewhere. I thought it was several yards of jersey, but it turned out to be a pretty new jersey sheet. So I started cutting one inch strips (and it doesn’t even have to be straight) and then pulled on them afterward and they rolled up neatly into ties! I’m going to send that with my brother’s next batch of masks and he can choose between that and elastic.

For personal use, people that don't sew could cut sleeves or pant legs at about 6 inches (measurement from bridge of nose to under chin), slide a string in each end of the tube. No sew mask. Just need sleeves the appropriate width.

 

[Laughing]

Have you guys seen the tutorial on turning t-shirts into ties? Oh my goodness, y’all, this is the easiest thing in the world. And they will stay tied better than bias tape.

I knew I had a large piece of knit somewhere. I thought it was several yards of jersey, but it turned out to be a pretty new jersey sheet. So I started cutting one inch strips (and it doesn’t even have to be straight) and then pulled on them afterward and they rolled up neatly into ties! I’m going to send that with my brother’s next batch of masks and he can choose between that and elastic.

If you make the t-shirt strips & knit with them, it's called tarn.

How to Make Yarn out of Your Old T-Shirts

Thanks, I'll eye the t-shirt stack for more material! I have used coordinating t-shirt fabric for the inside of a few masks, mostly to make a set some out even. Soft on your face!

Best, Laughing

 

[LeBlack]

Making mask strips without a bias tape maker.

 

[madfrank]

I live in an apartment complex and walk my two dogs. I am never within six to ten feet of anyone, lots of room, and can tell when halls are empty to get outside. Should I wear a mask?

 

[Laughing]

I live in an apartment complex and walk my two dogs. I am never within six to ten feet of anyone, lots of room, and can tell when halls are empty to get outside. Should I wear a mask?

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.


CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Seems to be a good idea for now.

I'm older and diagnosed with COPD. Yep, wearing 'em. Plenty of fabric stash for more!

JMHO YMMV

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

DBM

 

[PayrollNerd]

Finished a few masks today for whoever will be my treatment nurse this week. I need to find another masculine print or two. It’s a different person each week from the same pool of wonderful people. I’m just about out of bias tape. Now to make some coordinating fabric ties.

My oldest daughter has noticed people posting on FB asking for masks. Apparently, there’s a group of medical people here (in FL) headed up to help in NY.

 

[crhedBngr]

Sorry, but I have to vent . . .

I can't believe how difficult it is to find black or white thread!

I finally snagged some on Amazon today, which should get here by Friday.

And, just for fun, I found some multicolored thread, which I will also use for making masks.

 

[PayrollNerd]

Sorry, but I have to vent . . .

I can't believe how difficult it is to find black or white thread!

I finally snagged some on Amazon today, which should get here by Friday.

And, just for fun, I found some multicolored thread, which I will also use for making masks.

My friend couldn’t even get in the car line at JoAnn Fabrics to get me white thread last weekend. I did finally find some in a old sewing bag. I forgot I had it. I’ve been using “close enough” thread colors. I’m definitely putting a dent in my stash, which I’m happy to do.

 

[Deleted member 158085]

Sorry, but I have to vent . . .

I can't believe how difficult it is to find black or white thread!

I finally snagged some on Amazon today, which should get here by Friday.

And, just for fun, I found some multicolored thread, which I will also use for making masks.

I’m doing curbside pick-up of white thread and interfacing at Joann’s. I didn’t think I could ever run out of thread until this.