Mask Maker, Mask Maker, Make Me a Mask!

Readers. the mask making continues.

I’ve mainly been sewing masks for my family, but also for a few friends and neighbors.  It’s easy and it’s fun and it helps me downsize my remnant stash.  I’ve especially enjoyed making masks to match some of my me-made shirts.  I’m glad I saved the leftover scraps from these projects!

Reader “FrankO” requested I make a matching Peanuts mask and here it is!

I continue using the free design by Dhurata Davies, which is very comfortable to wear and fits well.  I’ve learned a few construction tricks too:

1) When you sew the two (or three, if there’s a pocket) layers together, stitch with the lining next to the feed dogs and let the lining edge protrude an extra 1/8″ (the regular seam allowance is roughly 3/8″).  When you turn the layers right sides out, the lining will pull the outer layer to the inside a bit, ensuring that the lining doesn’t stick out when you wear the mask.  You’ll still need to press the edges, of course, as you would if you were making a shirt collar or a facing.

2) Be sure to clip the curves of your seam allowances before turning right sides out.  Again, these are the same techniques one would use when sewing a curved collar or facing.

3) It can be helpful — though it’s certainly not necessary — to trim the lining layer 1/4″ at the two far ends (where you’re going to fold over the edge to create a casing for elastic or tie) before you sew the two layers together. This will leave less bulk when fold the layers over.  Not essential but helpful.

4) When you sew the layers together, be sure the center darts at both the chin and the nose match up.  You’ll get a more professional-looking result.

My most recent mask is one I made for my mother using a Liberty of London cotton poplin remnant and some contrasting gingham for the lining.

I think the result is very sweet-looking.

I’ll probably whip up a few more of these masks as needed.  They’re easy to make and they’re surprisingly satisfying since they are genuinely needed.  I still haven’t sewn any masks using more than two layers of cotton or a filter pocket: I may try that next.

Have a great day, everybody, and happy mask making!