Make your masks — Ines Peyret

In 2013, researchers at Cambridge University tested a wide range of household materials for homemade masks during an influenza epidemic. Not surprisingly, their effectiveness was less than that of surgical masks. Nevertheless, DIY masks gallantly bared the non gratae members of the coronavirus clan. After stringent evaluation of the blocking capacity of various textiles, the scientists recommend light tight-woven cotton. Percale or cambric or even a T-Shirt are perfect. Avoid linen, wool, silk and nylon.

If you want to make masks, craftpassion.com offers a brilliant pattern to download.

You need (1) 13’’ x 7’’ outer layer fabric and (1) 13’’ x 7’’ lining layer fabric (washed light tight-woven cotton for both), (1) 12” x 7’’ interface or (washed) flannel, or (washed) cotton. (2) 14’’ pieces of elastic cord, ¼’’ wide.

Cut out the pattern.
Use pattern to cut 4 cotton fabric pieces
Use pattern to cut 2 interfacing pieces
Cut elastic cord in half.
Assemble the 2 pieces of the outer fabric, right sides together and sew along the curved edge.
Repeat with the lining layer fabric and the 2 pieces of the interfacing.
Assemble the outer and inner layers, right sides together, with the outer layer on top. Line up the interfacing on top to get 3 layers.
Sew all the way along the top edge and the bottom edge.
Turn inside out and press seam nicely.
Topstitch top and bottom neatly near the edge.
Fold in ¼” at the raw edge of the side ear, fold again ¼’’ and iron.
Sew a straight line close to the edge to form a pocket for the elastic.
Thread the two pieces of elastic through the two elastic pockets on either side of the mask with a safety pin.
Double knot the end and thread it into the elastic pocket;
Wash your masks every day at 30 degrees.