*Residents are urged to use bandannas, t-shirts or other improvised cloth coverings and leave N95 and surgical masks for those who need them most, our first responders and health care providers. More information about how to do this is available from the California Department of Public Health. *

How to Make a Face Mask

What you will need:

·         Cotton fabric, a pretty print is best

·         Rope Elastic, beading cord elastic will work (you may also us 1/8” flat elastic)

·         Cut the elastic 7” long and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat)

You can make two sizes:   Adult or Child 

1.    Put right sides of cotton fabric together.

2.    Cut 9 x 6 (Adult) or 7.5 x 5 (Child)

3.    Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop.  Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner.  A few stitches forward and back will hold this.

4.    Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.

5.    Now sew across that top of the mask to the next corner.  Again put an elastic with the edge out.

6.    Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.

7.    Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2” open.  Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out.

8.    Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask.  Make sure the tucks are the same direction.

9.    Sew around the edge of the mask twice. 

Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally.

How to Make an Adult Mask with Ties

Supplies for 1 mask:

·         One (1) 8×14 inch piece of cotton fabric

·         Two (2) 1.5 x34 inch strips

·         Thread & sewing machine

Prepare the mask:

1.    On 8/14 inch piece, right sides together, sew ¼ inch seam, creating tube. 

2.    Turn right sides out, press seam and fabric.

3.    Make 3 pleats, approx. 1 inch each in size, using steam or pins to hold. Mask will be approx. 3-3.5inches in width. 

4.    Sew ¼ inch seam on each side of mask, securing pleats.

5.    Trim seam allowance.

6.    Prepare the ties:

7.    Fold in half and press (3/4 inch). Open tie back up.

8.    Fold each edge in to meet middle (3/8 inch/0.375 inch) and press.

9.    Fold in half again, securing raw edges inside and press. Each tie will be approx. 3/8inch in width. 

Assembly:

1.    Align center of tie with side of mask, open tie so edge of mask fits snugly inside. Pin.

2.    Sew tie to mask, seam will be very short, get as close as able while still catching all fabric. You are just attaching the mask to the tie at this point, not sewing the whole tie yet. 

3.    Repeat for other tie and other side of mask.

4.    Sew down edges of tie, securing raw edges inside. Seam is very short. You will stitch over where mask is already attached. This is good because it helps reinforce. 

5.    Repeat for other tie and other side of mask.

6.    Clip any stray fabric.