Since the beginning of the pandemic all of the Italian citizens have spent tens, if not hundreds of euros, on masks. Where, in fact, the surgical masks cost only 0.50 cents each, the same cannot be said for the FFP2 or FFP3.
As specified byWHOhowever, in everyday situations without risk, cloth masks can also be used. So why not save and understand how to make masks at home?
Starting from this assumption, in this article, we will understand how to avoid spending money by buying masks by creating one at home quickly and easily.
Necessary tools and materials
Here, then, are the tools and materials needed for this purpose:
a) an old shirt;
b) an old jeans;
c) ago;
d) thread;
e) an elastic band;
f) an iron wire.
How to prepare a DIY mask
Let’s start by explaining how to avoid spending money by buying masks by creating one at home quickly and easily.
The first step is to choose the materials needed to make the external and internal parts of the template.
For the inside we need a soft cotton fabric. An old shirt or pillowcase that is no longer used will do the job perfectly.
For the external part, however, it would be better to use a less breathable material. Maybe some jeans. Using old pants for this will be perfect. A piece of canvas will also be equally useful for the purpose. It is also preferable to choose two elements of different color. In this way you will not confuse the inner part with the outer one, and vice versa.
First of all it is important to wash the fabrics at at least 60 ° so that they are sanitized. You can now start cutting the fabric.
The first step
The first step is to download a cardboard model from the internet. It will only take ten minutes and you just need to print it on plain paper. Alternatively, you can manually copy the template onto a sheet of paper.
Now you need to take the two pieces of fabric and fold them in half. Place the model and draw its shape on the pieces of fabric used. From each single piece of fabric there must be two scraps that follow the pattern, for a total of four pieces of fabric.
It is important to remember that the external cutout of the mask must be 5 cm wider than the external part, i.e. the one that is shorter. To do this, calculate the distance using the paper model.
Starting from the inside of the mask, take the two cut pieces of canvas and sew them with needle and thread for the longest part. Sewing in this way the two pieces for the “nasal” part, you will obtain a first internal part of the mask. Repeat the same procedure with the outside.
Once finished, place the two created parts on top of each other. Hold together with a safety pin and sew the two parts of the mask along the nasal axis.
The last steps
At this point take the wire and insert it in the upper part of the template. In this way it will remain more rigid and will be more easily wearable.
Now pick up the needle and thread and sew the outer parts of the mask. Fold the remaining fabric edge inwards to leave an empty space for the elastic to pass through. Insert the elastic band on both sides.
Finally, it is necessary to check the mask and detect if the points are holding. The mask is ready. It is however recommended, before use, to rewash it in the washing machine at 60 °.
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