Leslie Massey
Face masks have become a necessity in Australia, with many parts of the country going into strict lockdowns. While there are many places to buy face masks in Australia, including local suppliers such as Chemist Warehouse, there has been an unprecedented number of people attempting to buy them. As such, homemade cloth masks have been recommended as a suitable alternative. The Federal Department of Health advises that cloth masks should be made of three layers of breathable fabrics to ensure adequate protection, with an outer layer of water-resistant fabric.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of layers | 3 |
| Outer layer | Water-resistant fabric (polyester/polypropylene) |
| Middle layer | Breathable fabric |
| Inner layer | Breathable fabric |
| Stitching | Required at the borders of the top, bottom, and side edges |
| Ear loops | Required |
| Fit | Secure around the face, covering the nose and mouth areas |
| Usage | Not suitable for children |
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$9.99 $14.99
What You'll Learn
Cloth masks are a suitable alternative to store-bought masks
Cloth masks can be made at home and are inexpensive and easy to make. They are a good alternative when store-bought masks are unavailable. They can be made from common textiles, usually cotton, and worn over the mouth and nose. Cloth masks should comprise multiple layers of fabric and fit securely to the face to be effective. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that cloth masks be worn in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household.
The available research suggests that cloth masks can play a role in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. While they may be slightly less effective than surgical masks, they can dramatically outperform them in certain cases. Cloth masks with multiple layers of fabric and a secure fit can provide a good level of protection.
In Australia, the demand for face masks has increased due to government mandates and the spread of the virus. Cloth masks are recommended by health authorities as a suitable alternative to store-bought masks. They can be made at home with readily available materials, such as cotton fabric, and can provide adequate protection when worn correctly. Cloth masks are accessible and practical solutions for the general public to protect themselves and others during the pandemic.
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Cut out three 25cm x 25cm squares and place them in the correct order
To make a face mask, cut out three 25cm x 25cm squares from a mix of breathable fabrics. The Federal Department of Health recommends that the outer layer be made of water-resistant fabric, such as polyester or polypropylene. Reusable 'green' shopping bags or exercise clothing are good examples of this. The other two layers can be made of any breathable fabric. Once you have your three squares, place them in the correct order: outer layer on the bottom, then the middle layer, and finally the inner layer on top.
With the inner layer facing up, fold over 1 centimetre of the three pieces of material for the top and bottom edges and stitch at the borders. Then, fold over 1.5cm of material for the side edges and stitch. This will create a pocket for your mouth and nose, securing the layers together. Next, thread a 20cm piece of elastic, string, or strip of cloth through the wider edge on each side. This will allow you to secure the mask to your face. You can use a safety pin or large needle to help guide the elastic through the fabric.
Make sure your mask fits securely. It should fit snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose, and against the sides of your face. It can be secured with ties at the back of your head or by ear loops.
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Fold over the edges and stitch
Folding and stitching the edges of a face mask is a crucial step in ensuring a secure fit and optimal protection. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach this process:
Firstly, place the inner layer of your mask facing upwards. This inner layer is the fabric that will be in direct contact with your face, so ensure it is made of soft, breathable material. Once you have identified the inner layer, fold over 1 centimetre of fabric along the top and bottom edges. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure accuracy. Secure these folds in place by stitching along the borders. This step helps create a neat finish and prevents the fabric from fraying.
For the side edges, a slightly different approach is recommended. Fold over 1.5 centimetres of fabric on each side edge. This extra width is important as it provides a more comprehensive seal around the sides of your face. Again, use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure consistency. Stitch along these folded borders to secure the folds in place.
The reason for folding and stitching the edges is twofold. Firstly, it creates a more structured shape for your mask, allowing it to contour to your face more effectively. Secondly, it provides a neat and durable finish, ensuring your mask can withstand regular use and washing.
When folding and stitching, it is essential to use a needle and thread that match the colour of your fabric. This ensures that the stitches blend in seamlessly and are less noticeable. Additionally, consider using a thread material that is strong and durable, such as cotton or polyester, to ensure your mask maintains its structure through repeated use.
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Thread elastic, string or cloth through the wider edge on each side
Threading elastic, string, or cloth through the wider edge on each side is a crucial step in making a face mask. This step ensures that your mask will fit securely around your face and be comfortable to wear. Here's a detailed guide to help you with this step:
Firstly, cut a 20cm piece of elastic, string, or cloth. You can use a ruler to measure the length. This will ensure that the mask fits snugly but not too tightly. Next, take a large needle or a safety pin and carefully thread it through the wider edge on one side of the mask. This may require some patience and dexterity. Ensure that the elastic, string, or cloth is securely attached to the needle or pin.
Now, carefully guide the needle or pin through the fabric, making sure to keep the thread taught. This process may be easier if you gently pinch the fabric where you want to insert the needle to create a small fold, providing a clear path for the needle. Once you have successfully guided the thread through the wider edge on the first side, repeat the process for the other side, using the same piece of elastic, string, or cloth. Ensure that the thread is evenly distributed on both sides, so the mask sits symmetrically on your face.
Finally, tie secure knots at each end of the elastic, string, or cloth to prevent it from slipping back through the fabric. You can also consider melting the ends of materials like elastic or string to create a small tab that will not slip through the stitching. This will ensure that your face mask is ready to wear and will not come apart during use.
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Make sure the mask fits snugly and securely
To ensure your mask fits snugly and securely, follow these steps:
First, cut out the three layers of fabric in 25cm x 25cm squares. Place the outer layer on the bottom, followed by the middle and inner layers on top. With the inner layer facing up, fold and stitch the borders: fold and stitch 1 centimetre of the three pieces of material for the top and bottom edges, and 1.5cm for the side edges.
Next, thread a 20cm piece of elastic, string or strip of cloth through the wider edge on each side, using a safety pin or large needle to guide it through. This will ensure a snug fit around your face.
According to SA Health, a mask should fit securely around your face, covering both your nose and mouth areas at all times. Make sure the mask fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose, and against the sides of your face. It should be securely tied at the back of your head or looped around your ears.
If you're using a ready-made mask, look for one with strong ear loops to ensure a snug fit. For example, the PPE Tech P2 Respirator is a 4-layer mask with strong ear loops that ensure a snug fit. Alternatively, K-Lee Designs' bamboo fabric masks are fitted and have moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating properties to keep you comfortable in any season.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several companies that sell face masks in Australia, including Canberra Diamond Blade, Everlane, K-Lee Designs, and Shirohato. You can also check out Man of Many's list of 53+ places to buy face masks in Australia.
The type of face mask you should buy depends on your intended use. For example, N95 and P2 masks are suitable for construction and industrial settings, while dust masks and surgical masks are not suitable for protection against airborne particles, gases, chemicals, or vapours. Cloth masks are a good option if you're looking for something inexpensive and easy to make.
According to the Federal Department of Health, cloth masks should be made with three layers of breathable fabric to ensure adequate protection. The outer layer should be made of water-resistant fabric, such as polyester or polypropylene. Cut out 25cm x 25cm squares for each layer, then place them on top of each other with the outer layer on the bottom. Fold over the edges and stitch them in place, then thread a 20cm piece of elastic, string, or strip of cloth through the wider edge on each side.
Make sure your mask fits securely around your face, covering both your nose and mouth. It should fit snugly under your chin and against the sides of your face, and be secured with ties at the back of your head or by ear loops.
