Making the Uber Mask: a DIY fabric face mask to fight coronavirus
My search to find the best DIY fabric face mask to fight coronavirus failed to unearth a pattern I was totally happy with. So the control-freak in me took the task in hand!
It took a few test runs of a handful of prototypes, but I’ve finally got a face mask that checks all the boxes (pattern below):
- cold or warm water washable & tumble dry-able
- no-rust aluminum nose wire
- non-woven meltblown 100% polypropylene filter (a fabric commonly used in N95’s)
- snug fit & tie-back adjustable
Just a reminder that no fabric mask will have the ability of an N95 to block coronavirus, but the Uber Mask will go a ways to better help keep us safe, especially now that the states seem to be making plans to re-open the economy.
Tools to guide you in making the Uber Mask follow below. If you do make the mask, I’d love to see photos. Happy mask-making – !
Video Tutorial
The Pattern
The Uber Mask pattern, with written sewing and care instructions, is free to download and print.
In exchange, I’d be grateful if you’d “Like” the YouTube video and Subscribe to the Catgyrl.club YouTube channel—you can always turn off Notifications to avoid alerts!
Click the pattern image above to download the PDF file.
Get In Touch
Materials & Tools
A heads up that some of these items are limited in stock and often sell out. You might have to look around!
Oly*fun (non-woven meltblown polypropylene filter): https://www.walmart.com/ip/Oly-Fun-Craft-Pack-Blueberry/38457635 *limited availability
Aluminum craft wire (no-rust nose wire): https://www.amazon.com/Beadsmith-DA2610-COP-12-Gauge-Aluminum-39-Feet/dp/B00J3MK3GW/
1/4″ grosgrain ribbon (back ties): https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-x-15-Yards-White-Grosgrain-Bow-Wedding-Party-Favor-Crafting-Ribbon-By-Yard/392742644440
1/4″ braided elastic (back ties): https://www.amazon.com/Elastic-50yards-Scissors-Polyester-Crafting/dp/B087LX4Q7X/
Tailor’s chalk: https://www.amazon.com/Ogrmar-Professional-Tailors-Triangle-Sewing/dp/B01N48NNPU/
Permanent fabric adhesive: https://www.amazon.com/Aleenes-Fabric-Fusion-Permanent-Adhesive/dp/B00178QSE6/
Needlenose pliers: https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Precision-Pliers-Glittery-Handles/dp/B004WIZFLU/
Information Sources
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.htm
What Are The Best Materials for Making DIY Masks? (Cambridge Study): https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
Critical Component of Protective Masks in Short Supply (Wall Street Journal): https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-pressures-supply-chain-for-protective-masks-11583552527
N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks (FDA): https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks
Face Masks for COVID-19 Relief (The Fabric Patch): http://www.fabricpatch.net/face-masks-for-covid-19-relief.htm