Are you handy with a sewing machine? Have you been using a cloth face mask at some point over the past year? Well-made cloth face masks can be a good alternative to surgical face masks, they are often more cost effective and even better, they are re-useable.
Where do I start?
Start by looking around at what's available. You may have a friend or family member who could sew you one, or someone in your local area may be making them to sell, usually at around $10-15 each.
If you have a sewing machine and/or overlocker, you can definitely make your own. Spotlight have some fantastic video tutorials on making all kinds of masks, and they are an easy place to get your mask-making supplies from right across Australia.
The Victorian government released a pattern here and the NSW government, released their guide to making one here.
What next?
Choose your materials. Current recommendations are to use quilting cotton for 2 layers (outer/inner) with a water resistant filter in the middle. Whether you use a pattern with a pocket for a filter, or sew-in a filter, that's up to you. You also need to decide about elastic or binding to secure your mask when wearing, and if you want to use a nose wire or not.
Then get sewing!
Have you got any tips? Do you have a good pattern to share?
If you've made or have been wearing a cloth mask, why not share a photo of yourself in one? 💕
