4.04.2020

Free Face Mask Pattern: Filter Pocket and Fitted Nose

Face Mask Pattern Filter Pocket Fitted Nose

View tutorial on YouTube 

I have spent the last three days trying out several patterns for a fabric mask and I finally found the winner!

Many of the patterns I tried didn't have a pocket for a disposable filter or a pocket for a removable wire nose bridge to make it fit close to the face.

This mask pattern includes:
  • Removable wire nose bridge.
  • Optional pocket to slip in a disposable filter (for superior filtration of particles)
Items needed:
  • Fabric (2 pieces approx 6.5" x 11.5" or 16.5 cm x 29cm)
    • Read below to make informed decision fabric choice.
    • Medical professionals recommend you use a different fabric pattern for inside and outside so you remember which side is meant to be worn on the face. 
  • Elastic (1/8" or 1/4"), ribbon, or other ties
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
  • Blue shop towels (or other filtering material)
  • Paper clip or pipe cleaner

Studies show that blue shop towels are top performers for filtering particles 2-3x better than most fabric! They can also be washed and reused a number of times. However, they shed and would be uncomfortable to wear close to the face. So I made these fabric masks with a pocket to insert the blue shop towel material (or any other disposable filter option). Click here to read more about how shop towels performed compared to other materials.

Read this article to make an informed decision for which fabrics to use for best filtration. Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist conducted a study that found heavyweight quilters cotton is best. Fabrics that are not recommended are lightweight cotton and silk.

"Double layer masks with a simple cotton outer layer and an inner layer of flannel also performed well," Scott Sega, M.D., chair of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist said.

It's important to have the wire nose bridge to help form the mask to your face! It's also important not to sew it in completely so that it can be removed before washing (to prevent rust).