- one 6.5” x 9.5” cotton exterior layer
- one 6.5” x 9.5” flannel inner exterior layer
- two 6.5” x 9.5” cotton (unseen) interior layer
- 4 Strings (at least 18” long) or, a 7” piece of rolled elastic knotted on both ends, or whatever you will use to affix this to a face.
Lay right side of external layers to right side of internal layers, and sew along top (as determined by any external layer decor) 1/4” from edge. Turn so that right sides face out, fold along seam line and press.
Lay one external right side up and place strings 1/4ish” below top and 3/8ish” on both right and left side, the end flush with the side of the fabric extending to the center (at the center, turn tied so they extend out the top. The elastic should be placed at the same top location, and extend down to the bottom. Knots should overlap the edge, but only just. Pin in place.
Lay right sides of external layers together. Pin sides and bottom. Starting at the top, stitch sides and bottom with 1/4” seam, being sure to catch the strings/elastic. Clip corners, turn, press.
Match tops and pin together. Decorative side topmost, Fold in half, lengthwise. Pin through all layers, marking fold line on right and left side, open back out. Decorative side topmost, fold under to pin you just placed, pin marking fold line. Do the same from the bottom. You should now have 3 equidistant pins along the sides.
Fold first line again and almost a 1/2” down, pin a tuck on both sides. Do the same with the other 2 pinned markings.
The tucks can go up or down, whichever, but not both. Either both are up or they are down.
Top Stitch tucks down - Match tops and approx 3” from right side sew 1/4” along to right corner. At corner, turn and continue, sewing tucks in place. Either back up over each tuck, or do this step from the top, twice. At approx. 1/4” from the bottom, turn and continue top stitching, at approx. 1/4 from left side, turn and continue top stitching, and the same at the top for approx. 3”, leaving at least a 2” opening for the insertion of a filter. Trim.
This is a 4-layer mask, with a filter pocket
Finished there's a pocket for a filter.
Cutting out the outer layers
Interior and exterior right face together
Exteriors, surrounded by interiors
Straps/elastic set in exterior right sides together
Sew down sides and across bottom
Fold in half, then the top and bottom to the half mark
Begin creating your tucks
Tucks should be sewed up or down, not both
Starting about 1/3 way across the top
sew the tucks, backing up over them
and to end, go about 1/3 way across
Sewing tucks can be difficult
This can be very hard on machines
And harder on needles!
