My factory

Ian and I were talking last night after I got a call from a friend with questions about mask-making. I told him I doubt many people realized how much we are all collaborating behind the scenes. I know the image most people have of someone who sews is a sweet old lady happily sewing all alone.
That is partly true--this is mostly a solitary sport, but when we're all working on something this important, we're constantly trying to improve, speed up and provide the most useful and practical thing we can.
I've done about a dozen iterations on how I make my masks, based on feedback from friends making masks, scientific articles on which fabrics are most effective, and from friends in healthcare who tell me how they are using the masks and what is most comfortable for them.

I thought I'd share some photos of my workspace for everyone. It hasn't been this organized in years--because I moved everything not related to mask making out so I could focus and stay organized.

My workhorse. I bought this a couple of years ago for making costumes and spare my high end machines from the wear and tear. It is absolutely perfect for this. I only does a straight stitch, but it does it FAST. Knee lift and thread cutter help a ton. The attachment is the bias binder I bought for my Berninas, but it works perfectly on this machine.

My overlock. I'm using this to finish edges of the lining. That's a stack of strips from a flat sheet to the right, ready to be serged.

Set up a staging system for masks that are complete and ones that need nose pieces added.

King size sheets waiting to be cut into bias strips and lining pieces (thanks, Gina!!)

The very last of my quilting cotton(thanks, Mom!) cut and ready for assembly. I have two fabric orders pending--one should arrive by EOD today.

Please share photos of your work space! I'd love to see how you guys are set up.

Thank you all for doing what you do!!!
Juliette

Looks like we're going to be making a lot of these....

I decided to start a new post since these instructions are specifically geared toward folks making a lot of face masks.
I've lost count of the different methods I've tried, and I did start out using fabric left over from other projects, so the following technique wouldn't really work. Thanks to my mom, I have a stack of quite a few lovely prints in fat quarters and yardage.
This method can be used for both elastic and fabric ties.

Here are some of the tips/important points I've picked up from friends who have been making these masks for for health professionals:

1. Use two distinctive fabrics so the wearer knows which side was against their face last.
2. Use lighter colors for the inside of the mask so it is easier to see if the mask is soiled
3. The pockets are appreciated as they allow the wearer to add filter material
4. Right now it seems to be easier to get sheets delivered than fabric, so I've order a king sized sheet set to use for lining and fabric ties. 
5. Fabric ties are better than elastic in medical settings as they can sterilized and offer the option of being tied behind the ears or around the head.

Fabric prep:

1. Cut 6" wide strips of the public fabric (5" for kids)
2. Cut two 4" wide strips of the lining fabric (3.5" for kids)
3. Finish one edge of the 4" strips (I overlock these)
   

   

   Cut one strip 6" wide, two strips 4" wide

   

   Overlocked lining fabric

   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
    

Sewing the strips together:

1. Place one of the 4" strips right sides together with the public fabric, raw edges together
2. Sew with a 1/4" seam
3. Repeat with the other 4" strip

Pressing the strips:

1. Lay the piece right side up and press the fabric flat, seams pointing toward the lining pieces
2. Turn lining pieces wrong side to public fabric and press again

Cutting:

1. Cut to length (9" for adults, 7.5" for kids)
2. Cut two pieces of elastic 7" long

I'm using foldover elastic when I run out of braided elastic

Adding the elastic loops

1. Lay the piece flat, right side up
2. Pin elastic pieces to the two short ends
3. Fold the lining up & over the elastic and pin in place
4. Stitch with 1/4" seam allowance

 

Finishing the mask

1. Turn the mask right side out
2. Stitch 3/8" from the top edge
3. Pin tucks along the two short edges
4. Top stitch over tucks

 

Adding the Nose Bridge Wire

1. Cut a piece of twist tie 12" long.
2. Double over and twist together
3. Make a small slit on the back side of the mask at the top
4. Slide the twist tie into place.