As shown above is a pattern for a face mask that both conforms and creases to the face. This should, created correctly, decrease the spread of airborne and droplet-borne diseases including the current COVID-19-causing coronavirus and annual influenza effectively. Depending on the material, it should be machine washable.
How to use this pattern
- Fabric (tight-knit 100% cotton preferred, such as t-shirt material)
- Fastening item (like ribbon or 2 large hair ties)
- Scale according to the size of your face. For width, the innermost left line sitting on your nose, the second right line should sit next to the ear within 4-10 centimeters. For height, the arclength of B to C should be the length from the bridge of your nose to the soft part past your jawbone or the direct length of B to C should be about the bottom of the chin to the top of your forehead.
- Print and cut the pattern above with the scale desired. I recommend printing a smaller copy with the instructions for reference.
- With the red and black lines facing up, trace onto the backside of your desired exterior fabric, flip the pattern, and repeat. We will call these R1 and L1 respectively here forward.
- Trim or fold the pattern down one section from the outside.
- With the red and black lines facing up, trace onto the backside of your desired interior fabric, flip the pattern, and repeat. We will call these L2 and R2 respectively here forward. (Yes that is correct)
- Repeat step 5 if you desire a middle layer.
- Cut L1, R1, L2, R2, and any additional panels.
- Layer L1, L2, and any additional left panels. Fold and pin L1 onto the surface of L2 along B and C. Use the pattern and gently mark on L2 were the red lines are, such as with pins.
- Repeat step 8 with R1, R2, and any additional right panels.
- Sew or stitch zig-zag the left panels along B and C, removing pins while pushing as to allow easy operation of your machine.
- Sew or stitch straight the left panels along the red lines.
- Repeat steps 10 & 11 with the right panels.
- Layer left and right panels with L2 and R2 on the outside. Pin L1 and R2 together along A.
- Sew or stitch zig-zag along A.
- Carefully ladder-stitch any additional panels together.
- Carefully ladder-stitch L2 and R2 together along the interior line.
- Carefully ladder-stitch L1 E to L2 D around the fastening of choice.
- Repeat step 17 with R1 E, R2 D, and the fastening of choice.
- Gently wash before use.
- And you’re done. The mask will naturally fold along the seams if the face is smaller.
This took about 7 hours of work to make sure it accurately worked as well as followed CDC guidelines and recommendations. This pattern is free to use for personal and non-profit use.
Here are the alpha and beta prototypes I made out of paper.
