Accordion Mask
with Elastic Bands
Skill Level:
Beginner/ Easy
Estimated Time:
15-20 minutes
Seam Allowance:
3/8” unless otherwise noted
Fabric:
Light to medium weight woven cotton (dishcloths, bedsheets, quilting fabrics etc.).
1
Cut 2: 9”x6” rectangles of fabric using pdf template. Cut 2: 7” strips of elastic (1/4” or 1/8” width works best)
2
With right sides facing, place each piece of elastic between the layers of fabric as shown.
3
Pin elastic in place.
4
Sew around the edge, leaving a 2” gap to turn the mask inside out.
5
Turn mask inside out and press, being careful to avoid the elastic with the iron.
6
Lightly mark pleats with chalk or pencil.
7
Fold and pin pleats in place.
8
Sew around entire edge of mask, being careful to avoid pins when sewing over the pleats.
9
Package the masks, be sure to include the note that is in the pdf, and send to a hospital in need.
Fabrics & Filters
Here’s the deal, we’re not trying to be prescriptive—we want you to use what is readily at-hand, easy, and available. There may be a few materials that you have lying around that you didn’t know are great to repurpose for masks, and that’s where we come in…
EFFECTIVE FABRICS
Materials To Use
Woven cotton, cotton/polyester blends, silk, flannel, quilter’s cotton, unused mechanic/car shop towels, non-woven polypropylene (NWPP) and linen. Think—dish towels, T-Shirts, pillow cases, sheets, and scarves.
Pro Tip: You’re going to want to use two layers (four is even better) of these materials to make your masks truly effective.
Why these materials? They’re breathable, accessible, and easy to work with! Breathability is key. If you can't breathe well through the mask you are more likely to adjust it.
Materials NOT To Use
Synthetics, polyester, spandex - These are bad ideas because the virus can survive on those surfaces for a long period of time.
EFFECTIVE FILTERS
Materials To Use
(MUST be sandwiched between fabric for safety)
Coffee filters, A 1900+ furnace filter (2 layers), tyvek, vacuum cleaner bag, non-woven polypropylene (NWPP), unused mechanic/car shop towels
Materials NOT To Use
HEPA filters have glass particulate that you DO NOT want to be breathing.
Cleaning & Care
- Wash hands for 20 seconds (yeah, yeah—hum Happy Birthday twice) with soap and water before touching or putting on a mask.
- If wearing the mask, DO NOT fidget, touch, or adjust it.
- Remove the mask at the back, DO NOT touch the front.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds after you remove the mask
- Discard filter and wash masks daily and before wearing again. Use color safe bleach or boil for 20 minutes.
KEEP IN MIND
Wearing a mask does not mean you do not have to practice other recommended activities: stay at home unless going out for essentials/exercise, avoid groups, maintain social distance of 6+ feet from people, wash your hands, do not touch your face.