Please DO make a filter pocket by leaving a finished gap through which to insert a removable material that is rated for filtration. We have seen a significant number of articles that suggest Hepa™ filter material and more affordably, and easily obtained, mechanic’s blue shop towels.
In all versions, we recommend a side channel with a single drawstring looping around the back of the neck (example below) and tying behind the crown. This has the advantage of providing the tightest fit. It also helps when you are laundering, providing an easy way to hang the mask.
We strongly prefer lacing to the use of elastic, which then requires ear savers. Additionally, elastic is not environmentally friendly and is difficult to replace if properly installed. With the creation of a channel to insert a lacing, replacement of the fastener does not require any sewing skills.
We also ask that you leave a channel across the bridge of the nose for a removable wire to provide a tighter fit..
Appropriate fabrics are tight weaves with high thread counts. A useful and cheap source of suitable fabric is sheets (ideally unused or lightly used). By this, we mean the kind of quality sheets that do not pill and through which it is not easy to see. Quilter’s fabrics are ideal for fun fronts, although plain masks offer the ability to be embellished with fabric paints.
Please take due care to ensure that the masks are clean as you make them. We will also be sanitizing them before distribution, but care should still be taken at every step.
We recommend the D-Pattern method at this page.
or the Pleated pattern at this page.
Fabric recommendations are here.
Recommendations for filter materials are here