Mask Design

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Our "Dart Mask" pattern has been approved for use in the Emergency Department at HCMC, a level 1 trauma center in Downtown Minneapolis which handles a large number of cases, both related to and not related to COVID-19. 

This pattern was designed to be comfortable and easy to produce.  The central dart (tuck) over the nose enables the mask to fit most people snuggly without gapping around the nose and chin. 

These masks are not N95 compliant.  Healthcare workers use approved medical supplies for protection. These masks are designed to be used by the general public for source control.

Please use this pattern to make masks for yourself, your family and your friends!

BASIC TIPS FOR SEWING REUSABLE CLOTH MASKS

SUPPLIES

• Fabric in two contrasting colors of 100% cotton fabric, thin but tightly woven. Quilting fabric is ideal. Cotton blend with some polyester also works. Avoid knits, decorator fabric and flannel or other thick fabric which are too warm and may inhibit breathing.
• 1/4" elastic (3/8" elastic also works), any color
• Ruler/tape measure, scissors
• Pencil or fabric marking pen
• Sewing machine and thread.

TECHNIQUE

• Pre-shrink fabric in hot water before cutting and sewing
• Prototype one mask to test before making more. Elastic varies in strength and length may need adjustment for proper fit.
• Pleats should always face down.
• Masks should not inhibit breathing.
• Place completed masks in plastic bags. The recipient should wash the mask before wearing.

REMEMBER: In addition to wearing protective masks in public, it is VITAL to practice SOCIAL DISTANCING and avoid enclosed spaces! Please don't relax on this!

This is the standard pattern used by the HCMC Emergency Department.

This is the easiest and quickest mask to make in large quantities. The pattern is simple and the sewing instructions require minimal expertise. The mask is designed to withstand multiple washings. 

We use a 7 " x 10" rectangular piece of fabric which is larger than many patterns. This design provides more coverage and a better fit with less of a gap at the sides and chin. The dart over the nose ensures a snug fit without the use of wire or other materials.

NOTE: since the following instructions were created, we have made a few adjustments to the design in order to increase the coverage and comfort of the mask. Please note the following changes to the instructions:

• Keep all seams to 1/4"

• Arrange side pleats so that the finished length of each side of the mask is at least 3" and no more than 3 1/2"

• Do not sew a second row of stitches to hold the pleats in place