Thank you for posting a really great tutorial. I used this a year ago to make a bunch of masks for family and friends. Those masks have now worn out, and I'm' now making replacements. This was a great reference.
I was happy to find instructions for putting in a nose wire as my first attempt wasn't as I wanted. As an OR nurse, you pleated with the pleats going toward the top of the mask, they should go down towards the chin side so the folds won't collect debris or germs. I know these aren't hospital quality, but the principals are the same. Thank you for doing this, I liked your tutorial!
Thanks Susan! Someone else in the comments had pointed this out as well. I was following the Deaconess pattern which didn't specify up or down, just that they should all go the same direction, it's nice to know which way they should go.
Heather I really wanted to make sure that you know how much I appreciate that you are helping. My daughter is on the front lines in a very large hospital in Phoenix. She works in the lab and handles all the blood samples on a daily basis. She has been given 1 mask a week. I’m so scared for her. I’m immune compromised, however I’m still going to go out to Walmart tomorrow and get fabric to make her as many as I can. She did not want to tell me of the situation she was enduring because she knew I would get on it right away. She may be 41 but she is still my baby and I am scared for her. Thank you again. You are counted among the heroes in my book. Thank you again 👍❤️
That is so scary for your daughter! I hope the situation with PPE starts to get better, it's been very bad in some places. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well. Making masks is the very least I can do, but it does feel important try to help in a situation where it would be easy to feel powerless. It's been very inspiring to see so many sewists from around the world putting their skills to us, even if I'm sure we all wish we didn't have to.
Jaydee, May I make her a couple as well? Please email me at fairyedtreasure@gmail.com The ones I make are a bit different. I think it offers more protection. I've made one for all the nurses and doctors in my clinic and they love them.
I've watched several clips on how to make a mask and yours is definitely the easiest, make sense way of doing it. You are very clear and concise. Thank you!
I liked this pleated mask-making video best of all the ones I've seen and tried to follow, pleats downward is the only thing, as I also work for a hospital and they give us masks with the pleats downward, not sure how much difference it really makes, but this was an awesome, easy to follow tutorial. THANK YOU!!
Thank you very much for your kind words! Yes you're right about the pleats down, a few people did correct me in the comments but I can't edit the video to mention it, unfortunately. Stay safe!
i don't have a machine, ive sewed 3 for myself by hand. im going to sew a 4th with the wire this time cause i do have the issue with my glasses fogging up. thank you so much, you stay safe as well 👍😁
Of all the you tube videos I have watched, the pleats are suppose to be going down not up. Yours is the only one I have seen that puts the pleats up and I have watched anywhere from 30 to 50 videos
Thanks for the tip! It has been pointed out to me in the comments many times since the video was posted in April, and all subsequent masks have been made with pleats facing down, but I can't edit the video to mention that. Keep masking on!
@@rosagarza5264 if you can't zig zag over it, you could always hand baste it on in a few spots. Or you can leave the wire out altogether, it just won't fit as nicely across the top
@@heatherismakingstuff I have a Brother machine that was given to me, but can't get to the zig zag. I did baste it but when I was sewing it all around it wouldn't stay, I'll keep trying because I would like the wire, I have a good sewing machine a Singer but needs work and can't afford to get it fixed, I love to sew, I like to quilt but not very good at it just for my family, especially my great granddaughter. Thank you
@@rosagarza5264 there's another way you can do it by flipping it first, sewing a channel, and then inserting the wire into the channel. A little bit fussy but it might work better
Surprisingly well! I have washed mine about 6 times, and it's fine. I'm handwashing and then drying in the dryer, and then using a steam iron. If you wanted to, you could sew a channel instead so you can remove the wire for washing, but so far I'm happy with it.
This is great. I need to get all the material to make some. Especially for my little ones. If I want to make a 3 layer mask what do I use for the 3 layers?
Sorry for the delay, TH-cam doesn't always give me notifications. I would say stick with light cotton or similar, but make sure you test it out to ensure it's not too hard to breathe!
This machine does not have a start stop, it has one button for the needle - to make it automatically stop sewing with the needle up or down, one that does a bunch of stitches in one place to lock your sewing instead of back stitching, and the backstitch. I believe a Janome equivalent model is the DC2019, if you are looking for more detailed info. It's a gorgeous machine, I'd recommend it to anybody.
Your mask is exactly what I need. Did you say the fabric that will be touching your face is flannel? For some reason your voice cut out. Thanks so much!!
Yes it's flannel! I know some have said they don't like it, so you can use regular cotton woven here if you prefer. I liked how soft the flannel is, and I have a lot of it to use up.
I want to tell you how unbelievably grateful I am to you for making a simple pattern with the wire on top. I have to block out as many outdoor smells as possible, and still be able to breathe through it. If I inhale smoke, fragrances or chemicals (i.e. fabric softener and laundry detergent) it causes me to have seizures. With no masks available for purchase, you literally saved my life!!! How do I thank you enough?!
@@marilynwegener1213 oh my gosh that is both the nicest and most heartbreaking comment! I can't take credit for the pattern really as I've only cobbled together bits from several other patterns, but I'm SO glad you are able to use the info to stay safe!! ♥️
I'm sure you could but maybe double or triple it up for more strength. In another pattern I saw they recommended wrapping "naked" wire in electrical tape to prevent rusting, might be an idea?
I use wire. Pipe cleaners don't hold their shape well, especially for those of is who wear glasses. Also, I noticed your pleats face up instead of downward. Doesn't that make a difference especially when sewing them?
Sorry for the late reply! I don't always get notifications from TH-cam. I have used lots of pipe cleaners with success, (and am a glasses wearer also so I feel your pain) but it definitely does depend on the quality - the dollar store variety do not hold up well. I had to double those up to make sure they didn't just break the first time they were bent, but I'm sure many of them got broken. Remember also that this was filmed back in April during lockdown when we couldn't get anything - stores here were closed, online stores didn't have anything or were taking weeks due to postal delays and total shutdowns - so it was really a "use whatever you have" situation! As of now I'm using foam-covered gardening wire from Home Depot for masks, which is much better, but I couldn't get it for months. At one point we were looking around the house for plastic-coated twist ties from cables and things to use when the pipe cleaners ran out. I'm one of the lucky ones who was able to buy a big spool of elastic right at the beginning of April, many others were scrambling for elastic and having to use things like stretchy lycra strips or pulling apart bungee cords for elastics as there was such a shortage. I'm very relieved that part seems to be past us, knock wood. Yes the pleats facing upward was one of the first things that was pointed out to me in the comments by many helpful healthcare professionals. Later iterations I have done with them facing down. It doesn't really make a difference to the sewing, only because as you go around, one side will always end up facing you and the other away from you. Just a matter of making sure the wire is on the correct side of the pleats :)
You can definitely use floral wire! Depending on the thickness you may want to add two pieces held together. If you have a straight stitch and a zigzag, you can do the mask exactly this way on any machine. If you don't have a zigzag, you will just need to modify how you tack down the wire. Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing!
I have a singer 4423 with a zig zag stitch. Just wondering if I needed to put it inside bias tape. I have no clue how to add that to the mask though. I’ve been watching videos for a month, bought everything I need, but my first try, I tried to stitch 2 pieces of flannel and it caught in my feed dogs. So, I have. not “ gotten back on the horse” yet.Planning to try with one piece and cotton or maybe just cotton. The floral wire stems are the perfect length.
@@amydavidson-williams4638 you should be ok without covering it with bias tape, just make sure you bend the ends of the wire so it doesn't poke through the fabric. Sometimes machines can be finicky about starting at the edge of the fabric, but if you start in the middle and it's still eating the fabric there could be a different issue. Either way I'm sure with practice you'll figure out your particular machine's quirks. They seem to have personalities 😂
Can’t wait to get this done. I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 7. I have a 2 year old who was a preemie AND our state opened. Ugh. When this is overish, I want to learn to quilt with some very sentimental shirts❤️ Thanks for being so responsive!!!
@@amydavidson-williams4638 that is tough, they are talking about opening things here soon too but I'll be hiding for a while yet. You're very welcome and good luck with the quilting!
Just FYI. I learned the hard way. I used pipe cleaners then found out they were rusting. While a pipe cleaner is soft and I thought would be the best, it ruined all the masks I made after just a couple of washings. Using floral wire or crafting wire will not rust. It’s sad to spend the time to make these for ourselves and caregivers and have them useless after a few washings. 😟
Oh no, that's too bad!! I agree something plastic coated is the way to go if you have it. My pipe cleaner one has only been hand washed and it's ok so far, but definitely a good caution!
Oh, thanks Donna, I have been using the Deaconess pattern which doesn't specify, only that they should all go the same direction. Any particular reason down is better than up?
Heather Is Making Stuff my sweetie is a Registered Nurse specialized in Infection Control and if the pleats are up it’s easier for the “stuff” to land and sit in the little pocket it provides for for them as opposed to “falling down off the mask”! Hope that makes sense to everyone.
I wear Kimberly Clark masks, so I thought I better look at mine. The top pleat is up and the next two are down. What you said makes perfect sense. Thank you!
hello great video please kindly film how to thread the sewing machine and how to operate the buttons above the sewing machine needle and how to operate the sewing machine electric foot pedal how it's used to sew please ok? Please kindly reply back ok?thank you very much
Hello Frank, thank you for your comment! I think because that information is so specific to each machine it wouldn't necessarily be very helpful, but I might do that at some point in future. If it helps, this machine is equivalent to certain Janome models, and I know Janome have great how-to videos.
Hi Frank, as each sewing machine is different, look up the brand and model of your sewing machine on an internet search engine. To thread a sewing machine, you can simply type that question into TH-cam with a plethora of results. Hope that helps and good luck!
Thank you for posting a really great tutorial. I used this a year ago to make a bunch of masks for family and friends. Those masks have now worn out, and I'm' now making replacements. This was a great reference.
Thank you so much for you kind words, Terry!
I was happy to find instructions for putting in a nose wire as my first attempt wasn't as I wanted.
As an OR nurse, you pleated with the pleats going toward the top of the mask, they should go down towards the chin side so the folds won't collect debris or germs. I know these aren't hospital quality, but the principals are the same. Thank you for doing this, I liked your tutorial!
Thanks Susan! Someone else in the comments had pointed this out as well. I was following the Deaconess pattern which didn't specify up or down, just that they should all go the same direction, it's nice to know which way they should go.
Great video! Thank you! (Just remember to have your pleats pointed “ downward” to enhance protection.)
Heather I really wanted to make sure that you know how much I appreciate that you are helping. My daughter is on the front lines in a very large hospital in Phoenix. She works in the lab and handles all the blood samples on a daily basis. She has been given 1 mask a week. I’m so scared for her. I’m immune compromised, however I’m still going to go out to Walmart tomorrow and get fabric to make her as many as I can. She did not want to tell me of the situation she was enduring because she knew I would get on it right away. She may be 41 but she is still my baby and I am scared for her. Thank you again. You are counted among the heroes in my book. Thank you again
👍❤️
That is so scary for your daughter! I hope the situation with PPE starts to get better, it's been very bad in some places. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well.
Making masks is the very least I can do, but it does feel important try to help in a situation where it would be easy to feel powerless.
It's been very inspiring to see so many sewists from around the world putting their skills to us, even if I'm sure we all wish we didn't have to.
Jaydee, May I make her a couple as well? Please email me at fairyedtreasure@gmail.com The ones I make are a bit different. I think it offers more protection. I've made one for all the nurses and doctors in my clinic and they love them.
I've watched several clips on how to make a mask and yours is definitely the easiest, make sense way of doing it. You are very clear and concise. Thank you!
I liked this pleated mask-making video best of all the ones I've seen and tried to follow, pleats downward is the only thing, as I also work for a hospital and they give us masks with the pleats downward, not sure how much difference it really makes, but this was an awesome, easy to follow tutorial. THANK YOU!!
Thank you very much for your kind words! Yes you're right about the pleats down, a few people did correct me in the comments but I can't edit the video to mention it, unfortunately. Stay safe!
You are an excellent teacher! You inspired me to finally take out my sewing maching and thread it - it's a start!
Thank you, that's so sweet! And yes that's a very good start, half the battle even 😁
This is by far the best tutorial I've seen for the 2 layer mask with nose wire. Thank you ma'am! #inthistogether to fight #covid19
God Bless!
Exactly what I was looking for...a nose wire and a liner of a different color.
great job... so glad you shared- nice easy instructions to follow.
i don't have a machine, ive sewed 3 for myself by hand. im going to sew a 4th with the wire this time cause i do have the issue with my glasses fogging up. thank you so much, you stay safe as well 👍😁
It definitely helps with that issue! Good for you sewing them by hand! My hand sewing skills are pretty limited, I don't think I'd get very far.
Of all the you tube videos I have watched, the pleats are suppose to be going down not up. Yours is the only one I have seen that puts the pleats up and I have watched anywhere from 30 to 50 videos
Thanks for the tip! It has been pointed out to me in the comments many times since the video was posted in April, and all subsequent masks have been made with pleats facing down, but I can't edit the video to mention that. Keep masking on!
Thank you - this is exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you yours is the best I've seen you are very patient and very informative.
Oh thank you very much, I hope it is helpful!
@@heatherismakingstuff It was but I'm having trouble with the nose wire I can't do it.
@@rosagarza5264 if you can't zig zag over it, you could always hand baste it on in a few spots. Or you can leave the wire out altogether, it just won't fit as nicely across the top
@@heatherismakingstuff I have a Brother machine that was given to me, but can't get to the zig zag. I did baste it but when I was sewing it all around it wouldn't stay, I'll keep trying because I would like the wire, I have a good sewing machine a Singer but needs work and can't afford to get it fixed, I love to sew, I like to quilt but not very good at it just for my family, especially my great granddaughter. Thank you
@@rosagarza5264 there's another way you can do it by flipping it first, sewing a channel, and then inserting the wire into the channel. A little bit fussy but it might work better
how does the pipe cleaner do, after a few washes? Thanks for the video!!
Surprisingly well! I have washed mine about 6 times, and it's fine. I'm handwashing and then drying in the dryer, and then using a steam iron. If you wanted to, you could sew a channel instead so you can remove the wire for washing, but so far I'm happy with it.
Thank you for this. I like your teaching style. Home Economics, lol old school. I love it.
Probably half the people watching don't even know what that is 😂 I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who remembers!
Excatly what I needed, to know exactly how to put in the pipe cleaner, had been struggling with where to exactly put it.
Same name is me bless u your video us the absolute best Heather thank you so much, you've given me the confidence to make some x Heather 🇬🇧
Aw that's amazing fellow Heather 😁♥️ good luck!!
This is great. I need to get all the material to make some. Especially for my little ones. If I want to make a 3 layer mask what do I use for the 3 layers?
Sorry for the delay, TH-cam doesn't always give me notifications. I would say stick with light cotton or similar, but make sure you test it out to ensure it's not too hard to breathe!
ok thank you do I see a start stop button on the front?
This machine does not have a start stop, it has one button for the needle - to make it automatically stop sewing with the needle up or down, one that does a bunch of stitches in one place to lock your sewing instead of back stitching, and the backstitch.
I believe a Janome equivalent model is the DC2019, if you are looking for more detailed info. It's a gorgeous machine, I'd recommend it to anybody.
Thanks so much for this great tutorial!!
You're very welcome, I hope it is helpful.
Your mask is exactly what I need. Did you say the fabric that will be touching your face is flannel? For some reason your voice cut out. Thanks so much!!
Yes it's flannel! I know some have said they don't like it, so you can use regular cotton woven here if you prefer. I liked how soft the flannel is, and I have a lot of it to use up.
I want to tell you how unbelievably grateful I am to you for making a simple pattern with the wire on top. I have to block out as many outdoor smells as possible, and still be able to breathe through it. If I inhale smoke, fragrances or chemicals (i.e. fabric softener and laundry detergent) it causes me to have seizures. With no masks available for purchase, you literally saved my life!!! How do I thank you enough?!
@@marilynwegener1213 oh my gosh that is both the nicest and most heartbreaking comment! I can't take credit for the pattern really as I've only cobbled together bits from several other patterns, but I'm SO glad you are able to use the info to stay safe!! ♥️
Thank you for the video! Very easy to understand!!!
EXCELLENT!
Hi, can I use 20 gauge wire like the ones they use to make jewelry?
I'm sure you could but maybe double or triple it up for more strength. In another pattern I saw they recommended wrapping "naked" wire in electrical tape to prevent rusting, might be an idea?
Although maybe 20 gauge is thicker than I'm thinking of and wouldn't need to be doubled. Best way to know is to try it out :)
I use wire. Pipe cleaners don't hold their shape well, especially for those of is who wear glasses.
Also, I noticed your pleats face up instead of downward. Doesn't that make a difference especially when sewing them?
Sorry for the late reply! I don't always get notifications from TH-cam. I have used lots of pipe cleaners with success, (and am a glasses wearer also so I feel your pain) but it definitely does depend on the quality - the dollar store variety do not hold up well. I had to double those up to make sure they didn't just break the first time they were bent, but I'm sure many of them got broken.
Remember also that this was filmed back in April during lockdown when we couldn't get anything - stores here were closed, online stores didn't have anything or were taking weeks due to postal delays and total shutdowns - so it was really a "use whatever you have" situation! As of now I'm using foam-covered gardening wire from Home Depot for masks, which is much better, but I couldn't get it for months. At one point we were looking around the house for plastic-coated twist ties from cables and things to use when the pipe cleaners ran out. I'm one of the lucky ones who was able to buy a big spool of elastic right at the beginning of April, many others were scrambling for elastic and having to use things like stretchy lycra strips or pulling apart bungee cords for elastics as there was such a shortage. I'm very relieved that part seems to be past us, knock wood.
Yes the pleats facing upward was one of the first things that was pointed out to me in the comments by many helpful healthcare professionals. Later iterations I have done with them facing down. It doesn't really make a difference to the sewing, only because as you go around, one side will always end up facing you and the other away from you. Just a matter of making sure the wire is on the correct side of the pleats :)
Can I use a floral wire and will I be able to do this on my machine? Thanks! I’m a brand new sewer!
You can definitely use floral wire! Depending on the thickness you may want to add two pieces held together.
If you have a straight stitch and a zigzag, you can do the mask exactly this way on any machine. If you don't have a zigzag, you will just need to modify how you tack down the wire.
Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing!
I have a singer 4423 with a zig zag stitch. Just wondering if I needed to put it inside bias tape. I have no clue how to add that to the mask though. I’ve been watching videos for a month, bought everything I need, but my first try, I tried to stitch 2 pieces of flannel and it caught in my feed dogs. So, I have. not “ gotten back on the horse” yet.Planning to try with one piece and cotton or maybe just cotton.
The floral wire stems are the perfect length.
@@amydavidson-williams4638 you should be ok without covering it with bias tape, just make sure you bend the ends of the wire so it doesn't poke through the fabric. Sometimes machines can be finicky about starting at the edge of the fabric, but if you start in the middle and it's still eating the fabric there could be a different issue. Either way I'm sure with practice you'll figure out your particular machine's quirks. They seem to have personalities 😂
Can’t wait to get this done. I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 7. I have a 2 year old who was a preemie AND our state opened. Ugh.
When this is overish, I want to learn to quilt with some very sentimental shirts❤️
Thanks for being so responsive!!!
@@amydavidson-williams4638 that is tough, they are talking about opening things here soon too but I'll be hiding for a while yet. You're very welcome and good luck with the quilting!
Just FYI. I learned the hard way. I used pipe cleaners then found out they were rusting. While a pipe cleaner is soft and I thought would be the best, it ruined all the masks I made after just a couple of washings. Using floral wire or crafting wire will not rust. It’s sad to spend the time to make these for ourselves and caregivers and have them useless after a few washings. 😟
Oh no, that's too bad!! I agree something plastic coated is the way to go if you have it. My pipe cleaner one has only been hand washed and it's ok so far, but definitely a good caution!
Good one...thank you!
Pleats should be facing down. Think if crumbs fell on your mask. They should fall off. If your pleats catch the crumbs, it's upside-down.
Thanks Kim! A few people did mention that in the comments so I've done all future ones like that!
Should use clips instead of pins.
The pleats should be facing DOWN from the nose piece not up!
Oh, thanks Donna, I have been using the Deaconess pattern which doesn't specify, only that they should all go the same direction. Any particular reason down is better than up?
Heather Is Making Stuff my sweetie is a Registered Nurse specialized in Infection Control and if the pleats are up it’s easier for the “stuff” to land and sit in the little pocket it provides for for them as opposed to “falling down off the mask”! Hope that makes sense to everyone.
@@donnaheflin6312 perfect sense! Thanks!
I wear Kimberly Clark masks, so I thought I better look at mine. The top pleat is up and the next two are down. What you said makes perfect sense. Thank you!
what size is the elastic ear pieces
I'm using 7" long pieces of 1/4" elastic
The pleats should go down and not up.......
Thanks Karen! That was pointed out to me early on and I've done them that way since.
hello great video please kindly film how to thread the sewing machine and how to operate the buttons above the sewing machine needle and how to operate the sewing machine electric foot pedal how it's used to sew please ok? Please kindly reply back ok?thank you very much
Hello Frank, thank you for your comment! I think because that information is so specific to each machine it wouldn't necessarily be very helpful, but I might do that at some point in future. If it helps, this machine is equivalent to certain Janome models, and I know Janome have great how-to videos.
Hi Frank, as each sewing machine is different, look up the brand and model of your sewing machine on an internet search engine. To thread a sewing machine, you can simply type that question into TH-cam with a plethora of results. Hope that helps and good luck!