Cloth Mask Designs: A Personal Evaluation of Two Types

Cloth Mask Attempts: “Curved” Pattern Left, “Rectangular” Pattern Right (Photo by me)

Since working from home and following the COVID-19 pandemic news, I’ve been wondering about masks. Are cloth masks any use? Should I wear one? CDC now recommends wearing one in public, so I decided to dust off my 15+ year old sewing machine from being a high school costumes mistress (who knew that this experience would serve me in this dystopian future we live in) and re-learn how to use it.

There are two main designs floating around on-line that I’ve seen. One is a curved pattern that I found on NY Times, “It’s Time to Make Your Own Face Mask.” Another is a rectangular pattern (a similar one is linked in the above-mentioned NYT article) that a friend posted from Maker’s Habitat “DIY Fabric Mask Tutorial”. I tried out both to see which I’d prefer. To be very clear: This blog entry IS an evaluation of both in terms of ease of making and fit. This IS NOT an evaluation of how well they filter particles. For that kind of information, please refer to peer-reviewed journal articles describing scientifically designed studies recommendations by the CDC and other health officials who are in a position to offer this kind of advice.

Test fit of the “curved” face mask type — note the pandemic-approved work-from-home hoodie

“Curved” Cloth Mask

TL:DR — I was surprised to find that I preferred this style. It was much easier and faster to make.

Pros

1. The template comes in 3 sizes for good fit.
2. It’s easy to cut out.
3. You sew 5 long lines and it’s done — very fast to make. No pressing needed.
4. I don’t have elastic, so I used the bottom edge of an old t-shirt (it’s hemmed to avoid fraying, so it saved me some sewing.
5. Fits well — tight to face.

Cons:

1. You need a template and access to a printer.
2. This particular pattern does not include a way to make a back pocket to hold additional filter material (see DIY Face Mask tutorial above for more info).
3. Replacing the straps would require more sewing to tear open sides and re-sew (I guess in a pinch, could cut off broken straps and just sew new ones to the sides).

Test fit of the “rectangular” face mask type

“Rectangular” Cloth Mask

TL:DR — I was surprised to find that this style took a lot longer to make. Big advantage is the pocket for filter fabric for additional filtration.

Pros

1. The pattern is super simple, requiring only a measuring tool and piece of paper or other means of creating 90 degree angles. No printer needed. The curve is achieved through pleats rather than specially drawn curves.
2. The template comes in one size — unsure if anyone has had issues with fit.
3. It’s easy to cut out.
4. The sides are designed to have elastic or ties slide through, so they are easy to replace when worn out.
5. Fits well — tight to face on the edges. I do think this felt more comfortable since it sits a little further away from the nose.
6. This design has a pocket at back for additional filter fabric (see DIY Face Mask tutorial linked above), so in theory it can provide better filtration if needed.
7. I looped the cloth tie through so you only have to tie once — see 1st image above.

Cons

1. Takes much longer to make than curved mask. This 3 piece version requires: pressing and sewing 4 lines to hem and attach 2 smaller rectangles, pleating and pressing then sewing 2 lines on the sides, pressing the sides in a tight roll for elastic channels, 2 more lines of sewing to complete the channels. You can try to cheat and not press, but I promise it’ll take even longer because the fabric won’t stay put while you’re trying to sew.
2. I don’t have elastic, so I created ties using an old t-shirt. I sewed along one edge carefully in a zig zag stitch, and carefully inverted to reduce fraying. It took a decent amount of time. I’m going to have to keep making ties this way for both, unless I decide to try to find some sort of tie-able material.

Here are 3 templates I tried. The 3rd is just combining the “rectangular” style to reduce sewing. It was only marginally faster as it still needed a lot of pressing in between sewing.

Conclusion

I’ll likely make a few more of the “rectangular” style for the events when I want more filtration material, but I will likely focus on making more of the “curved” style for every day use. Generally, these 2-ply cloth masks are not meant to protect me, but to protect others in case I’m asymptomatically spreading virus particles, and I plan to save additional filtration material for times when I need it more. Hope this helps, do please practice social distancing when possible (which works better than these masks), andI hope you stay safe and healthy. ❤

PS: here are some cats helping me out :)