One of the most professional and informative demonstrations I've watched. I started sewing at a very young age (about 8) and have been sewing ever since. I taught clothing construction for years at high school level and worked on the curriculum for our state. You did an excellent job explaining this project. You would be an EXCELLENT teacher!
Hi, I love the 1 layer stretch chiffon mask!! It is so comfortable and breathable, I can wear for any length of time, and I’m so happy you explained everything so well. Thanks so much!!
Thank You Very Much for your time researching in details and put its on for everyone gains those knowledges. Wishing you and your family have healthy and happy life.
sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can offer me
I am so amazed by this tutorial video. You were very knowledgeable in every step you did, and showed proof (very close up) of the effects of pinning. I am new to using a sewing machine only 2 weeks along. I have sewn several masks for personal use and a couple for my neighbors. Thank the Lord for the crafters, and creators who share their talents on You Tube because, I've learned so much. Thank you for sharing yours.
I was struggling with wearing my masks as summer arrived and the temperatures started to rise. I viewed Gail’s video and immediately started to make her lighter, more breathable mask. I can’t believe the difference! I wore the mask to the grocery store and Hobby Lobby yesterday afternoon, and I could actually breathe inside of the stores! It was so much cooler! Gail does an outstanding job in her video with giving step by step directions and helpful hints! I am very pleased with her pattern, and I’ve already made four! Thank you, Gail, for this wonderful video!
I would like to thank you for taking the time to make this video. I watched several for tips before I made a bunch of masks. Your video had the most information about material, making and caring for them. Great job and thank you again for doing all this work and sharing it with us.
Thank you Gail. Your attention to detail, clear and concise instructions, as well as your research, makes yours the best and most useful videos I have watched on mask making. I am a beginner sewer. Please post more of your projects! You are an excellent instructor!
Wow I am a beginner at sewing and by far this is the best video that got up and close to the presser foot where I could see your work and not being blocked by your hand. You should do some beginner friendly sewing videos.
Thank you for the video and the wonderful list of references. As a physician, I REALLY appreciated the link to article Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of Common Fabrics Used in Respiratory Cloth Masks and the Corrections. It's time to modify and update my masks.
The Fabric Patch is a youtube channel that has a good pattern (Jesse's mask - I think that is the engineer). The seamstress is a (former) nurse. And she is one that likes to go into the details. They made 167,000 masks (that video has the number in the title, also very instructive) - for medical staff. They made masks with 2 layers of cotton and with a layer of some medical grade sheeting in between - a "filter", they factored in the experiences of people who wear the masks for a long time (straps to get the best fit, and that could be worn for longer w/o irritating the ears. Or washability. Or versions where you can remove the "filter" piece). After the mass production they continued with individually fitted masks (people can make them to measurement - the masks they made for medical staff were obviously "universal" fit). But if you tailor it to the person, the fit can be even better, so more safety and maybe also comfort. If the mask sits so well at the edges - chin the nose bridge and under the eyes and close to the ears - maybe you need to adjust the straps not as tightly to ensure everything stays in place and is enclosed ? There are several versions for wider or smaller faces, distance from nose to chin, and she also shows how to adjust the pattern easily, if you are inbetween sizes. (I think they have at least 8 - 10 configurations. I haven't yet downloaded the pattern - which I assume they provide for free). A fusion between the insights of this video and the good fit of the other channel (plus lots of practical tips regarding metall piece for nose, what kind of ties or elastic, etc, etc.) could get you excellent results. This channel is new for me (I just watched the video about the study and now this one), so I do not know what kind of pattern Gail uses, and how individually adjustable that is. I think most DIY instructions have a generic pattern or mayby 2 - 3 sizes. (L/M/S)
Thank you so much for your hard work and very clear instructions. My son is slightly claustrophobic, so wearing a heavy mask has been miserable for him. This will help me keep him safe and much more comfortable.
This is a wonderful tutorial. I had read about chiffon being an excellent choice for masks (and silk is supposed to be good, too), but I hadn’t seen any tutorials for making a mask with it. FYI about the contraindication of using bleach on Spandex: it breaks down the fibers, and breaks down the elasticity.
HI Gail! this is BY FAR the BEST video I have seen. Your video is very well made:i.e. the lighting, auditory elements and research. Your attention to detail is excellent! Thank you very much!
@@gailkollmar8174 HI Gail. I found that stretch chiffon you used to model the masks. They happened to be 50% off right at that time. I also just spotted your 'updated' video and I ordered some zip ties so today I will work on those masks. Thank you for really clear and concise videos. I look forward to more!
Thank you for this video and on how to care for your mask. Your instructions are very clear and straight to the point. I have watched so many videos that bore me and waste my time. You did a wonderful job! I can't wait to make one that is finally breathable.
Hi Gail! By any chance, did you record when you sew the 2 layer chiffon and 1 cotton 600 thread mask that you showed during the video? I would like to watch it. That is the way that I would like to sew the mask. Thanks again!
Gail, You are a calming inspiration! Thank you for your generosity and your sharing of knowledge and practical information. I LOVE how you have reviewed the science, shown the real numbers, and provided sound recommendations and easy, clear instructions. Wishing you many blessings.
Thank you so much for these videos! With the hotter weather, I've started making single layer masks (especially for my kids and neighbors who are required to wear them at organized outdoor youth activities). I am a novice to intermediate sewer and didn't know how to finish the seams or use the knit bindings... I've been trying to find tutorials on both, but you have the whole package! Thank you for your video and clear explanation and close up video! 💛
You are a teacher! Excellent directions...clear...not to many Excellent! Directions are clear, succinct, great explanations of the way, all with applied evidence. Thank you! You are the best!
Nice job! I generally end up muting videos because the person's voice is grating and/or they blather on about things unrelated to what they are showing. I listened to you the entire time :). Great tips and including fabric details along with science links is a big plus. Brilliant!
I have watched literally dozens of mask tutorials. You have done a wonderful job. I especially appreciate your references to the Safety Guidelines! Thanks.
I appreciate the quality of your cloth research and at the same time, must comment that stitching the centre of the mask makes huge (from a viral perspective) holes.
Excellent, clear camera work! This was so helpful. Also, I've found that using an anchor cloth [scrap] helps prevent the beginning of the seam from bunching up!
I've made about 150 masks for our local rescue mission and thought I was done sewing. BUT--this looks great! I'm on the lookout for these fabrics so I can give it a shot! (As for "sanitizing" our masks. During the hot summer weather, I can't help but wonder if the masks left "roasting" in the car get sanitized in there!) JOY!
UV light is known to kill a virus so yes "roasting" should work along with steam ironing and presser cloth or if you can find the research, the instant pot can be used as a autoclave alternative.
Dore Menz I loved your comment and googled the info. Here is the information link (it is also good for sterilizing baby bottles!) instantpot.com/who-knew-that-instant-pot-can-provides-scientific-grade-sterilization-actually-we-did/
I don't use bleach on masks. I use antibacterial dish soap or hand soap. Easy peasy! Love the masks & will be making some soon. Thanks for instructions. Everyone stay safe!!
Hello Gail thank you so much for all the research you’ve done and for these patterns...fantastic. I’m still struggling to make mine because although I bought the very sharp needles that you recommended my machine is still skipping or not picking up the thread at all. On further research, I’ve discovered that I need to have a ballpoint needle (for stretchy fabric) I have ordered from Amazon and I’m still awaiting! Hoping to get my mask done by the end of the week!!😅 Update: I have re-threaded my machine, cleaned it, changed needles several times with several different strengths of ballpoint/Jersey needles, and this fabric I have will not be stitched! I have never known a fabric like it. After four or five days of experimenting and struggling and grappling with it I have given up the idea of stitching on my machine and have adapted your pattern quite successfully. Instead of ties, I have shaped the outer edge into loops that go over my ears and I have just hand stitched the French seem at the front and they are absolutely fantastic masks. I’ve done a couple so far, and they’re super comfortable, so if anybody else has the same problem as me (possibly because I have a very old sewing machine?) they can still achieve a lovely lightweight and safe mask.
Your video is extremely well done! I’ve made over 20 of these for family and some friends! I find the mask needs to be longer from the nose to the chin for most men. An easy alteration to make! For the kids I reduced the size on my copier by 75, 80, 85%, added a little seam allowance and adjusted the width if needed. Seems to fit 6 of the kids I’ve done so far! I’m a retired home ec teacher but found your videos so well done and informative! Thank you!
I microwave my mask wet for 1 minute at a time to make it smell clean and pleasant to wear. I used recycled cotton fabric from green khaki pants and the fabric definitely had a dusty mustiness to it that washing and multiple "nukings" in the microwave quite fixed. I find that nuking fabric in the microwave where it is stationary while hot, causes less damage than moving fabric while hot such as in a dryer. I sterilize my mask because of the dust mites or other bacteria or fungus or whatever, not so much the covid.
Thank you for a well-researched and well-presented tutorial. Your manner and instructions are easy to follow and the camera work for the stitching was excellent. You have done an excellent service for many of us. Now, off to make the masks!
I took the recommendation from another of your videos to use 600 count cotton (fancy bedsheets), and chiffon, with a top layer of poly cotton since I was and am so spooked about getting sick. Never got sick and can now pop out an assembly line of masks for my mother (she wears hers everywhere), husband (he asked me for a bakers dozen before heading overseas for his 6-month ship assignment), and Yours Truly. I am going to do a deep search for a Joannes to find the correct fabric (northern NH, so there are none close by), and make this one. The ONE thing that I will need to overcome is the hesitation to use a mask with only one layer - but I trust your scientific research, so road trip for fabric shopping, here I come!
UV light, like from the sun is really useful to kill germs on fabrics. Also when masks where on shortage, hospitals where telling physicians to keep used surgical masks in a paper bag to dry out, and having one for every day of the week, so just hanging it to dry should also work.
What do you think of using a cotton cutout with the same pattern over the chiffon? The cotton being more for the pattern fabric over say a plain color chiffon like black. Also thank you!
The WHO recommends that the electrostatic and hydrophobic filter layer (like stretch chiffon) go on the outside and the mechanical filter layer go on the inside and a third filter layer should be in between.
Gail Kollmar Now I’m confused. So would it be better to make these double layer with a filter insert? Using the stretch chiffon as the outside and inside layers, then the disposable filter material in between? In a Covid19 hotspot here and am truly paranoid. :-(
I've been doing this way for quiet a while with the Olson mask pattern. Saves time. And it works. I have Obstructed Airway Disease. It's very hard to breathe.
You explain all thoroughly yet succinctly, and in sync with actually doing the process. Thank you! I learned a lot from watching this video. I will subscribe to help me remember to watch more and learn more.
Thanks for this video - I love this style more than any I've seen. :-) What's important to remember is as soon as fabric or woven surface become moist (example, damp from breathing through them, very humid climates) they are less aseptic, meaning it is easier for bacteria, fungi and viruses to pass through the woven material in either direction. This is why multiple fabric layers, with a filtering layer in-between, is a safer option over a single layer of fabric, and why the CDC recommends multiple layers. Your pattern produces a wonderful mask and can still be comfortable with multiple layers, using two layers of the stretch chiffon sewn just as you've shown. Fold one layer back an extra half inch on each end and sew. Sew the hem edge on edge of one layer as shown. Then nestle the two layers together, wrong sides facing, fold the hem edge over both layers and sew in place as shown. The extra half inch makes the inner layer shorter than the outer layer where a simple filtering layer can be slipped in. Sew channels and add stretch band as shown.
Yes, 2 or 3 layers are safer still. In fact, the WHO recommends a triple-layer mask which includes an inner layer of cotton, an outer layer of an electrostatic and hydrophobic (doesn’t like to absorb water) material (like this stretch chiffon) and a filter between which could be another layer of either of the fabrics or a polypropylene. In my Best Mask Fabrics Revealed video I did show a 2-layer chiffon mask and a triple-layer mask with the cotton. Both are safer. I just found them harder to breathe through. Happy sewing! Be safe!
Thank you for such clear directions. The visual demonstrations were excellent. Fabric details and washing instruction options were in depth. You must have taken a lot of time to create such an excellent video. Thank you.
good job Gail. I found your research video by accident, or by design, early today. The work you put into it is very helpful for those who, like me have used only my stash of quilters cotton. The masks I've made had 2 cotton and 1 interior cotton flannel layers. They were fine for winter, but are disgustingly hot here in Las Vegas heat. TY TY TY for telling us about other better fabrics most especially about this chiffon spandex blend. also, I thank you for further showing the washing needs.
Not sure if Gail has done this, but I watched a video of someone else yesterday who had done one with her own pattern. She gives Gail credit for the idea but hers didn't look like it was with the chiffon. Of course I can't find it now. But she made 2 layers like the similar masks but eliminated the binding at the top and bottom and left an opening to turn, stitched all the way around, even enclosing the elastic ear loops, turned it, then stitched around. Very complicated in my opinion and would take me a long time to make. I might try the 2 layers of cotton this way but use Gail's pattern. I'm having a hard time cutting and sewing the stretch chiffon. I wonder if someone got the wrong fabric for me.
Thanks to you I feel my family and friends are better protected than most. For months I’ve been making them with two layers and was surprised to find how easy it is. Like another viewer, I’m interested in making one with two layers of cotton and one of cotton, as per the ratings. Any suggestions? What a wonderful gift your tutorial continues to be. All the best.
I love this! It's great to know that such a light and airy fabric is more protective than the hot cotton. I've just finished my first mask and will be making many more. I was able to order the fabric online from my local Joann store, then pick it up curbside (stores are closed here). My tip for the wire: I used this flat wire about 5 mm wide x 1 mm thick that I purchased from Amazon smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PDDCMC5. Cut it with the wire cutter built into needle nose pliers, then use the pliers to fold over each end about 1/8" to keep the wire from poking (person or fabric). I insert the wire into the top casing before finishing the cheek ends of the mask. I also sew a few stitches across the casing near each end of the wire, to help hold the wire in place. This wire bends easily and feels nice against your face.
I love how you researched everything for us and you give us the proofs . I find the idea of one layer amazing, now I need to find that material here in Canada. Thank you so much for sharing. One more thing, I prefer to hear you talk than to hear some annoying music.
If you are referring to the Breathe Easy Mask video then I only have music at the beginning and over the chapter breaks. The rest is intentionally music free!
It’s interesting that you are using my very most favorite fabric at JoAnn Fabric. I think I own at least half of the nation’s stretch chiffon stock. Sorry, everyone...if you can’t find any, it’s at my house. It makes the best beachwear, robes, blouses, lightweight travelwear, and who-knew(!), masks.
Thanks! So much great information. Made your first style mask with 4 layers, and it fit well, but so hot! This one uses 3 layers. Like the idea of adjusting for individual fit, since the first one didn’t fit everyone. Finally got elastic, so am going to try both styles: behind the head and over the ears. Like the idea of being able to have mask around neck until needed. Thanks so much for all your videos. They were extremely helpful in this extreme time. And I don’t think you talk too much. You give great information, and I appreciate it. Please stay safe, and I hope you continue to do well in your business.
Spandex in the UK is called Lycra or elastane. When I asked fo 90% polyester 10% Spandex in all the shops within 20 miles, no-one knows what I'm on about.
Just for reference I put some up close pictures of the fabric on my website so you can see the thread count and I also laid it over my phone so you could see how much light comes through. Just to note the stretch chiffon is a plain weave not a knit. I hope that helps! gailkollmar101.wordpress.com/olson-mask-support/
@@sarahyoung9839 Totally agree. Love the clarity of this video, but in a way it makes me even more scared, as I'm not able to get hold of this type of fabric. (in UK)
I just posted some pics on my blog of other bolts of fabric that I found at my local Walmart that may be POSSIBLE contenders for a comparable fabric to the Joanne stretch chiffon. I really don’t have all the stats and am not qualified to “certify” that these have the same filtration efficiency, but they look and feel similar. I hope that helps you all find a safe fabric alternative outside the U.S.
I'm a beginner at sewing. I saw that you used smaller needles. What about the presser foot? That's the regular one that comes on every sewing machine right? I know that may seem like a silly question but I'm so new to this.
Love this but couldn’t get exact ratio poly/spandex. Had to settle for 94/6, but it seems to work well. The only thing I am doing differently from your tutorial is cutting the large curve 1/4” larger than the pattern, sewing it with a half inch seam allowance, and then cutting it down to 1/16 inch. I tried twice and there’s no way I can sew this tricky fabric with 1/16” seam allowance.
Thank you so much for your research and your videos! You have done a great job at helping us all to be safer. I want to leave a sticky note for your viewers. The reason that bleach is not recommended for these fabrics is because of the Spandex. It does not last after having been in contact with bleach. The damage may not show up immediately, but will eventually. This is the reason you must replace your bathing suits every season if you have worn them or washed them in any water that has been chlorinated. The choice to use bleach or not is your own, but be forewarned that any contact with bleach will shorten the lifespan of material that contains Spandex. Safe wishes everyone!
I agree. As soon as Gail posted this video I went to Joann's which is only a couple miles from me. They had none. I went to the next closest one and they only had a few very feminine patterns,
Anita McHale I was told by a Joann’s employee that they didn’t carry it when I asked where to find stretch chiffon. However, I found they did carry it the next time I went to the store and there were several bolts available. They were not all together. I had to just check the ends of the bolts for 90% polyester 10% spandex. It might be better to ask by the poly/spandex content rather than “stretch chiffon.”
I live near Edmonton Alberta, and found it at Fabricland. It's expensive though! The binding/ties are swimwear (athletic wear) material. $49 per meter! The face fabric was in the clearance section, and was reasonably priced (I think after discount $8/meter). Now I'm waiting for my damn wonder clips to be delivered. I ordered off Amazon towards the end of March after watching many mask tutorials. I waited for 4 weeks and then Amazon said my product is no longer available. I ordered from a different vendor, and have waited 5 weeks, and the delivery date has gone by. The vendor says Canada Post must have lost them. Now I think I'll have to go to an expensive fabric store to buy. They were sold out when I initially wanted to buy.
You can also use a small slip of paper just under the beginning seam so the fabric doesn't get "eaten" by the machine. A machine that only does straight stitch should have no problem.
Wow! Very thorough tutorial and I love the knit fabric ties, elastic can be a challenge to find where I live. Thanks for the work and attention to details.
Darla Redsnowbird I didn’t sew either until this virus. In school I squeaked by with a C- in sewing class. Now I am not only making masks for others but resizing and changing up patterns to suit me. If I can do it anyone can. You may surprise yourself. I can tell you that this video is one of the most concise I’ve seen to date. I think I’m going to try this one next. Good luck🍀
Do you use a presser foot for stretch fabrics or just the general purpose foot. I've made 100s of double layer Olsons with filter pockets and nose wires in quilt cotton. Really interested in trying this one. Fantastic video!
@@gailkollmar8174 what kind of thread is best? I mostly have cotton quilting thread, and I know that needles and thread can be really important. I looked at my needles here and I DO have 80/12 (Schmetz) not the 70/10. I'd like to use those if you can advise me what thread with the 80/12 would work best with the stretchy chiffon fabric. THANKS. I have a set of PJ's that are the right ratio and I don't wear them, so I'm going to use the top for the fabric :)
@@superkatertot5425 I believe that if the fabric is polyester, polyester thread would be best. However a good quality such as Metler or Gutermann is important.
Hello Gail! Thank you so much for this tutorial. I finally went to Joann Fabrics and picked up the cutest flower stretch chiffon. I made your version of the "Olson Mask" and I Love it! My husband said it looks very professional. He is my best critic. And when I went back to Joann's the next day to get more, the girl instantly recognized the fabric and commented on the design! You are awesome! xoxoxo
I feel that way too about the synthetics, but two layers of high thread-count batik quilting cotton are plenty hot on their own, and difficult to breath through! I found the stretch chiffon at Joann's yesterday and I'm going to try making this mask.
I really dislike how they called that fabric "chiffon" in the study. I can get regular chiffon in my country, but no one sells this very specialized "stretch chiffon". It's very misleading for them to keep referring to it as "chiffon"! The study also didn't mention anything about whether washing affected the effectiveness of the masks.
I just posted some pics on my blog of other bolts of fabric that I found at my local Walmart that may be POSSIBLE contenders for a comparable fabric to the Joanne stretch chiffon. I really don’t have all the stats and am not qualified to “certify” that these have the same filtration efficiency, but they look and feel similar. I hope that helps.
If you go to the wedding fabric section of your fabric store and find “polyester stretch* LINING”, you will probably have nearly the very same thing, it just won’t likely be printed with colorful designs. If it is 100% polyester, the filtration should be the same after washing as before. If it is more than 70% cotton, the filtration may even improve if washed and dried in hot water as long as you don’t stretch it during ironing. It is not necessarily recommended by anyone, but I rub in or brush on to the outside of my masks, a very slight bit (about what sticks to my finger) of food grade DE (diatomaceous earth, which is fossilized seaweed) throughout the outside fibers...I handle it my own way, and most will find that their survive cannot be left to the fickle pros, either...Ugh, so many questionable bits of contradictory advice we are getting!!!! Of course, this is just me, and I do what I feel is best for me. DE is non toxic and viruses and bacteria are completely crippled by it because it gets stuck in their moving parts and locks their movement up to the point if paralysis. Not telling anyone else what to do, this is just my own personal choice. It is not good to get more than a certain amount in the lungs because an excess can cause cancer they say; it is silica, which is a needed nutrient, but best eaten (I take 1/2-1 tsp/day in water, and it’s great for animal feed, too, and for a non toxic pesticide for the yard and gardens). Breathing it in in abundance is not recommended even though it’s merely silica. Excess of anything, even water, can be problematic, even fatal. Right, so don’t breathe straight water and don’t breathe a limp of this precious stuff. In fact, I myself so breathe it in in a crisis like an asthma attack, about twice a year. It breaks up my phlegm. No one told me to do it, but I knew it kills bacteria that causes my asthma attacks from dust mite build up. How much? Well, I keep about the amount, volume-wise, of a 1/4 of a green pea in a sandwich baggie and rub it inside until the walls of the baggie are barely coated and nothing is in the bottom of the bag. If anything is in the bottom, I dump it out into water and drink it (hate to waste this gold), and that much just on the walls of the baggie will last me around 100+ very slight inhalations, so of course, one baggie containing almost a microscopic amount of DE can last me a few years before I finally lose it somewhere and have to make another one. I bought mine from CA, Wolfcreek Ranch, I think, but a health food store might have it. I once got some at a farm supply, but that is not food grade. People who work in the DE mines are very vulnerable to cancer because they simply breathe in way too much, more than the body can process and eliminate, especially if some fine ground DE puffs into the face and a lump gets into the lungs. The hypothalamus doesn’t like that, and ends up overwhelmed, and then wraps that stuff up into lump storage, meanwhile, it still panic-sends in troops to eliminate it. That’s a chronic problem and no one needs that autoimmune response going on, so I learn and study much and tread cautiously, knowing that doing nothing is even more risky than the very slight amount I use. When we get our teeth cleaned, DE is likely in the scrubbing formula, and I find it remarkable stuff, far safer than sugar, or heaven forbid, artificial sweeteners. Just sayin’. ... As far as cleaning, I don’t mess with bleach myself-I abhor it; I use DE, ionic liquid zinc and/or colloidal silver as a rinse after washing in warm soap and water that does not contain things I cannot tolerate, like SLS or fabric softeners or artificial fragrances. UV light will sterilize my mask if I follow instructions for a IV sterilizer for clothing, or I can dry it in direct sunlight and get UV rays that way. To avoid the open air, I can do it under glass, a window box, or a sunny house window indoors. Essential oils kill germs, etc., but they also damage the spandex and even the polyester over time, because they are solvents, and polyester is a plastic, which is sort of like a rapid oil , a lot like margarine is a plastic (Sorry ‘bout that news). So, to keep my mask safe from deterioration, I remind myself to be wise, yet gentle. DE immobilizes viruses and bacteria, so technically, one can wash it in that with water, rinse it in DE water, and leave it to dry with some intact. (Copied B4 post)
Thank you so much!!! I have looked at a lot of videos for face masks to choose the simplest one because I am not really a sewer. MY SEARCH IS OVER!!! I will start on these masks right after I get the recommended fabrics and other supplies. Take care and stay safe.
Good for you! This mask takes a little practice. Don’t give up. Mine looked a lot better after making a handful. Go slow (painfully slow) and you should be very successful!!
This is an awesome video backed with scientific information...exactly what I have been looking for. My only problem is that I have lots of quilters cotton to use up. Do you have any statistics on 2 layers of quilter's cotton plus 1 layer of nonwoven interfacing such as Pellon 380 Soft n Stay. This nonwoven interfacing is extremely light and breathable. Thanks again for your fact-filled video.
I decided I didnt like the one layer mask because I dont like the feel of the material moving so much as I breathe. So I decided to use the chiffon as the inside lining for the cotton olson mask with a filter pocket. I figure you still get the 67% protectionfrom the chiffon plus the additional protection from the cotton outer layer and a filter.
This is the best how to mask video I’ve seen to date. I love how you’ve thought of everything. Your instructions aren’t clear and easy to understand. Thank you so very much!
Thank you for an excellent instructive tutorial with lots of great fact based tips! I’m inserting the nose wire prior to sewing the side cord channels, using the plastic coated coffee “tin ties”, and just doing a small tack on either side of the wire to hold it in place. Because of that, the users can’t microwave to sterilize. I may experiment by doubling the binding over the center of the nose section to allow for the nose wire to be removed before washing. Also, the knit fabric I purchased for the binding and ties has less spandex than what you use so the ties are not as sturdy if cut to only 1/2”, so I’m using 3/4” strips for the ties or some cording I made out of old t shirts.
Thanks for the research on fabrics that are better at filtration and more comfortable for summer. I appreciate your video. I have never worked with stretch fabric and looking forward to the project.
You are so thorough, I like that. I have made a few with cotton and I have a hard time breathing in them because of my condition, I will try this but I have so much quilting fabric I get from a thrift store, new but not know what fabric it is. But I will try this for sure
I've been studying masks for a while, but this is a new approach, thanks for the tutorial. I will go look at the research you point to, for my understanding (fabrics have different names in the UK). Like you, I like the stretchy knit straps behind my neck, and set it up like you do. I have been using straightened paper clips for wires, but I like the idea of electrical wire. I am currently using a double thickness of t-shirt fabric which is very comfortable and breathable (and can take a filter if wished), but I have a single layer one also. A well-fitted wire in a breathable fabric is the easy way to avoid glasses fogging up. I agree with you, if hands can be washed in hand-hot soapy water, so can masks. Leave bleach for hard surfaces. Heat also kills the virus, so when I go out shopping (perhaps once or twice in a week) I walk into town with it around my neck, and just slip it on when in and around the shops or crowds. After only 15 min or an hour of wear, it may not need a wash, I just put it on a sunny windowsill. And alternate with others. But your method of washing is ideal. I have a page with recommended masks, and will add your video!
Thank you so much for all the work you did and the mask that is the result. It is such a relief to find a mask that is more breathable. It is much appreciated.
Great video, thanks. Do you have a pattern for men with Long beards? Many men with 6 to 8 inch beards need protection to keep safe. They need a mask to cover or enclose the beard hanging down from chin. Thanks again 😷
Gail, thank you so much for such a wonderful instructional video. Clear, concise and full of very useful information. You have inspired me to try to make this style mask. My only challenge is that I do not use a sewing machine so let's see how I do! Thanks again.
Hi Gail, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ANSWER: After watching your previous video of Best Mask Fabrics, I went to Joann's to buy material. My dilemma was that I found many bolts of fabric made from 90% polyester/10% spandex but NONE of them included the word "Chiffon." According to the store clerk there they, they don't carry chiffon. It seems that the 90/10 fabric construction is more important than the name it's given, but I wanted to check in with you because I'm a complete rookie at sewing and fabric selection. Before I buy the fabric, I want to know if my assumption is correct. Did you see that bathing suit liner is 90/10? That was just one of the options I saw. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
In the description below the video, I included a link to the “stretch chiffon” search on Joann’s website. That gave several options. This fabric is a weave (not a stretchy knit) and is usually in the silky section. I really can’t say whether other fabrics will have similar filtration efficiencies or not. In my store, the stretch chiffon is displayed with many silky prints of various fiber contents. In the video, I also pan over the selection in my store so you can see many of the prints that are available. I have a new video coming out in a couple of weeks that will give you a new mask that can use ANY fabric with a particular filter. I hope you will come back to watch that too.
@@gailkollmar8174 Thank you so very much for your kind reply and for the time you took in typing it out for me. I did watch all the video (several times) and paid close attention to your shopping. Unfortunately, at MY Joann's store, asking for stretch chiffon only resulted in blank looks with an eventual, "we don't carry chiffon." Maybe I should shop at YOUR Joann's ;~) I live in a small town, next "big" town is about 90 minutes driving time away. I can't wait to see your next video. I'm thinking I will try to order "stretch chiffon" online and compare it to what I have instead of jumping to any 90/10 fabric. Arrgh...I really should have paid more attention in the sewing portion of high school Home Economics way back in the 60s! Again, thank you so very much!
I love all your videos regarding this mask. Just on problem. Its so hard finding the fabric. We have a very limited amount here at Joanns in Knoxville. Can you recommend different knits to use for the mask and hem/straps? Thanks.
Funny, but I was in Knoxville about the time you were writing this comment. 😀I should have stopped in at a Joann’s. Instead I had to run into a Walmart while wearing my new mask which uses a particular filter for safety and then you can use any fashion fabric you choose. I hope that that will give everyone some more options. That video tutorial should be out in a couple of weeks.
As per CDC 100% cotton is the recommended fabric to use when making cloth coverings when you use a fabric that stretches, the fabric becomes more porous as it stretches. Knit fabrics are not recommended because the "knit" is not a tight wave hence why it has a "give" to it. Try buying pillow cases in 100% cotton with at least 400 thread count, I use 600 and 800. Also, if you are sewing a seam right in the middle make sure to seal it, you can use interfacing, the iron on type. You can also use interfacing as an extra removable layer not a permanent one, as it is made of polypropylene and deteriorates quickly with washing.
watch her video on the fabric research. 100% cotton doesn't necessarily mean better filtration. even higher thread count. she is offering up an option that's at least 2x better than all those shitty masks made from 2 layers of 80-thread count quilting cotton that everyone's wearing.
One of the most professional and informative demonstrations I've watched. I started sewing at a very young age (about 8) and have been sewing ever since. I taught clothing construction for years at high school level and worked on the curriculum for our state. You did an excellent job explaining this project. You would be an EXCELLENT teacher!
I agree, in fact, I assumed you were
Hi, I love the 1 layer stretch chiffon mask!! It is so comfortable and breathable, I can wear for any length of time, and I’m so happy you explained everything so well. Thanks so much!!
Thank you for your contribution to sewing and the next generation Camille.
Thank You Very Much for your time researching in details and put its on for everyone gains those knowledges.
Wishing you and your family have healthy and happy life.
sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account??
I stupidly forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can offer me
I am so amazed by this tutorial video. You were very knowledgeable in every step you did, and showed proof (very close up) of the effects of pinning. I am new to using a sewing machine only 2 weeks along. I have sewn several masks for personal use and a couple for my neighbors. Thank the Lord for the crafters, and creators who share their talents on You Tube because, I've learned so much. Thank you for sharing yours.
Hi Gail! Did you record sewing the 2 layer chiffon and 1 cotton 600 thread mask? If not, would you make this video? Thank you
I have no idea how to do any needlework and still loved the comprehensive detail you put into this video. Thank you.
I was struggling with wearing my masks as summer arrived and the temperatures started to rise. I viewed Gail’s video and immediately started to make her lighter, more breathable mask. I can’t believe the difference! I wore the mask to the grocery store and Hobby Lobby yesterday afternoon, and I could actually breathe inside of the stores! It was so much cooler! Gail does an outstanding job in her video with giving step by step directions and helpful hints! I am very pleased with her pattern, and I’ve already made four! Thank you, Gail, for this wonderful video!
ooh great to hear! What thread did you use with the chiffon fabric?
I just used 100% polyester All Purpose Thread
Hi Gail, I can't thank you enough for this video, I loved making your masks for my family and friends, I am eternally grateful!
Gail, your instructional tutorials have been one of the highlights of my lockdown life. You are a treasure 🎀
Thank you for such kind words!☺️
I am completely blown away by this extremely explicit step by step video. Bravo
I would like to thank you for taking the time to make this video. I watched several for tips before I made a bunch of masks. Your video had the most information about material, making and caring for them. Great job and thank you again for doing all this work and sharing it with us.
Thank you Gail. Your attention to detail, clear and concise instructions, as well as your research, makes yours the best and most useful videos I have watched on mask making. I am a beginner sewer. Please post more of your projects! You are an excellent instructor!
You are such an encouragement! Thank you 😊
I didn’t have any wonder clips so I used old fashioned hair clips, the kind you did pin curls with. They worked out ok for me.
Wow I am a beginner at sewing and by far this is the best video that got up and close to the presser foot where I could see your work and not being blocked by your hand. You should do some beginner friendly sewing videos.
Thanks! Let me know if you have a specific project or skill in mind that you would like to learn.
Thank you for the video and the wonderful list of references. As a physician, I REALLY appreciated the link to article Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of Common Fabrics Used in Respiratory Cloth Masks and the Corrections. It's time to modify and update my masks.
The Fabric Patch is a youtube channel that has a good pattern (Jesse's mask - I think that is the engineer). The seamstress is a (former) nurse. And she is one that likes to go into the details. They made 167,000 masks (that video has the number in the title, also very instructive) - for medical staff.
They made masks with 2 layers of cotton and with a layer of some medical grade sheeting in between - a "filter", they factored in the experiences of people who wear the masks for a long time (straps to get the best fit, and that could be worn for longer w/o irritating the ears. Or washability. Or versions where you can remove the "filter" piece).
After the mass production they continued with individually fitted masks (people can make them to measurement - the masks they made for medical staff were obviously "universal" fit). But if you tailor it to the person, the fit can be even better, so more safety and maybe also comfort. If the mask sits so well at the edges - chin the nose bridge and under the eyes and close to the ears - maybe you need to adjust the straps not as tightly to ensure everything stays in place and is enclosed ?
There are several versions for wider or smaller faces, distance from nose to chin, and she also shows how to adjust the pattern easily, if you are inbetween sizes.
(I think they have at least 8 - 10 configurations. I haven't yet downloaded the pattern - which I assume they provide for free).
A fusion between the insights of this video and the good fit of the other channel (plus lots of practical tips regarding metall piece for nose, what kind of ties or elastic, etc, etc.) could get you excellent results.
This channel is new for me (I just watched the video about the study and now this one), so I do not know what kind of pattern Gail uses, and how individually adjustable that is.
I think most DIY instructions have a generic pattern or mayby 2 - 3 sizes. (L/M/S)
Thank you so much for your hard work and very clear instructions. My son is slightly claustrophobic, so wearing a heavy mask has been miserable for him. This will help me keep him safe and much more comfortable.
This is a wonderful tutorial. I had read about chiffon being an excellent choice for masks (and silk is supposed to be good, too), but I hadn’t seen any tutorials for making a mask with it. FYI about the contraindication of using bleach on Spandex: it breaks down the fibers, and breaks down the elasticity.
HI Gail! this is BY FAR the BEST video I have seen. Your video is very well made:i.e. the lighting, auditory elements and research. Your attention to detail is excellent! Thank you very much!
Thank you so much! You are very encouraging 😊
@@gailkollmar8174 HI Gail. I found that stretch chiffon you used to model the masks. They happened to be 50% off right at that time. I also just spotted your 'updated' video and I ordered some zip ties so today I will work on those masks. Thank you for really clear and concise videos. I look forward to more!
Thank you for this video and on how to care for your mask. Your instructions are very clear and straight to the point. I have watched so many videos that bore me and waste my time. You did a wonderful job! I can't wait to make one that is finally breathable.
BRILLIANT thanks for showing how to make this lovely mask keep safe x BLESS x
Hi Gail! By any chance, did you record when you sew the 2 layer chiffon and 1 cotton 600 thread mask that you showed during the video? I would like to watch it. That is the way that I would like to sew the mask. Thanks again!
Gail, You are a calming inspiration! Thank you for your generosity and your sharing of knowledge and practical information. I LOVE how you have reviewed the science, shown the real numbers, and provided sound recommendations and easy, clear instructions. Wishing you many blessings.
Thank you so much for these videos! With the hotter weather, I've started making single layer masks (especially for my kids and neighbors who are required to wear them at organized outdoor youth activities). I am a novice to intermediate sewer and didn't know how to finish the seams or use the knit bindings... I've been trying to find tutorials on both, but you have the whole package! Thank you for your video and clear explanation and close up video! 💛
With seam allowance it should not fray too much if it is inside, or use pinking shears (zig zag scisssors).
You are a teacher! Excellent directions...clear...not to many
Excellent! Directions are clear, succinct, great explanations of the way, all with applied evidence. Thank you! You are the best!
You are an encourager!! Thank you!!
Nice job! I generally end up muting videos because the person's voice is grating and/or they blather on about things unrelated to what they are showing. I listened to you the entire time :). Great tips and including fabric details along with science links is a big plus. Brilliant!
Very nice mask. Love all the details and explanation. Very helpful. Thanks.
I have watched literally dozens of mask tutorials. You have done a wonderful job. I especially appreciate your references to the Safety Guidelines! Thanks.
I appreciate the quality of your cloth research and at the same time, must comment that stitching the centre of the mask makes huge (from a viral perspective) holes.
I like to think of it as filling the holes with additional thread.
Excellent, clear camera work! This was so helpful. Also, I've found that using an anchor cloth [scrap] helps prevent the beginning of the seam from bunching up!
Great idea!!
Thanks! One of the few DIY mask videos that explains what materials to use when making a mask and why it's important to choose the right one.
I've made about 150 masks for our local rescue mission and thought I was done sewing. BUT--this looks great! I'm on the lookout for these fabrics so I can give it a shot!
(As for "sanitizing" our masks. During the hot summer weather, I can't help but wonder if the masks left "roasting" in the car get sanitized in there!) JOY!
UV light is known to kill a virus so yes "roasting" should work along with steam ironing and presser cloth or if you can find the research, the instant pot can be used as a autoclave alternative.
Dore Menz I loved your comment and googled the info. Here is the information link (it is also good for sterilizing baby bottles!)
instantpot.com/who-knew-that-instant-pot-can-provides-scientific-grade-sterilization-actually-we-did/
I don't use bleach on masks. I use antibacterial dish soap or hand soap. Easy peasy! Love the masks & will be making some soon. Thanks for instructions. Everyone stay safe!!
Just please remember that antibacterial is not antiviral, and we are wearing masks because of a virus not a bacteria.
You are very clear in your teaching steps! Thank you for producing such a helpful video, and thorough video! 💕
I know, right! Isn't she the best!! So happy I found her. I've learned so much from her.
Hi Gail, what a fantastic video.thanks for sharing .
Can you make the mask with options for ear loops as well as straps? Thanks
Your heart in doing all this work is so appreciated...I am so tired of uncomfortable face mask this was awesome
Hello Gail thank you so much for all the research you’ve done and for these patterns...fantastic. I’m still struggling to make mine because although I bought the very sharp needles that you recommended my machine is still skipping or not picking up the thread at all. On further research, I’ve discovered that I need to have a ballpoint needle (for stretchy fabric) I have ordered from Amazon and I’m still awaiting! Hoping to get my mask done by the end of the week!!😅
Update: I have re-threaded my machine, cleaned it, changed needles several times with several different strengths of ballpoint/Jersey needles, and this fabric I have will not be stitched! I have never known a fabric like it. After four or five days of experimenting and struggling and grappling with it I have given up the idea of stitching on my machine and have adapted your pattern quite successfully. Instead of ties, I have shaped the outer edge into loops that go over my ears and I have just hand stitched the French seem at the front and they are absolutely fantastic masks. I’ve done a couple so far, and they’re super comfortable, so if anybody else has the same problem as me (possibly because I have a very old sewing machine?) they can still achieve a lovely lightweight and safe mask.
I wish I knew about this fabric 2 months ago. Now I'm going to have to run to Joanne to get more fabric for new masks
Your video is extremely well done! I’ve made over 20 of these for family and some friends! I find the mask needs to be longer from the nose to the chin for most men. An easy alteration to make! For the kids I reduced the size on my copier by 75, 80, 85%, added a little seam allowance and adjusted the width if needed. Seems to fit 6 of the kids I’ve done so far! I’m a retired home ec teacher but found your videos so well done and informative! Thank you!
Home Ec Sisters!😀
I microwave my mask wet for 1 minute at a time to make it smell clean and pleasant to wear. I used recycled cotton fabric from green khaki pants and the fabric definitely had a dusty mustiness to it that washing and multiple "nukings" in the microwave quite fixed. I find that nuking fabric in the microwave where it is stationary while hot, causes less damage than moving fabric while hot such as in a dryer. I sterilize my mask because of the dust mites or other bacteria or fungus or whatever, not so much the covid.
Be aware that some people have burned up the microwave doing that. Be careful.
@@robertagustafson3804 Yes!! That why I recommend washing and microwaving WET. ONLY MICROWAVE MASKS WHILE WET!!!
Thank you so much for this video. I have made many masks using the pattern you provided. Thank you! Super easy to do.
I am not good with sewing and would love to purchase a few of these masks, can you direct me to someone who sells them:)
I think I've watched them all. Excellent series on making masks and the best fabrics to use. Thank you!
Thank you for a well-researched and well-presented tutorial. Your manner and instructions are easy to follow and the camera work for the stitching was excellent. You have done an excellent service for many of us. Now, off to make the masks!
I took the recommendation from another of your videos to use 600 count cotton (fancy bedsheets), and chiffon, with a top layer of poly cotton since I was and am so spooked about getting sick. Never got sick and can now pop out an assembly line of masks for my mother (she wears hers everywhere), husband (he asked me for a bakers dozen before heading overseas for his 6-month ship assignment), and Yours Truly. I am going to do a deep search for a Joannes to find the correct fabric (northern NH, so there are none close by), and make this one. The ONE thing that I will need to overcome is the hesitation to use a mask with only one layer - but I trust your scientific research, so road trip for fabric shopping, here I come!
I wash my masks after every wearing in regular laundry. I usually air dry in the sun and rotate multiple masks over several days.
UV light, like from the sun is really useful to kill germs on fabrics. Also when masks where on shortage, hospitals where telling physicians to keep used surgical masks in a paper bag to dry out, and having one for every day of the week, so just hanging it to dry should also work.
Wonderful and informative! Using new information to make useful masks Thank You
What do you think of using a cotton cutout with the same pattern over the chiffon? The cotton being more for the pattern fabric over say a plain color chiffon like black.
Also thank you!
I was thinking the same thing.
Thinking the same
The WHO recommends that the electrostatic and hydrophobic filter layer (like stretch chiffon) go on the outside and the mechanical filter layer go on the inside and a third filter layer should be in between.
@@gailkollmar8174 so no. Thank you for the response!
Gail Kollmar Now I’m confused. So would it be better to make these double layer with a filter insert? Using the stretch chiffon as the outside and inside layers, then the disposable filter material in between? In a Covid19 hotspot here and am truly paranoid. :-(
I've been doing this way for quiet a while with the Olson mask pattern. Saves time. And it works. I have Obstructed Airway Disease. It's very hard to breathe.
You explain all thoroughly yet succinctly, and in sync with actually doing the process. Thank you! I learned a lot from watching this video. I will subscribe to help me remember to watch more and learn more.
ME TOO, I WATCH IT OVER AN OVER TO MEMORIZE IT. I'LL TRY TO MAKE ONE LATER TODAY. SHE GOOD!!
You, Sis, are brilliant! Thank you so much, and God Bless You.
Thanks for this video - I love this style more than any I've seen. :-) What's important to remember is as soon as fabric or woven surface become moist (example, damp from breathing through them, very humid climates) they are less aseptic, meaning it is easier for bacteria, fungi and viruses to pass through the woven material in either direction. This is why multiple fabric layers, with a filtering layer in-between, is a safer option over a single layer of fabric, and why the CDC recommends multiple layers. Your pattern produces a wonderful mask and can still be comfortable with multiple layers, using two layers of the stretch chiffon sewn just as you've shown. Fold one layer back an extra half inch on each end and sew. Sew the hem edge on edge of one layer as shown. Then nestle the two layers together, wrong sides facing, fold the hem edge over both layers and sew in place as shown. The extra half inch makes the inner layer shorter than the outer layer where a simple filtering layer can be slipped in. Sew channels and add stretch band as shown.
Yes, 2 or 3 layers are safer still. In fact, the WHO recommends a triple-layer mask which includes an inner layer of cotton, an outer layer of an electrostatic and hydrophobic (doesn’t like to absorb water) material (like this stretch chiffon) and a filter between which could be another layer of either of the fabrics or a polypropylene. In my Best Mask Fabrics Revealed video I did show a 2-layer chiffon mask and a triple-layer mask with the cotton. Both are safer. I just found them harder to breathe through. Happy sewing! Be safe!
Thank you for such clear directions. The visual demonstrations were excellent. Fabric details and washing instruction options were in depth. You must have taken a lot of time to create such an excellent video. Thank you.
good job Gail. I found your research video by accident, or by design, early today. The work you put into it is very helpful for those who, like me have used only my stash of quilters cotton. The masks I've made had 2 cotton and 1 interior cotton flannel layers. They were fine for winter, but are disgustingly hot here in Las Vegas heat. TY TY TY for telling us about other better fabrics most especially about this chiffon spandex blend. also, I thank you for further showing the washing needs.
You are so effective in giving clear directions and proof of your decision s. Thank you.
Do you have a video of this with 2 layers? If not - do you just leave out the trim/edge?
Not sure if Gail has done this, but I watched a video of someone else yesterday who had done one with her own pattern. She gives Gail credit for the idea but hers didn't look like it was with the chiffon. Of course I can't find it now. But she made 2 layers like the similar masks but eliminated the binding at the top and bottom and left an opening to turn, stitched all the way around, even enclosing the elastic ear loops, turned it, then stitched around. Very complicated in my opinion and would take me a long time to make. I might try the 2 layers of cotton this way but use Gail's pattern. I'm having a hard time cutting and sewing the stretch chiffon. I wonder if someone got the wrong fabric for me.
Thanks to you I feel my family and friends are better protected than most. For months I’ve been making them with two layers and was surprised to find how easy it is. Like another viewer, I’m interested in making one with two layers of cotton and one of cotton, as per the ratings. Any suggestions?
What a wonderful gift your tutorial continues to be. All the best.
I love this! It's great to know that such a light and airy fabric is more protective than the hot cotton. I've just finished my first mask and will be making many more. I was able to order the fabric online from my local Joann store, then pick it up curbside (stores are closed here).
My tip for the wire: I used this flat wire about 5 mm wide x 1 mm thick that I purchased from Amazon smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PDDCMC5. Cut it with the wire cutter built into needle nose pliers, then use the pliers to fold over each end about 1/8" to keep the wire from poking (person or fabric). I insert the wire into the top casing before finishing the cheek ends of the mask. I also sew a few stitches across the casing near each end of the wire, to help hold the wire in place. This wire bends easily and feels nice against your face.
Thank you so much for this video. Please make more videos - on anything really, your explanations and research are incredibly useful.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the encouragement!
@@gailkollmar8174 I agree! You are teaching me to sew as well as teaching how to make a great mask.
I love how you researched everything for us and you give us the proofs . I find the idea of one layer amazing, now I need to find that material here in Canada. Thank you so much for sharing. One more thing, I prefer to hear you talk than to hear some annoying music.
I turn the sound ALL THE WAY off and use closed captioning, me.
I will be making my mother several of these masks she lives in Ontario. Where do you live?
If I can find some I could certainly mail it to you
If you are referring to the Breathe Easy Mask video then I only have music at the beginning and over the chapter breaks. The rest is intentionally music free!
Gail Kollmar my comment was made as a compliment 😊
Thank you! 🥰
You are such a good teacher!
So, you put a lot of work in this research and explanation. I understood everything!! Thank You ! now I wanna make one .
Very good presentation. Very impressive that you use scientific publication too.
It’s interesting that you are using my very most favorite fabric at JoAnn Fabric. I think I own at least half of the nation’s stretch chiffon stock. Sorry, everyone...if you can’t find any, it’s at my house. It makes the best beachwear, robes, blouses, lightweight travelwear, and who-knew(!), masks.
My local fabric store said they’ve never heard of it and didn’t believe it existed at first!
Thanks! So much great information. Made your first style mask with 4 layers, and it fit well, but so hot! This one uses 3 layers. Like the idea of adjusting for individual fit, since the first one didn’t fit everyone. Finally got elastic, so am going to try both styles: behind the head and over the ears. Like the idea of being able to have mask around neck until needed. Thanks so much for all your videos. They were extremely helpful in this extreme time. And I don’t think you talk too much. You give great information, and I appreciate it. Please stay safe, and I hope you continue to do well in your business.
Spandex in the UK is called Lycra or elastane.
When I asked fo 90% polyester 10% Spandex in all the shops within 20 miles, no-one knows what I'm on about.
Just for reference I put some up close pictures of the fabric on my website so you can see the thread count and I also laid it over my phone so you could see how much light comes through. Just to note the stretch chiffon is a plain weave not a knit. I hope that helps! gailkollmar101.wordpress.com/olson-mask-support/
I don't think chiffon really means anything useful in UK.
@@sarahyoung9839 Totally agree. Love the clarity of this video, but in a way it makes me even more scared, as I'm not able to get hold of this type of fabric. (in UK)
What a great video !! Thank you so much !! 👍👍💝💝😊😊
I just posted some pics on my blog of other bolts of fabric that I found at my local Walmart that may be POSSIBLE contenders for a comparable fabric to the Joanne stretch chiffon. I really don’t have all the stats and am not qualified to “certify” that these have the same filtration efficiency, but they look and feel similar. I hope that helps you all find a safe fabric alternative outside the U.S.
Can you post a link you your blog? I can't seem to find it. Thanks!
@@kathleendurant9237 gailkollmar101.wordpress.com/olson-mask-support/
I'm a beginner at sewing. I saw that you used smaller needles. What about the presser foot? That's the regular one that comes on every sewing machine right? I know that may seem like a silly question but I'm so new to this.
@@cg9653 You can go ahead and use the basic foot that came on your sewing machine. Happy sewing!
Would any type of fabric That is 90% polyester and 10% spandex work? Like a velvety one?
She is very thorough and knowledgeable
Love this but couldn’t get exact ratio poly/spandex. Had to settle for 94/6, but it seems to work well. The only thing I am doing differently from your tutorial is cutting the large curve 1/4” larger than the pattern, sewing it with a half inch seam allowance, and then cutting it down to 1/16 inch. I tried twice and there’s no way I can sew this tricky fabric with 1/16” seam allowance.
Sounds like a great plan👍😷!
Thank you so much for your research and your videos! You have done a great job at helping us all to be safer.
I want to leave a sticky note for your viewers. The reason that bleach is not recommended for these fabrics is because of the Spandex. It does not last after having been in contact with bleach. The damage may not show up immediately, but will eventually. This is the reason you must replace your bathing suits every season if you have worn them or washed them in any water that has been chlorinated. The choice to use bleach or not is your own, but be forewarned that any contact with bleach will shorten the lifespan of material that contains Spandex.
Safe wishes everyone!
Thank you, although this material is a challenge to find.
I agree. As soon as Gail posted this video I went to Joann's which is only a couple miles from me. They had none. I went to the next closest one and they only had a few very feminine patterns,
I had to ask at Joann fabrics and one clerk knew what I was talking about and one didn’t. Good Luck.
I found it easily at JoAnn's online, but not eligible to pick up locally.
Anita McHale I was told by a Joann’s employee that they didn’t carry it when I asked where to find stretch chiffon. However, I found they did carry it the next time I went to the store and there were several bolts available. They were not all together. I had to just check the ends of the bolts for 90% polyester 10% spandex. It might be better to ask by the poly/spandex content rather than “stretch chiffon.”
I live near Edmonton Alberta, and found it at Fabricland. It's expensive though! The binding/ties are swimwear (athletic wear) material. $49 per meter! The face fabric was in the clearance section, and was reasonably priced (I think after discount $8/meter). Now I'm waiting for my damn wonder clips to be delivered. I ordered off Amazon towards the end of March after watching many mask tutorials. I waited for 4 weeks and then Amazon said my product is no longer available. I ordered from a different vendor, and have waited 5 weeks, and the delivery date has gone by. The vendor says Canada Post must have lost them. Now I think I'll have to go to an expensive fabric store to buy. They were sold out when I initially wanted to buy.
Got a thumbs up from my doctor! So comfortable! Thanks for the video!
Oh my goodness, use a starter piece of fabric to keep the fabric from bunching up when you begin sewing...
You can also use a small slip of paper just under the beginning seam so the fabric doesn't get "eaten" by the machine. A machine that only does straight stitch should have no problem.
Wow! Very thorough tutorial and I love the knit fabric ties, elastic can be a challenge to find where I live. Thanks for the work and attention to details.
Where can I purchase these, I can't sew but I am compromised and would love to purchase masks made this way.
where are you located?
@@Lulis56 In Connecticut
If you cant find someone, look on etsy. Type chiffon.
Thank you for not only an amazing how to sew video, but also all the other information as well. The most comprehensive video there is!!
Do you sell masks? There is no way I have this much talent or equipment.
I would love to purchase masks from her....dont sew, or understand every sewing concept
Darla Redsnowbird I didn’t sew either until this virus. In school I squeaked by with a C- in sewing class. Now I am not only making masks for others but resizing and changing up patterns to suit me. If I can do it anyone can. You may surprise yourself. I can tell you that this video is one of the most concise I’ve seen to date. I think I’m going to try this one next. Good luck🍀
Gail, you mask tutorial was the best I have watched. There is no doubting with making this mask you hit every thing. Thank you so much!
Do you use a presser foot for stretch fabrics or just the general purpose foot. I've made 100s of double layer Olsons with filter pockets and nose wires in quilt cotton. Really interested in trying this one. Fantastic video!
I just used my all purpose pressor foot. These may take some practice, but I think you will like the result. Happy sewing!🧵👍
@@gailkollmar8174 Thx! Looking forward to trying these.
@@gailkollmar8174 what kind of thread is best? I mostly have cotton quilting thread, and I know that needles and thread can be really important. I looked at my needles here and I DO have 80/12 (Schmetz) not the 70/10. I'd like to use those if you can advise me what thread with the 80/12 would work best with the stretchy chiffon fabric. THANKS. I have a set of PJ's that are the right ratio and I don't wear them, so I'm going to use the top for the fabric :)
@@superkatertot5425 I believe that if the fabric is polyester, polyester thread would be best. However a good quality such as Metler or Gutermann is important.
Like Jean S. said, try a roller bar presser foot for knits, or one with Teflon on the bottom.
Hello Gail! Thank you so much for this tutorial. I finally went to Joann Fabrics and picked up the cutest flower stretch chiffon. I made your version of the "Olson Mask" and I Love it! My husband said it looks very professional. He is my best critic. And when I went back to Joann's the next day to get more, the girl instantly recognized the fabric and commented on the design!
You are awesome! xoxoxo
I guess maybe I am the "odd gal out" -- polyester & spandex makes me sweat (& stink) FAR WORSE than 100% cotton!
I feel that way too about the synthetics, but two layers of high thread-count batik quilting cotton are plenty hot on their own, and difficult to breath through! I found the stretch chiffon at Joann's yesterday and I'm going to try making this mask.
There are ball point straight pins which are better at ‘moving’ the threads out of the way so as not to leave holes.
Mary Elizabeth yes! And ballpoint sewing machine needles too :)
I really dislike how they called that fabric "chiffon" in the study. I can get regular chiffon in my country, but no one sells this very specialized "stretch chiffon". It's very misleading for them to keep referring to it as "chiffon"! The study also didn't mention anything about whether washing affected the effectiveness of the masks.
I just posted some pics on my blog of other bolts of fabric that I found at my local Walmart that may be POSSIBLE contenders for a comparable fabric to the Joanne stretch chiffon. I really don’t have all the stats and am not qualified to “certify” that these have the same filtration efficiency, but they look and feel similar. I hope that helps.
If you go to the wedding fabric section of your fabric store and find “polyester stretch* LINING”, you will probably have nearly the very same thing, it just won’t likely be printed with colorful designs. If it is 100% polyester, the filtration should be the same after washing as before. If it is more than 70% cotton, the filtration may even improve if washed and dried in hot water as long as you don’t stretch it during ironing. It is not necessarily recommended by anyone, but I rub in or brush on to the outside of my masks, a very slight bit (about what sticks to my finger) of food grade DE (diatomaceous earth, which is fossilized seaweed) throughout the outside fibers...I handle it my own way, and most will find that their survive cannot be left to the fickle pros, either...Ugh, so many questionable bits of contradictory advice we are getting!!!! Of course, this is just me, and I do what I feel is best for me. DE is non toxic and viruses and bacteria are completely crippled by it because it gets stuck in their moving parts and locks their movement up to the point if paralysis. Not telling anyone else what to do, this is just my own personal choice. It is not good to get more than a certain amount in the lungs because an excess can cause cancer they say; it is silica, which is a needed nutrient, but best eaten (I take 1/2-1 tsp/day in water, and it’s great for animal feed, too, and for a non toxic pesticide for the yard and gardens). Breathing it in in abundance is not recommended even though it’s merely silica. Excess of anything, even water, can be problematic, even fatal. Right, so don’t breathe straight water and don’t breathe a limp of this precious stuff. In fact, I myself so breathe it in in a crisis like an asthma attack, about twice a year. It breaks up my phlegm. No one told me to do it, but I knew it kills bacteria that causes my asthma attacks from dust mite build up. How much? Well, I keep about the amount, volume-wise, of a 1/4 of a green pea in a sandwich baggie and rub it inside until the walls of the baggie are barely coated and nothing is in the bottom of the bag. If anything is in the bottom, I dump it out into water and drink it (hate to waste this gold), and that much just on the walls of the baggie will last me around 100+ very slight inhalations, so of course, one baggie containing almost a microscopic amount of DE can last me a few years before I finally lose it somewhere and have to make another one. I bought mine from CA, Wolfcreek Ranch, I think, but a health food store might have it. I once got some at a farm supply, but that is not food grade. People who work in the DE mines are very vulnerable to cancer because they simply breathe in way too much, more than the body can process and eliminate, especially if some fine ground DE puffs into the face and a lump gets into the lungs. The hypothalamus doesn’t like that, and ends up overwhelmed, and then wraps that stuff up into lump storage, meanwhile, it still panic-sends in troops to eliminate it. That’s a chronic problem and no one needs that autoimmune response going on, so I learn and study much and tread cautiously, knowing that doing nothing is even more risky than the very slight amount I use. When we get our teeth cleaned, DE is likely in the scrubbing formula, and I find it remarkable stuff, far safer than sugar, or heaven forbid, artificial sweeteners. Just sayin’.
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As far as cleaning, I don’t mess with bleach myself-I abhor it; I use DE, ionic liquid zinc and/or colloidal silver as a rinse after washing in warm soap and water that does not contain things I cannot tolerate, like SLS or fabric softeners or artificial fragrances. UV light will sterilize my mask if I follow instructions for a IV sterilizer for clothing, or I can dry it in direct sunlight and get UV rays that way. To avoid the open air, I can do it under glass, a window box, or a sunny house window indoors. Essential oils kill germs, etc., but they also damage the spandex and even the polyester over time, because they are solvents, and polyester is a plastic, which is sort of like a rapid oil , a lot like margarine is a plastic (Sorry ‘bout that news). So, to keep my mask safe from deterioration, I remind myself to be wise, yet gentle. DE immobilizes viruses and bacteria, so technically, one can wash it in that with water, rinse it in DE water, and leave it to dry with some intact. (Copied B4 post)
Sorry so long, but hey, shorter than a book!
very well demonstrated . i realized where you put the olsen pattern number 1
Thank you so much!!! I have looked at a lot of videos for face masks to choose the simplest one because I am not really a sewer. MY SEARCH IS OVER!!! I will start on these masks right after I get the recommended fabrics and other supplies. Take care and stay safe.
Good for you! This mask takes a little practice. Don’t give up. Mine looked a lot better after making a handful. Go slow (painfully slow) and you should be very successful!!
This is an awesome video backed with scientific information...exactly what I have been looking for. My only problem is that I have lots of quilters cotton to use up. Do you have any statistics on 2 layers of quilter's cotton plus 1 layer of nonwoven interfacing such as Pellon 380 Soft n Stay. This nonwoven interfacing is extremely light and breathable. Thanks again for your fact-filled video.
I decided I didnt like the one layer mask because I dont like the feel of the material moving so much as I breathe.
So I decided to use the chiffon as the inside lining for the cotton olson mask with a filter pocket. I figure you still get the 67% protectionfrom the chiffon plus the additional protection from the cotton outer layer and a filter.
Thanks so much for this video. I have made many cotton masks for myself the variety of prints in cotton is endless, not so in the stretch chiffon
This is the best how to mask video I’ve seen to date. I love how you’ve thought of everything. Your instructions aren’t clear and easy to understand. Thank you so very much!
Comprehensive. Professional. Informative. Very helpful. Thank you for your interest in our safety and of others too.
Thank you for an excellent instructive tutorial with lots of great fact based tips! I’m inserting the nose wire prior to sewing the side cord channels, using the plastic coated coffee “tin ties”, and just doing a small tack on either side of the wire to hold it in place. Because of that, the users can’t microwave to sterilize. I may experiment by doubling the binding over the center of the nose section to allow for the nose wire to be removed before washing. Also, the knit fabric I purchased for the binding and ties has less spandex than what you use so the ties are not as sturdy if cut to only 1/2”, so I’m using 3/4” strips for the ties or some cording I made out of old t shirts.
I have set masks on fire with NO wire in them trying to sterilize them with a microwave. Don't do it.
Thanks for the research on fabrics that are better at filtration and more comfortable for summer. I appreciate your video. I have never worked with stretch fabric and looking forward to the project.
IMO it takes a little practice, but then things look really good. Go slow for best results.
You are so thorough, I like that. I have made a few with cotton and I have a hard time breathing in them because of my condition, I will try this but I have so much quilting fabric I get from a thrift store, new but not know what fabric it is. But I will try this for sure
Thank you for your continued response
I've been studying masks for a while, but this is a new approach, thanks for the tutorial. I will go look at the research you point to, for my understanding (fabrics have different names in the UK). Like you, I like the stretchy knit straps behind my neck, and set it up like you do. I have been using straightened paper clips for wires, but I like the idea of electrical wire. I am currently using a double thickness of t-shirt fabric which is very comfortable and breathable (and can take a filter if wished), but I have a single layer one also. A well-fitted wire in a breathable fabric is the easy way to avoid glasses fogging up.
I agree with you, if hands can be washed in hand-hot soapy water, so can masks. Leave bleach for hard surfaces. Heat also kills the virus, so when I go out shopping (perhaps once or twice in a week) I walk into town with it around my neck, and just slip it on when in and around the shops or crowds. After only 15 min or an hour of wear, it may not need a wash, I just put it on a sunny windowsill. And alternate with others. But your method of washing is ideal.
I have a page with recommended masks, and will add your video!
Thanks!! Be safe and happy sewing!
Thank you so much for all the work you did and the mask that is the result. It is such a relief to find a mask that is more breathable. It is much appreciated.
Kudos to you on an excellent mask tutorial!
Great video, thanks. Do you have a pattern for men with Long beards? Many men with 6 to 8 inch beards need protection to keep safe. They need a mask to cover or enclose the beard hanging down from chin. Thanks again 😷
Gail, thank you so much for such a wonderful instructional video. Clear, concise and full of very useful information. You have inspired me to try to make this style mask. My only challenge is that I do not use a sewing machine so let's see how I do! Thanks again.
Hi Gail, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ANSWER: After watching your previous video of Best Mask Fabrics, I went to Joann's to buy material. My dilemma was that I found many bolts of fabric made from 90% polyester/10% spandex but NONE of them included the word "Chiffon." According to the store clerk there they, they don't carry chiffon. It seems that the 90/10 fabric construction is more important than the name it's given, but I wanted to check in with you because I'm a complete rookie at sewing and fabric selection. Before I buy the fabric, I want to know if my assumption is correct. Did you see that bathing suit liner is 90/10? That was just one of the options I saw. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
In the description below the video, I included a link to the “stretch chiffon” search on Joann’s website. That gave several options. This fabric is a weave (not a stretchy knit) and is usually in the silky section. I really can’t say whether other fabrics will have similar filtration efficiencies or not. In my store, the stretch chiffon is displayed with many silky prints of various fiber contents. In the video, I also pan over the selection in my store so you can see many of the prints that are available. I have a new video coming out in a couple of weeks that will give you a new mask that can use ANY fabric with a particular filter. I hope you will come back to watch that too.
@@gailkollmar8174 Thank you so very much for your kind reply and for the time you took in typing it out for me. I did watch all the video (several times) and paid close attention to your shopping. Unfortunately, at MY Joann's store, asking for stretch chiffon only resulted in blank looks with an eventual, "we don't carry chiffon." Maybe I should shop at YOUR Joann's ;~) I live in a small town, next "big" town is about 90 minutes driving time away. I can't wait to see your next video. I'm thinking I will try to order "stretch chiffon" online and compare it to what I have instead of jumping to any 90/10 fabric. Arrgh...I really should have paid more attention in the sewing portion of high school Home Economics way back in the 60s! Again, thank you so very much!
I love all your videos regarding this mask. Just on problem. Its so hard finding the fabric. We have a very limited amount here at Joanns in Knoxville. Can you recommend different knits to use for the mask and hem/straps? Thanks.
Funny, but I was in Knoxville about the time you were writing this comment. 😀I should have stopped in at a Joann’s. Instead I had to run into a Walmart while wearing my new mask which uses a particular filter for safety and then you can use any fashion fabric you choose. I hope that that will give everyone some more options. That video tutorial should be out in a couple of weeks.
Thank you for such a lovely clear and friendly way in which to make a really good fitting mask.
As per CDC 100% cotton is the recommended fabric to use when making cloth coverings
when you use a fabric that stretches, the fabric becomes more porous as it stretches.
Knit fabrics are not recommended because the "knit" is not a tight wave hence why it has a "give" to it.
Try buying pillow cases in 100% cotton with at least 400 thread count, I use 600 and 800.
Also, if you are sewing a seam right in the middle make sure to seal it, you can use
interfacing, the iron on type. You can also use interfacing as an extra removable layer
not a permanent one, as it is made of polypropylene and deteriorates quickly with washing.
watch her video on the fabric research. 100% cotton doesn't necessarily mean better filtration. even higher thread count. she is offering up an option that's at least 2x better than all those shitty masks made from 2 layers of 80-thread count quilting cotton that everyone's wearing.