This was the first video I had ever watched by Melanie. Thanks to her, I learned to sew. So much so, that I purchased a Juki sewing machine like her since all her sewing crafts were always so perfect and she loved Juki herself. Over time, I made many of her crafts to gift, decorate my home, or for my son and his many stuffed animals. My prayers are with her family. She was clearly a beautiful soul and an extraordinary woman. May she rest in peace. Her crafting legacy will forever live on.
@@AG-xf4esthere is the most beautiful documentary about her here on RUclips created by her husband. If you watch I will warn ku- I got through almost a whole box of tissues. God bless her and her lively family 🙏
I miss you Melanie. I cry everytime one of your videos comes up in my suggestions. Wish you were still here and healthy. To Melanie's family... thanks for leaving her videos up. Prayers for all of you
Most RUclipsrs: How to do something in three minutes *26 minute video * Her: How to do something in ten minutes *7 minute video * Don’t know who you are but for that mere fact alone I give you much respect
I know that you have passed, but I still love your videos and hopefully watching them helps your family in some way or another. ❤️ Rest easy and pain free now
Thanks for sharing this easy to follow tutorial! I’ve just made my first mask and will make a few more. A good tip: when you finish the mask, try it on. If you find the mask is too loose under your chin and has gaps, fold the fabric over in a pleat under your chin until it is snug (no gaps), then take the mask off while holding the pleat and quickly stitch the pleat fold. That way the mask will now fit snugly under your chin with no gaps!
Thanks, this was one of the better tutorials that I've seen. And it just goes to show. That everyone should own a sewing machine. Even a basic model. And be able to use it. It's no big deal folks, you can learn.
Since it’s now apparent that elastic and interfacing have now joined the ranks of things impossible to procure (right up there with TP and disinfectant wipes), I had to skip the interfacing. I’m not a seamstress and I *just* gave myself a sewing machine as a birthday present. So, after some brainstorming, I realized I’d just bought a bunch of grosgrain ribbon. Let’s cheer for improvisation! So far I’ve made 3 masks. More to come! Thank you for your tutorial, Melanie!!
Hi Melanie, I have to wear mask daily and my ears started getting sore. I sewed buttons on a headband and now I attach the elastic to the buttons instead of my ears. Lifesaver for me. Please share this with you fans. Hope it saves someone’s ears. I love your channel.
I've been "eyeballing" my pleats like your second demonstration but I'll be using the seam ripper trick from now on! That's AMAZING! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Omg I love this soooo much. I am 12 years old and was taught by my grandma to quilt and sew, and I loveeeee it sooooooo much. This is will be a WONDERFUL project for me to do during my quarantine!!! I am sooooo gonna do this!!
My sister made a bunch for our family and her kiddos, she is also making a bunch and selling them for $1 each! It's really helpful and shes has a bunch of different prints of fabric.
I am somewhat of a beginner at sewing. I can do small projects but have never attempted clothing. I have to say Melanie, your video tutorials are the best I have ever watched. Your style of teaching is excellent. You make it very simple to follow along and pause the video as needed. Your explanations are down to earth and very easy to understand. I tried to use another tutorial for making this type of mask and the person was horrible and I almost just completely gave up. But then I remembered your other videos and was thankful to find that you had a mask Video. I did have some craft wire and I was able to sew a little channel at the top and put that in there and it works perfect. So, once again thank you Melanie!
I donated masks to my local hospital today and they were so happy to get them. I believe everyone should consider wearing masks when out in the public, along with washing hands, keeping distance. Tomorrow I will begin making more for friends and neighbors. Dr Oz also believes wearing them too and he said that diy fabric masks are better than not wearing any.
Great job! I wish i hadnt given my fabric away and my machine is out of time. I am angry that the people and experts in control do not realize the public is the front line. We are the ones exposed to the invisible enemy and 2nd is the medical. Eye protection also. I just can't believe how they all failed to lock everything down in January. How they fumbled the whole dont/Do wear a mask thing. Today I think they are still flip flopping.
Always my go to RUclipsr when I have a question about sewing. Love your tutorials. The way you teach is very approachable and makes me believe I can do it. Now, to go find my sewing machine and some 100% cotton yarn and elastic ❤️~Marly
Thank you for your video. Love the seam ripper suggestion. May I suggest...use a little elastic in the nose area. Stretch and stich to the upper center area or both top & bottom. The elastic is visible on mine, but doesn't irritate. It shapes over the nose and chin area( if you choose). This also allows my mask to poof out off my mouth. Giving me breathing room. Mostly I just do elastic in the nose area.
Melanie....I've been making the masks and have given them to several different hospitals. One way to differentiate the sides of the mask is to put in an extra pinch pleat on the top middle of the mask where it will fit tighter around the nose. Worked for me
Glad to find your video Melanie, I will be working on these today. I love your instructions better. Some of the others just chatter, chatter, chatter. You always get to the point. I love it! Now my little one wants me to make them for her. Thanks so much gal!
Excellent video! I've made approx. 180 masks the same way you make them with the exception of using a seam ripper for the pleats. What a genius idea! I've been ironing mine so I don't have to pin them :). I'm definitely going to try the seam ripper!
That seam ripper hack to help make the pleats is gold! I've been sewing masks and it takes so much extra time to pin the pleats. Thank you for a great tutorial!
This was a really great video. I've watched several others and it looks like they overcomplicate it. But not yours. You made it simple very little measuring and the seam ripper was a really great idea. I'll be watching more of your videos in the future thank you
Hi from Scotland in lockdown. I have been experimenting with 2 or 3 designs. Your mask deals nicely with the elastic attachment, so here I go. Thanks so much.
Great idea to make double sided and even more cheerful if coloured elastic used. For anyone who loves sewing and who has piles of fabric scraps a lovely idea!
They are less effective that n95 masks and the jury is still out but as medical masks are going into shortage the most recent verdict from officials and the CDC is that its better than nothing and may help cut back on the demand on medical equipment and may help asymptomatic ppl from spreading. You can also use one in conjunction with a surgical mask!
@@fico3102 Yes, these masks do help stem droplets....especially if the person wearing them coughs or sneezes. Sweetie, if the government is saying use anything--like bandanas or scarfs to cover our mouth, these masks are certainly as effective, if not more. What is wrong with you naysayers?
@Sharon Diehl . These masks still let your water droplets from speech and breathing get out and into the open. From the sides. There is no seal around the mouth. If it lets water droplets out, it also has to let them in. So if someone breaths next to you, you could inhale the infected persons breath and get infected. The scarves and bandanas cover the entire mouth and have a lesser chance of breathing in other peoples air
If you don’t have elastic you can use wide headbands: cut it into thin strips, then attach it to the mask. It’s softer than hair ties. You can also use bedsheets or pillowcases. Hand sewing works well too if you don’t have a machine.
Thank you for taking the time to share your directions. I looked at several and yours was by far the simplest and most easy to follow. I just finished three masks in a short time, and am confident I can make many more if needed. I appreciate your video and instructions so much! Thank you!!
I have used paper clips foe the wire over the nose, unbend it so the wire is straight, use a needle nose plier to bend the ends over and round them off. Works great!
I have used pipe cleaners with great success. The secret is to fold the pipe cleaner in half and then twist the two pieces together. Then I fold the end pieces back toward the length so it doesn’t have any sharp edges. I think be doubling and twisting, it gives more stability. Hope this helps.
So glad I found your site You make it look so easy. I will be making these soon. Thank you so much for posting this video. I am 75 years old but it's never to late to learn.
Melanie thank you for showing how to make the masks and please know you are in my heart and in my prayers for you and your family to be safe during these scary times and sending love and hugs to all of you. ❤Maria
I just want to say thank you for posting this tutorial. I hope you don't pay any attention to the trolls making unnecessary comments. I have been making masks for my family and friends and was just looking for some tweaks for what I've been doing already. I really love your seam ripper tip and can't wait to try it on my next masks. The pleats are the most frustrating part for me and I think this will help for sure!!
Thank you Melanie, this is a nice easy video and I have just finished my first one by hand. Your instructions are clear and really easy to follow. We all need to be able to make our own masks now!
Thank you. You had the easiest tutorial for these masks. I started making them last April, and now I’m back making a few more. I can’t thank you enough. Everyone is happy with the masks I made them....that’s over 50 family and friends. Happy and healthy holidays to you, and Happy New year! 🎄🎁❤️
Thank you for this tutorial! My husband does grocery shopping/delivering, and we both worry about him catching the virus. He's always been a constant hand washer, but now does more hand sanitizer. Now he'll have an extra layer of protection. I also plan on making them for anyone else in my family and neighborhood who wants one.
@TomTheTrain I told my husband the same thing, but he still wants one. I guess if it makes people feel like they're doing something proactive, that's fine, but it's not going to stop much of anything. I worry that people will think they're safe because they're wearing these fabric masks, though.
@@SmittenKitten. I know this is nowhere near the protection that an N95 mask would give him. But it will help somewhat. After seeing a few other videos, I'm going to see if I have something I can put in as an extra layer.
@@TheBookNerd11 It's one of those situations where we all feel kind of impotent. I believe I read that cloth face masks are helpful in keeping others from getting anything you might have. I could be wrong, but if that's true, they're definitely beneficial in that way.
I needed some new comfy masks so I just found your tutorial with a search. I used it to make some masks this afternoon. Thank you! This was very easy to follow. The masks are very customizable for size and were super comfortable.
Thank you for this! My work just required us to wear masks when we come in and there are none available to buy, good thing I can sew 😁. There is no elastic anywhere near me so what I came up with (I hate tie masks) is I use shoestrings from the dollar store. They are soft enough not to hurt the ears and have just enough elasticity to them to get them on comfortably and stay put
politechjunky Masks are effective at preventing the spread of the virus from the wearer, not so much at preventing the wearing from catching it. Corona virus isn't airborne, so the mask don't need to filter the air completely, just catch the saliva particles from when you cough. It isn't 100% effective but it is still very effective. The WHO still recommends surgical masks, and the CDC even recommends you make your own cloth masks to lessen the demand of surgical masks. www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
Before you sew the opening closed, wait and sew a horizontal line across the mask about 1/2 inch away from and parallel to your closing seam. Insert a (folded in half) pipe cleaner into this space and then close the mask up. Two quick seams running perpindicular to the pipecleaner on both ends will keep it in place. Very easy and they work amazing at making them way more snug.
If you use pipe cleaner it needs to be zig zagged over the top really well otherwise they didn't hold up in the wash for me. My video with ties shows how to do this... And yes! much more snug, thank you for mentioning that!
Thank you!!!! I’ve been struggling with the pleats. The seam ripper method! Genius!!! I knew you’d have the answer! I understand your hesitation in making the tutorial, but I’m glad you decided to. Thanks again!
All these people commenting how they don't work. I'd rather test my luck at a face mask with a filter insert than take the medical-grade masks away from the healthcare workers who actually need them.
She stated specifically, these won’t prevent us from getting the virus, but will keep germs away & lessen the touching of hands on faces, hence spreading germs...we love must remember, it’s cold & flu season, aside from all the pandemic issues! Look at it as assisting your immune systems!!!😊👍🙏🌞❗️❗️
Taylor Becker some medical facilities are in shortage of them as well, and want to make sure the medical-grade masks are used only for those directly dealing with the virus. I’m making some to donate to my local nursing home.
Taylor Becker - I agree about the negative comments. The masks we are supposed to wear are to protect others from our sneezes and coughs, in case we are carriers. They don't keep us from getting sick but are a plus if someone sneezes on us also.
Amen to all the comments below...let the professionals have the medical masks while we make our own...who knows how many people would not have got covid19 if they had been using masks. my motto has always been ...If you can't be part of the solution....don't become part of the problem...this is a good simple mask and will do the job.xx Christian love to all from Norfolk UK Gilly wife of Mark.
LOL I KNOW ! and It is getting warm so I like the face shield I made one that is function & fashion - check it out here ruclips.net/video/cGblHmpvXyA/видео.html is my video
Perfect! Even for a non-sewer like myself. Had an appointment earlier and finished it just in time. Thanks so much for making this video short and efficient!
Great tutorial! I especially liked how you did the pleats with the seam ripper, what a fantastic idea! Will make some of these for my family. Thank you!!
Thank you for great instructions. I always make a casing (using the top layer), to insert the elastic band with open ends. That way each person can adjust it to their own size. When sewing the elastic in it is very often not the right length; we all have different head sizes, men or women.
There are an increasing number of mask how to videos being posted on this subject and I'm happy to have chosen YOUR video to watch and learn from. It's visually appealing to begin with. You have a great teaching style and your voice is pleasant to listen to. I also like how you fast fwd'd when necessary as it makes it easier to remember things. That may sound trivial or not even make sense to alot of people what I just said but for someone with a little bit of a challenged memory and/or ADHD it actually does help. Thank you for this tutorial, I'm going to follow your instructions. I subscribed ! Thank you !
Thanks so much Melanie, I’m going to use this pattern, but will just be eyeballing the pleats for quicker production! This craziness is prompting me to break my sewing machine out of storage...been gettin the itch to do some quilting for a while now, so this is the fire under my ass to get my sewing space set up & also do my part in the midst of all this mayhem!!! Thank U for posting/sharing this & Many Blessings to U Ms. Melanie! 👍👍❤️❤️❌💋🙏🙏🌞❗️❗️
Very well done and informative video. I like the 2 different colored fabrics so that you know what side it is that was previously worn. My sewing machine was broken and I was able to hand sew a mask using only a sock! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much. We can't find face masks for sale anywhere, and we have high risk members in our household. They are sold out of those and gloves in stores by us.
@@donnanorris2939 Which is why I'm using fresh shoelaces. I read a recomendation for shoelaces for ties, and the warning about elastic unable to be bleached, on another site before I found this video. Shoelaces are also fairly cheap, as well. Just a bit harder to stitch in place because they are thicker.
Excellent video ! So many “ easy simple “ masks instructions assume we are all well versed in sewing . Your was refreshingly -To The Point - Clear- and best of all Works ! kudos !
phyllis grant You can wash it before you cut it out as well. When it’s STILL one big piece, off the bolt. But then you have to iron it before you cut it.
I have been wasting a lot of time trying to make even pleats and it has been so frustrating.........I can't thank you enough for your clever way of making perfect matched pleats with a seam ripper! I love your fabric and can't understand why the fabric stores aren't open......they are now a necessity! Thank you so much:-)
Thank you so much, love your quick and easy video with no unnecessary speaking. Perfect! Side note: love love love your fingernail polish color! Looks exactly like My favorite nail color named “Baby Girl”... So fresh. Stay safe, God bless 🙏🏼
Hey Melanie... Thank you so much for sharing this 🙏💕 Just wanted to know if you could please share the dimensions of the fabric & length of the elastic... Thanks in advance
My daughter is a nurse and she is using a straightened out paperclip for the nose wire. Great tip with the seam ripper! :) Can you leave the opening so that a filter can be inserted?
A virus is a virus and the way it is transmitted is the very thing that makes it a virus. Your falling for a social engineering project, facts don't change or lie, politicians and media do . I shouldn't need to point this out.
808k views and only 12k thumbs up... Oh well at least your video is being viewed. MELANIE, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND ALL THE OTHER MASK MAKERS FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING! YOU ARE ALL AWESOME FOR HELPING OUT...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU❤️💛💚💙💜
This is easy to follow. I added a small dart in the center of the top and the bottom, and it holds the mask closer to my face, which helps keep my glasses from fogging up so badly.
I add a 3-4 inch piece of wire, round the ends with pliers. I out that inside and sew in place. This can be bent around your nose. I make masks with pocket to insert additional filter.
@@Lizz033torres Fold the mask in half and stitch a long triangle down the center (about two inches) with the point at the bottom and about half an inch on each side at the top. Clip it open. Do the same on the bottom. This is much softer than wire, and works much better than pipe cleaners.
i made these and it took me three hours for one mask it’s harder than it looks lol. But i really enjoy the masks. During the process my sewing machine jammed 5 times and the needle broke and flew at my face. It was a rough process but at least i will feel safer now
You maybe better be sure your needle is the right size for the fabric and also that it is not too dull. That is why they break and if the machine is making too much noise, the wrong size needle is being used.
hahaha I've created some DIY face mask ideas that will really make you feel accomplished (be warned it's a parody video) just a little comic relief during these troubled times 😷
When my machine jams, I take out the bobbin and re-thread the needle. That fixes jams on my New Home. Sometimes poor quality thread (with bumps) can cause problems.
Thank you very much for the tutorial! I made 2 today of these pleated w/ 1/4" elastic loops and random quilt quarters (I don't know what they're called, folded up small and come in cute prints). I haven't bought fabric or sewn in over 4 years so I spent more time adjusting the machine than I did making these! It's a 20+ year old Brother machine, that I love. It's a starter/basic sort and it's the lightest one to lift out of my others that are older and require way more time hassling w/ settings. I already own/wear fabric masks for years when I go out because health reasons, but these are my first two to ever make myself. I looked to see if you had a twitter, I'd @ you but I didn't see one listed if you wanted to see.
On goodness thank you for the tip on pleating. This was a game changer for the masks I’ve been making for family!!! The pleating/ironing etc has made me regret making masks. This tip spead up my process!!!
I really enjoyed this video and learned to make a mask. 😷 It seems to be surprisingly easy. I won’t know until I try but you’ve answered all of my un-asked questions. Thanks so much for sharing this with us all. Blessings! 🌸
This was the first video I had ever watched by Melanie. Thanks to her, I learned to sew. So much so, that I purchased a Juki sewing machine like her since all her sewing crafts were always so perfect and she loved Juki herself. Over time, I made many of her crafts to gift, decorate my home, or for my son and his many stuffed animals. My prayers are with her family. She was clearly a beautiful soul and an extraordinary woman. May she rest in peace. Her crafting legacy will forever live on.
This person isn't alive anymore ? Oh my goodness may she rest in peace 🙏🏻
@@AG-xf4esthere is the most beautiful documentary about her here on RUclips created by her husband. If you watch I will warn ku- I got through almost a whole box of tissues. God bless her and her lively family 🙏
I miss you Melanie. I cry everytime one of your videos comes up in my suggestions. Wish you were still here and healthy. To Melanie's family... thanks for leaving her videos up. Prayers for all of you
Most RUclipsrs: How to do something in three minutes *26 minute video *
Her: How to do something in ten minutes *7 minute video *
Don’t know who you are but for that mere fact alone I give you much respect
Do a viral I appreciate that, thank you!
The
I prefer this lol
ruclips.net/video/_AIGvYBzVeg/видео.html
First no mask and today use mask. They might be joking. But I already got n95 mask from getadealfor .com(google it)
5:30 Tl5Ss0
I know that you have passed, but I still love your videos and hopefully watching them helps your family in some way or another. ❤️ Rest easy and pain free now
Seam Ripper! That's a new one! In New Zealand we call them quick-unpicks. because... you unpick them... quick
In Canada we call them de-stitchers:)
In Britain they are called Seam Rippers too!
@@archanahogarth3161 yeah! I personally call them Seam removers tho cuz it’s the easy way to remember them because it’s what they do.
Hmmm I’m a kiwi and i’ve always known it as seam ripper…Never heard of quick-unpicks
@@dreydenflett9315 that’s funny. I’m in Canada too and I’ve always heard of them as seam rippers. Are you east coast ?
Thanks for sharing this easy to follow tutorial! I’ve just made my first mask and will make a few more. A good tip: when you finish the mask, try it on. If you find the mask is too loose under your chin and has gaps, fold the fabric over in a pleat under your chin until it is snug (no gaps), then take the mask off while holding the pleat and quickly stitch the pleat fold. That way the mask will now fit snugly under your chin with no gaps!
thank you for doing your part in the community, as a teenager who never really sews this was super easy to follow, thank you
that's great to hear! Good job!
Thanks, this was one of the better tutorials that I've seen. And it just goes to show. That everyone should own a sewing machine. Even a basic model. And be able to use it. It's no big deal folks, you can learn.
Since it’s now apparent that elastic and interfacing have now joined the ranks of things impossible to procure (right up there with TP and disinfectant wipes), I had to skip the interfacing. I’m not a seamstress and I *just* gave myself a sewing machine as a birthday present. So, after some brainstorming, I realized I’d just bought a bunch of grosgrain ribbon. Let’s cheer for improvisation! So far I’ve made 3 masks. More to come! Thank you for your tutorial, Melanie!!
Hi Melanie, I have to wear mask daily and my ears started getting sore. I sewed buttons on a headband and now I attach the elastic to the buttons instead of my ears. Lifesaver for me. Please share this with you fans. Hope it saves someone’s ears. I love your channel.
Great tip!
I've been "eyeballing" my pleats like your second demonstration but I'll be using the seam ripper trick from now on! That's AMAZING! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you Melanie, your legacy continues to help others to create and take care of themselves.🙏
Omg I love this soooo much. I am 12 years old and was taught by my grandma to quilt and sew, and I loveeeee it sooooooo much. This is will be a WONDERFUL project for me to do during my quarantine!!! I am sooooo gonna do this!!
Aw, same! My mom works in a doctor's office and needs me to sew these. They are an easy and fun project. I would recommend doing it!
Same here, but my mom taught me to sew!
My sister made a bunch for our family and her kiddos, she is also making a bunch and selling them for $1 each! It's really helpful and shes has a bunch of different prints of fabric.
You are a great fellow
Kenna Elliott aww same I’m 12 and I love to sew I just made one of these and I am soooo happy with it x
I am somewhat of a beginner at sewing. I can do small projects but have never attempted clothing. I have to say Melanie, your video tutorials are the best I have ever watched. Your style of teaching is excellent. You make it very simple to follow along and pause the video as needed. Your explanations are down to earth and very easy to understand. I tried to use another tutorial for making this type of mask and the person was horrible and I almost just completely gave up. But then I remembered your other videos and was thankful to find that you had a mask Video. I did have some craft wire and I was able to sew a little channel at the top and put that in there and it works perfect. So, once again thank you Melanie!
I donated masks to my local hospital today and they were so happy to get them. I believe everyone should consider wearing masks when out in the public, along with washing hands, keeping distance. Tomorrow I will begin making more for friends and neighbors. Dr Oz also believes wearing them too and he said that diy fabric masks are better than not wearing any.
Well done !
Heartwarming
i agree about wearing masks but do not trust dr oz for medical/health advice, for the love of god
Great job! I wish i hadnt given my fabric away and my machine is out of time. I am angry that the people and experts in control do not realize the public is the front line. We are the ones exposed to the invisible enemy and 2nd is the medical. Eye protection also. I just can't believe how they all failed to lock everything down in January. How they fumbled the whole dont/Do wear a mask thing. Today I think they are still flip flopping.
yeah, seems like that the recommendation from most people at this point
Hi Melanie! A couple years ago I learned to crochet by watching your videos, and I wanted to thank you! Sending you peace & love!
Always my go to RUclipsr when I have a question about sewing. Love your tutorials. The way you teach is very approachable and makes me believe I can do it. Now, to go find my sewing machine and some 100% cotton yarn and elastic ❤️~Marly
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Thank you for your video. Love the seam ripper suggestion. May I suggest...use a little elastic in the nose area. Stretch and stich to the upper center area or both top & bottom. The elastic is visible on mine, but doesn't irritate. It shapes over the nose and chin area( if you choose). This also allows my mask to poof out off my mouth. Giving me breathing room. Mostly I just do elastic in the nose area.
Melanie....I've been making the masks and have given them to several different hospitals. One way to differentiate the sides of the mask is to put in an extra pinch pleat on the top middle of the mask where it will fit tighter around the nose. Worked for me
love that!
Karen Millering pitchers please
Glad to find your video Melanie, I will be working on these today. I love your instructions better. Some of the others just chatter, chatter, chatter. You always get to the point. I love it! Now my little one wants me to make them for her. Thanks so much gal!
Excellent video! I've made approx. 180 masks the same way you make them with the exception of using a seam ripper for the pleats. What a genius idea! I've been ironing mine so I don't have to pin them :). I'm definitely going to try the seam ripper!
W. O. W.
That seam ripper hack to help make the pleats is gold! I've been sewing masks and it takes so much extra time to pin the pleats. Thank you for a great tutorial!
This was a really great video. I've watched several others and it looks like they overcomplicate it. But not yours. You made it simple very little measuring and the seam ripper was a really great idea. I'll be watching more of your videos in the future thank you
Hi from Scotland in lockdown. I have been experimenting with 2 or 3 designs. Your mask deals nicely with the elastic attachment, so here I go. Thanks so much.
Thank you I just got my sewing machine out after about 15 years and I think this is very doable.
Great idea to make double sided and even more cheerful if coloured elastic used. For anyone who loves sewing and who has piles of fabric scraps a lovely idea!
Best, easiest mask tutorial I've seen yet!! Pleating with a seam ripper is GENIUS ...Thank you!!
Agreed!
Shrunk after washing. Pre-washing all fabric before cutting now. THANKYOU for taking time to make this easy. You are wonderful!!
I'm going to cry... Thank u sooo much for finally SIMPLIFYING a mask tutorial! Time to crank these babies out!
Chrissy H. They dont do anything. Dont waste ur time!
They are less effective that n95 masks and the jury is still out but as medical masks are going into shortage the most recent verdict from officials and the CDC is that its better than nothing and may help cut back on the demand on medical equipment and may help asymptomatic ppl from spreading. You can also use one in conjunction with a surgical mask!
You got this!
@@fico3102 Yes, these masks do help stem droplets....especially if the person wearing them coughs or sneezes. Sweetie, if the government is saying use anything--like bandanas or scarfs to cover our mouth, these masks are certainly as effective, if not more. What is wrong with you naysayers?
@Sharon Diehl . These masks still let your water droplets from speech and breathing get out and into the open. From the sides. There is no seal around the mouth. If it lets water droplets out, it also has to let them in. So if someone breaths next to you, you could inhale the infected persons breath and get infected. The scarves and bandanas cover the entire mouth and have a lesser chance of breathing in other peoples air
Thanks Melanie. The seam ripper trick is great! I just used matching fabric to sew loops.
If you don’t have elastic you can use wide headbands: cut it into thin strips, then attach it to the mask. It’s softer than hair ties. You can also use bedsheets or pillowcases. Hand sewing works well too if you don’t have a machine.
Thank you for taking the time to share your directions. I looked at several and yours was by far the simplest and most easy to follow. I just finished three masks in a short time, and am confident I can make many more if needed. I appreciate your video and instructions so much! Thank you!!
I have used paper clips foe the wire over the nose, unbend it so the wire is straight, use a needle nose plier to bend the ends over and round them off. Works great!
How do you attach it?
Clever idea Marta! I have large clips that have a plastic coating on them - they're perfect!
Great trick with the seam ripper! Thanks!
The pleats have been my least favorite to do & your seam ripper trick made me shed a tear lol can't wait to try it this way!
I being using a fork for the pleats
aw yay! glad it was helpful!
For easier pleating, fold to the bottom of the previous pleat, grab and pinch the flack, fold it up, even the pleat, and pin it.
Make me TWO baby girl
Thanks for this tutorial. It was really easy for a novice like me. I bought my sewing machine 5 years ago and it has been really useful for masks.
I have used pipe cleaners with great success. The secret is to fold the pipe cleaner in half and then twist the two pieces together. Then I fold the end pieces back toward the length so it doesn’t have any sharp edges. I think be doubling and twisting, it gives more stability. Hope this helps.
So glad I found your site
You make it look so easy. I will be making these soon. Thank you so much for posting this video. I am 75 years old but it's never to late to learn.
Love how you used your seem ripper. So much easier than pinning. Thank you!
Awesome! I like that you explain alternative methods, and that trick with turning the seam ripper is brilliant.
Melanie thank you for showing how to make the masks and please know you are in my heart and in my prayers for you and your family to be safe during these scary times and sending love and hugs to all of you. ❤Maria
ours to you as well!
These are the easiest, quickest masks I have ever made! I will definitely be making a lot of these! Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you put up a tutorial! I learned how to crochet from you.
Me too and my mom tried to teach me for years lol
I just want to say thank you for posting this tutorial. I hope you don't pay any attention to the trolls making unnecessary comments. I have been making masks for my family and friends and was just looking for some tweaks for what I've been doing already. I really love your seam ripper tip and can't wait to try it on my next masks. The pleats are the most frustrating part for me and I think this will help for sure!!
Thank you Melanie, this is a nice easy video and I have just finished my first one by hand. Your instructions are clear and really easy to follow. We all need to be able to make our own masks now!
Thank you. You had the easiest tutorial for these masks. I started making them last April, and now I’m back making a few more. I can’t thank you enough. Everyone is happy with the masks I made them....that’s over 50 family and friends. Happy and healthy holidays to you, and Happy New year! 🎄🎁❤️
Thank you for this tutorial! My husband does grocery shopping/delivering, and we both worry about him catching the virus. He's always been a constant hand washer, but now does more hand sanitizer. Now he'll have an extra layer of protection. I also plan on making them for anyone else in my family and neighborhood who wants one.
@TomTheTrain I told my husband the same thing, but he still wants one. I guess if it makes people feel like they're doing something proactive, that's fine, but it's not going to stop much of anything. I worry that people will think they're safe because they're wearing these fabric masks, though.
@TomTheTrain I know. But it's something.
@@SmittenKitten. I know this is nowhere near the protection that an N95 mask would give him. But it will help somewhat. After seeing a few other videos, I'm going to see if I have something I can put in as an extra layer.
@@TheBookNerd11 It's one of those situations where we all feel kind of impotent. I believe I read that cloth face masks are helpful in keeping others from getting anything you might have. I could be wrong, but if that's true, they're definitely beneficial in that way.
I needed some new comfy masks so I just found your tutorial with a search. I used it to make some masks this afternoon. Thank you! This was very easy to follow. The masks are very customizable for size and were super comfortable.
Who would give this a thumbs down? This was quick and to the point and your nails are gorgeous! Thank you ❤️
She didn't even show the end result and that nail color is gross.
RIP Melanie, I used this video and your pattern to make masks for my family!
You will be so missed!
Thank you for this! My work just required us to wear masks when we come in and there are none available to buy, good thing I can sew 😁. There is no elastic anywhere near me so what I came up with (I hate tie masks) is I use shoestrings from the dollar store. They are soft enough not to hurt the ears and have just enough elasticity to them to get them on comfortably and stay put
Thank you. I have now made 57 of these for vulnerable people in sheltered housing and for home carers. Greetings from Ayrshire, Scotland
What are the cloth measurements?
Neat trick with the seam ripper. Wish I had seen it earlier but will definitely try it.
I made 5 in a sitting. Making more tomorrow to donate in church. This is really easy tutorial to follow. Thanks.
This mask won’t protect you from the virus is too porous. She might have good intentions but this is misinformation.
politechjunky Masks are effective at preventing the spread of the virus from the wearer, not so much at preventing the wearing from catching it. Corona virus isn't airborne, so the mask don't need to filter the air completely, just catch the saliva particles from when you cough. It isn't 100% effective but it is still very effective. The WHO still recommends surgical masks, and the CDC even recommends you make your own cloth masks to lessen the demand of surgical masks.
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
Thank you for this tutorial!! So simple and easy!! Making the pleats using a seam ripper is genius 🙂
BEST MASK VIDEO AND INSTRUCTIONS EVER!! I've made 12 masks in one afternoon!! I'm not a good sewer, but I got the job done!!
Before you sew the opening closed, wait and sew a horizontal line across the mask about 1/2 inch away from and parallel to your closing seam. Insert a (folded in half) pipe cleaner into this space and then close the mask up. Two quick seams running perpindicular to the pipecleaner on both ends will keep it in place. Very easy and they work amazing at making them way more snug.
If you use pipe cleaner it needs to be zig zagged over the top really well otherwise they didn't hold up in the wash for me. My video with ties shows how to do this... And yes! much more snug, thank you for mentioning that!
I love this tutoriual. You explain all the details so clearly.
Thank you!!!! I’ve been struggling with the pleats. The seam ripper method! Genius!!! I knew you’d have the answer! I understand your hesitation in making the tutorial, but I’m glad you decided to. Thanks again!
I love the idea of using the seam ripper to do the pleats. I've never made pleats, or a mask, but you make it look so easy!
All these people commenting how they don't work. I'd rather test my luck at a face mask with a filter insert than take the medical-grade masks away from the healthcare workers who actually need them.
She stated specifically, these won’t prevent us from getting the virus, but will keep germs away & lessen the touching of hands on faces, hence spreading germs...we love must remember, it’s cold & flu season, aside from all the pandemic issues! Look at it as assisting your immune systems!!!😊👍🙏🌞❗️❗️
Taylor Becker some medical facilities are in shortage of them as well, and want to make sure the medical-grade masks are used only for those directly dealing with the virus. I’m making some to donate to my local nursing home.
Taylor Becker - I agree about the negative comments. The masks we are supposed to wear are to protect others from our sneezes and coughs, in case we are carriers. They don't keep us from getting sick but are a plus if someone sneezes on us also.
Amen to all the comments below...let the professionals have the medical masks while we make our own...who knows how many people would not have got covid19 if they had been using masks.
my motto has always been ...If you can't be part of the solution....don't become part of the problem...this is a good simple mask and will do the job.xx
Christian love to all from Norfolk UK
Gilly wife of Mark.
LOL I KNOW ! and It is getting warm so I like the face shield I made one that is function & fashion - check it out here ruclips.net/video/cGblHmpvXyA/видео.html is my video
The seam ripper pleat idea is awesome. I am a total sewing amateur and I just made 3 of these. Thank you!
The seam ripper trick is AMAZING!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Loved the seam ripper tips for the pleats - so easy. Made them for the kids next door. They loved choosing their fabric.
Next art project at school:
Teacher: “okay kids, today we are going to be making masks!”
Gonna be in our online class
@@johnisawesome18 nice
that doesn't protect anything but your bad breath. what a woman's plan
@@justpettet3506 First of all, rude second of all what do you mean by "woman's plan".
@@johnisawesome18 useless and only here to take up time until the next baby pops out
Thank you! I tried this out using your video and I've got some great masks for us to use! Thanks again, and stay safe!
Thank you! This was easy enough for my daughter to do too! I never thought to use my seam ripper as a pleat tool. How fantastic is that?
Love how you break it down for those of us who are rudimentary seamstresses! Many thanks.
Perfect! Even for a non-sewer like myself. Had an appointment earlier and finished it just in time. Thanks so much for making this video short and efficient!
Great tutorial! I especially liked how you did the pleats with the seam ripper, what a fantastic idea! Will make some of these for my family. Thank you!!
Thank you for great instructions. I always make a casing (using the top layer), to insert the elastic band with open ends. That way each person can adjust it to their own size. When sewing the elastic in it is very often not the right length; we all have different head sizes, men or women.
Sigrid Kutz do you have a video of how to do this?
There are an increasing number of mask how to videos being posted on this subject and I'm happy to have chosen YOUR video to watch and learn from. It's visually appealing to begin with. You have a great teaching style and your voice is pleasant to listen to. I also like how you fast fwd'd when necessary as it makes it easier to remember things. That may sound trivial or not even make sense to alot of people what I just said but for someone with a little bit of a challenged memory and/or ADHD it actually does help. Thank you for this tutorial, I'm going to follow your instructions.
I subscribed ! Thank you !
Thanks so much Melanie, I’m going to use this pattern, but will just be eyeballing the pleats for quicker production! This craziness is prompting me to break my sewing machine out of storage...been gettin the itch to do some quilting for a while now, so this is the fire under my ass to get my sewing space set up & also do my part in the midst of all this mayhem!!! Thank U for posting/sharing this & Many Blessings to U Ms. Melanie! 👍👍❤️❤️❌💋🙏🙏🌞❗️❗️
Very well done and informative video. I like the 2 different colored fabrics so that you know what side it is that was previously worn. My sewing machine was broken and I was
able to hand sew a mask using only a sock! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much. We can't find face masks for sale anywhere, and we have high risk members in our household. They are sold out of those and gloves in stores by us.
You can also use a floded bandana to cover your nose as well, keep safe 🙏
Nicole Van Woerkom Don’t forget your wash them DAILY!! But elastic SHOULD NOT/ CANNOT be bleached!!
Rosie Gutierrez “floded?” What does that mean??
@@donnanorris2939 Which is why I'm using fresh shoelaces. I read a recomendation for shoelaces for ties, and the warning about elastic unable to be bleached, on another site before I found this video. Shoelaces are also fairly cheap, as well. Just a bit harder to stitch in place because they are thicker.
Nicole, sorry I ment folded
Excellent video ! So many “ easy simple “ masks instructions assume we are all well versed in sewing . Your was refreshingly -To The Point - Clear- and best of all Works ! kudos !
Thank you for mentioning the washing. I washed fabric (scrap) before and it made a huge mess! I now wash after. TFS~ Phyllis
phyllis grant
You can wash it before you cut it out as well.
When it’s STILL one big piece, off the bolt.
But then you have to iron it before you cut it.
I sew or serger around the edge of the fabric then wash and dry on hottest setting so the end user doesn't experience too much shrinkage. :)
@@koalasez1200 that is what I do also.
I heard you should wash the fabric BEFORE because it will shrink.
I throw my fabric in a pillowcase and close with safety pins.It helps
I have been wasting a lot of time trying to make even pleats and it has been so frustrating.........I can't thank you enough for your clever way of making perfect matched pleats with a seam ripper! I love your fabric and can't understand why the fabric stores aren't open......they are now a necessity! Thank you so much:-)
like the seam ripper method. I would use non woven interfacing for a filtered mask. God Bless you out there. Im in NYC
I'll have to give that a try.. I'm concerned about breathability with using those
Yo I’m in queens my guess is you in Brooklyn or Harlem
Gloria
Does it work?💋💋🗣👋👗❤❤❤❤
Gloria Santiago: God bless YOU, Gloria. I pray for everyone everyday, but especially for your New York folks. Stay safe--from a Canadian neighbour. :)
Thank you so much, love your quick and easy video with no unnecessary speaking. Perfect!
Side note: love love love your fingernail polish color! Looks exactly like My favorite nail color named “Baby Girl”... So fresh.
Stay safe, God bless 🙏🏼
Hey Melanie...
Thank you so much for sharing this 🙏💕
Just wanted to know if you could please share the dimensions of the fabric & length of the elastic...
Thanks in advance
Making pleats with the seam ripper is genius and soooo much easier!!! This is by far my fave mask tutorial! I’ve made about 10 so far! Thank you!!!
My daughter is a nurse and she is using a straightened out paperclip for the nose wire.
Great tip with the seam ripper! :)
Can you leave the opening so that a filter can be inserted?
She should find another profession anyone with a proper education knows a virus is not airborne transmutable
You are quite mistaken. COVID-19 most certainly is spread both by airborne and surface contact.
A virus is a virus and the way it is transmitted is the very thing that makes it a virus. Your falling for a social engineering project, facts don't change or lie, politicians and media do . I shouldn't need to point this out.
how do you insert the paperclip? Asking for a SUPER novice sewer picking up a machine for the first time--sorry if it's obvious to others!
@@sterayd Wow. Okay. Have a nice day.
808k views and only 12k thumbs up... Oh well at least your video is being viewed. MELANIE, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND ALL THE OTHER MASK MAKERS FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING! YOU ARE ALL AWESOME FOR HELPING OUT...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU❤️💛💚💙💜
This is easy to follow. I added a small dart in the center of the top and the bottom, and it holds the mask closer to my face, which helps keep my glasses from fogging up so badly.
What do you mean a dart?
I add a 3-4 inch piece of wire, round the ends with pliers. I out that inside and sew in place. This can be bent around your nose. I make masks with pocket to insert additional filter.
@@Lizz033torres Fold the mask in half and stitch a long triangle down the center (about two inches) with the point at the bottom and about half an inch on each side at the top. Clip it open. Do the same on the bottom. This is much softer than wire, and works much better than pipe cleaners.
Wow I love your choice of fabrics !! Very pretty 💕
What type of sewing machine are you using ? Thank you for the tutorial !! ❤️
Love it. Just made some for my family. I added 3 pleats at the bottom/chin area for a snug fit.
i made these and it took me three hours for one mask it’s harder than it looks lol. But i really enjoy the masks. During the process my sewing machine jammed 5 times and the needle broke and flew at my face. It was a rough process but at least i will feel safer now
I've had the same experience. I thought it was easy, but finding out not as easy as I thought. But then again I'm not used to sewing all the time.
You maybe better be sure your needle is the right size for the fabric and also that it is not too dull. That is why they break and if the machine is making too much noise, the wrong size needle is being used.
sorry this was your experience. your next mask will be easier!
hahaha I've created some DIY face mask ideas that will really make you feel accomplished (be warned it's a parody video) just a little comic relief during these troubled times 😷
When my machine jams, I take out the bobbin and re-thread the needle. That fixes jams on my New Home. Sometimes poor quality thread (with bumps) can cause problems.
Thank you very much for the tutorial! I made 2 today of these pleated w/ 1/4" elastic loops and random quilt quarters (I don't know what they're called, folded up small and come in cute prints).
I haven't bought fabric or sewn in over 4 years so I spent more time adjusting the machine than I did making these! It's a 20+ year old Brother machine, that I love. It's a starter/basic sort and it's the lightest one to lift out of my others that are older and require way more time hassling w/ settings.
I already own/wear fabric masks for years when I go out because health reasons, but these are my first two to ever make myself. I looked to see if you had a twitter, I'd @ you but I didn't see one listed if you wanted to see.
I used up all the disposable masks I bought before.
This video was something I really needed right now!
Thank you!! :)
Dear,hope you can get that skill or you need also can check with us as below,couldmask.com/
On goodness thank you for the tip on pleating. This was a game changer for the masks I’ve been making for family!!! The pleating/ironing etc has made me regret making masks. This tip spead up my process!!!
I bet your watching this video with your legs crossed 😂💕
Trueee! 🤣
I’ve watched over 100 videos. This is by far THE BEST. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for making it easy. I feel like this is a project that I can actually sit down and do with my limited sewing skills.
Toni Drengenberg wow，you are so Beautiful！☺️
Great video! So glad that you came out with this and the other video. So helpful! The seam ripper pleet idea was so fantastic!
Thank you God bless you and your loved ones as well . Sincerely Sonya
Thank you! I could not understand how to do pleats and your tutorial made it easy to understand!
I really enjoyed this video and learned to make a mask. 😷 It seems to be surprisingly easy. I won’t know until I try but you’ve answered all of my un-asked questions. Thanks so much for sharing this with us all. Blessings! 🌸
WOW THANKS I have watched a dozen of these videos and always have trouble with pleats until your Seam ripper trick. Thank you so much!!!!