Trying out a new mask design

A couple of months ago I saw a new mask design that claims to be “more breathable – The mask that doesn’t touch your mouth or nose, easier to breathe”. I shared that video in a comment with one of my blog readers, and decided today to try and make the mask. I will post a link to the video at the end of this post. Note, this is NOT my design, but merely a reference to someone else hard work and creativity.

I’ve watched the video multiple times and like the simplicity of the mask. I start with a piece of computer paper (8.5″ x 11″) and a ruler and pen. I stopped the video each time the designer made reference to a measurement, so I could make those “marks” on my paper. I have to admit, it took me a minute to find a ruler with centimeter markings. (Dear hubby had one on his train table in the garage.) The conversions to inches were a pain as not many American rulers have the inches broken down in 1.8″ or 1.18″. It was much easier to just go with the centimeter ruler. The “hardest part” of making the mask was making the template, and that took under five minutes. It really is quite simple.

After I cut out the mask “shape” I went off to my sewing room. I had about 35 minutes before my dinner timer was to go off with chicken in the oven. I spent those 35 minutes locating some nice fabric, pressing, cutting, marking, stitching, pressing and finally adding the elastic for the ears. AFTER dinner, I went back to the sewing room, ripped out the stitching by the elastic, shortened it and re-stitched to secure the now shorter elastic in place. Note, for me, I started with a 9″ piece, and shortened it to 7″. For the hubby, I made his with a 9″ piece of elastic for each ear loop. NOTE: Be sure to put a knot at the end of your elastic, and stitch just to the side of the knot. That might help you keep the elastic from pulling out of the seam.

Front side

Reverse side

The mask has a good shape, and if you “push out the center” before putting it on, it does not rest against the bottom of your nose or lips

The masks are essentially reversible.

I made a second one after dinner for my husband. It covers his mouth and nose as needed and does not push the fabric into his nose and mouth, which has been a big objection to his mask wearing.

We both wore masks the other day at a gathering and find that wearing for any time longer than 10 minutes they grow tiresome and hot and annoying. I’m hoping this style is one that we can endure for longer bits of time.

I think the shape allows for it to be snug over the bridge of your nose and snug on the sides too, without covering your entire face – just the parts that are necessary!

Front of the mask for my husband

back of the mask

shaped to put on

Note; hubby has a mustache and goatee, and this was fairly comfortable for him to wear.

I found the construction fast and easy, could cut everything with a rotary cutter and ruler once I made the basic pattern. I cut the fabric “on the fold’ of the pattern, which enhanced the rotary cutting. I cut 2 fabrics, 4 layers at once, using my smaller ruler and rotary. I think if you were going to make a lot of these, the cutting would go very quickly. (That has been my big objection with some of the other “shaped” masks). Overall, I give the pattern maker a big thumbs up. I do believe the designer (ART Thao162) has other styles of masks on you-tube, but I suggest if you are looking for a style that doesn’t make you feel claustrophobic, give this one a try.

Video below. Link to you-tube – https://youtu.be/U3nwb9ZTyyU

If you try this, let me know what you think and if you would do something differently.

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