Make your own mask with free printable pattern in all sizes.

Wearing a face mask in public is one more way we can help protect our friends, loved ones, and community. It might be the new trend that won’t go away anytime soon.

Here are some resources that will help to make a mask for yourself or to donate to first responders.

New studies show that a combination of two-three different types of fabrics like flannel, silk, chiffon or cotton can meet the filtration efficiency close to N95 mask. A mask made from a layer of high-thread-count cotton plus two layers of chiffon or silk performs nearly as well as an N95 mask—and does better than an N95 mask at capturing the smallest particles the scientists shot at it. A mask that combines silk and cotton layers, or chiffon and cotton layers, also captures more than 90% of particles larger than 300 nanometers, and more than 80% of those that are smaller. While an N95 mask, the standard respirator used in hospitals, does slightly better with larger particles, the mixed-material mask actually filtered out more of the smaller particles in the experiment. A mix of flannel and cotton also performed well. Read the full article here.

Click here for free pattern and video.

DYI face mask with filter click here.

CDC recommendations.

Check Joann Fabric for mask projects, sewing instructions, fabric, notions and free patterns.