A.B. Mask 2.0 - for a Nurse by a Nurse

Intro: A.B. Mask 2.0 - for a Nurse by a Nurse

For video and updated pdf can be viewed and downloaded HERE

www.nursemade.co

Updated version of the original pattern. This pattern will make one cloth mask/N95 cover with aluminum nasal bridge and a pocket for a filter.

Step by step photos are in the works... please see instructional video until then.

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From me: This was designed for love, not profit. Respect health care workers. Please respect my intellectual property. All masks made with this pattern are to be donated to healthcare workers in need. Re-posting is welcome. I only ask you give credit where credit is due and state your design source.

THIS PATTERN WAS DESIGNED TO BE USED AS A LAST RESORT!!!
Please do not let this provide you with a false sense of protection.

Before scrolling any further, please take a moment to read a brief article on Critical Supply Shortages, from the New England Journal of Medicine. Healthcare workers need YOU to call or email your state's representative and demand our federal government take immediate action. We need proper PPE to stay healthy and on the job. The nation needs us now more than ever. Thank you.

If you have a question, suggestion, or request with regard to this pattern, I want to thank you for your interest, and for the outpouring of love for frontline healthcare workers in your community. I am currently getting more emails than I can keep up with. When I'm not pretending to be a seamstress, I am a wife, a mother to 3 young kiddos, and a nurse. I love the feedback and encouragement, so please feel free to email me at [e-mail]. Just hang in there, and I will respond as soon as I can.

For mask donations please contact your local Nurses Union, Rosie Sews, or #GetUsPPE

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From the lawyer: This mask pattern has not been tested or approved by the FDA or the CDC. Fabric facemasks do not effectively filter small particles from the air and do not prevent leakage around the edge of the mask when the user inhales. However, our masks do serve as a barrier protection against droplets, including large respiratory particles. The masks are completely re-usable and washable. We recommend washing them before using.

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Many of us front line health care workers are experiencing a range of emotions in the wake of the current pandemic. To add to the confusion and uncertainty, healthcare professionals are being told by hospital administration to use disposable equipment in unprecedented fashion with next to no acknowledgement of the compromised they are making to personal safety. PPE is extremely limited. Nurses across the nation report they are working without access to any type of mask. Nothing homemade will ever compare to medical grade PPE. This is a pattern of last resort. If you have access to the proper PPE use that first - obviously.

In my family, sewing is an act of love. This pattern could be how seamstresses in our communities communicate their solidarity. This mask says, I see you. I worry about your safety and I want to contribute in the way I know how.

Finally, I believe these mask may demonstrate our protest and passive disobedience. We will make a statement when all across the country, medical professionals start showing up to work in fabric masks, sewed by members of their community, from of a hodgepodge of fabrics in every color. The act of wearing this mask could become an visual representation of the sacrifices we are making and our unwavering dedication to care for others in their time of need - regardless of the most recent constraints of the terribly broken system we work within.

Sew On! Be Safe!

love, Jessica

STEP 1: Print Pdf of Pattern, Cut Out Fabric and Aluminum Nose Piece

Print and cut out pattern.

When done you should have:

(2) mask face pieces - 1 outside and 1 for inner lining

(2) 1 3/4" x 42" ties - 1 for top of mask and 1 for bottom

(2) 1 3/4" x 4" tie - 1 for left side of mask and 1 for right side of mask

*binding ties should be pressed into single fold tape - 1/4" folds (see pink binding picture)

Cut one 4" strip from the roll of 1/4" flat aluminum wire.

STEP 2: Sew Sides

With the two pieces of mask face stacked, place both pieces of fabric right side out.

Sew both sides using a 1/2" seam allowance.

STEP 3: Iron and Sew Pleats

Ironing pleats starts at 6:23 of video tutorial.

Pleats should be facing downward when looking at outside fabric of mask face.

Sew pleats in using 1/2" seam allowance.

STEP 4: Iron and Stitch Pocket Hem

Instructional Video 1 of 2 - starts at 8:26

With iron, press pocket hem 1/2". I used a zigzag stitch, but straight stitch would work just as well.

STEP 5: Mark and Sew Top Darts

Instructional Video 1 of 2 - starts at 12:24

With the mask face flipped inside out, mark the top dart on the wrong side of both pieces of fabric.

Sew along marking.

Flip mask right-side out, nesting darted seams.

Stitch along top side of mask, using 1/2" seam allowance.

STEP 6: Pin and Sew Folds

Instructional Video 2 of 2 - step starts at 0:05

STEP 7: Trim Edges

Instructional Video 2 of 2 - starts at 3:05

Trim edges to 1/4".

STEP 8: Attach Bottom Binding

Instructional Video 2 of 2 - starts at 4:12

Attach bottom binding, making sure to catch both sides of the binding, while still leaving pocket open.

*note - after multiple versions and trial and error, I prefer binding cut on the fabric grain versus cut on the bias or store bought single fold bias tape. The bias tape stretches in a way the binding cut on the grain does not. Stretch in the ties makes it more difficult to creating a tight seal between the mask and the users face.

STEP 9: Attach Top Binding and Aluminum Flat Wire

Instructional Video 2 of 2 - starts at 7:34

Attach top binding, making sure to catch both sides of the binding. As you reach mask face insert 4" aluminum flat wire on top of front side and top edge of mask. Layer should be mask front, aluminum, binding and stitch into place. To prevent the aluminum piece from shifting along the binding, stitch edging vertically at both edges of aluminum flat wire.

STEP 10: Filter Suggestions

THIS PATTERN WAS DESIGNED TO BE USED AS A LAST RESORT!!!

Please do not let this provide you with a false sense of protection. Stuffing a coffee filter, hoarded toilet paper, mid-grade furnace filter, unrated vacuum cleaner bag, etc., in the pocket and calling it good gives you no protection against virus size particles.

To have any level of protection from virus size particles you MUST use filter material that will filter 1 micron or smaller. For example, a HEPA rated vacuum cleaner bag. I do not feel comfortable providing you with a specific filter shape or design as I have no way to scientifically support any recommendations I may have.

There is always the chance of leakage around the edge of the mask and/or the edge of the filter material - if this happens, no filtration is taking place. Please utilize whatever resource you may have to test the efficacy of the filter you may choose to use. For example, ask your healthcare facility to allow you to trial your mask with a N95 fit test kit.

My fellow healthcare professionals - Nothing is worth compromising you or your family's health. Protect yourself first so you can continue caring for others. There is no emergency in a pandemic. Please remember that. Much Love!

Comments

[lnln3773]

Thank you for an excellent mask pattern! I have made several dozen of this mask and given them to friends, family and neighbors. They all love the fit! I use aluminum wire for the nose area, bought at our local community college bookstore. It is used in the art/sculpture classes. I also make the masks using elastic for ear loops instead of ties. I make the side bindings and top/bottom bindings out of 1 1/2 inch wide fabric. These are the directions I follow for making the bindings: It is easy and fast! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR7sWFwo48g

[rahatski]

What is happening to the outside fabric when you sew the tucks in? In the the video Jessica says she’s hemming, but it looks like the edges are still unfinished because they’re cut off in the next step?? Is the point of that seam just to hold the tucks in place, or to also finish that outside edge of the pocket before binding? Thanks!

[dydonnelly0407]

I did not like idea of raw edge on turned up hem so instead of turning 1/2 inch I did 1/4 then turned up again 1/4. I was much happier with results. Only made one with a filter pocket for a daughter who has access to respirator filters out of nearly 200 so far.

[Mckimmie]

For those of you making large quantities, or are good at math, how many masks can you get out of a yard?

Best pattern I've made so far! Thank you for being on the front lines! I hope you get proper ppe!

[lahoefer]

I get 4 out of a yard

[katelyn.shacklock]

You should be able to make 4 with a yard.

[Sylverfern]

Does it really matter which direction the pleats are facing on the mask exterior/interior? Once the mask is on, the pleats are opened.

[lahoefer]

I had read somewhere that the outside pleats should face down so that stuff might not get caught in the pleats.

[lahoefer]

First, thank you for the pattern. I’ve made several dozen of your first version mask. Regarding this new version, the written instructions say 1.75” binding. The pattern says 2” binding. Also, after pressing the binding in half, can I just fold the raw edges of the binding in to meet the center fold? That’s soooo much easier than trying to fold them in 1/4”.

[bumblechae]

Can i use copper wire for the nose piece? Is it safe to leave in for washing or will I need to make sure it's removable?

[cjm78]

I have been using copper wire encased in the binding. It is not removable.
I hand wash the masks after every use in hot water and hang to dry.
I have had no problems with the wire.

[YukonJulie]

Where did you find the flat aluminum wire? Is this something I could find in a hardware store? What crafts/tasks is it associated with? I'm having trouble finding it. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[dydonnelly0407]

2 people suggested the following to me
Metal nose bridge on ebay ships from China
Metal zip ties from amazon. Ordered being delivered today came in 4 days hope they work.

[YukonJulie]

Thanks for these tips. I ordered elastic from Amazon from China and despite paying extra for expedited delivery, it has not arrived after more than 2 weeks. Let me know how the metal zip ties work out!

[dydonnelly0407]

I ordered elastic from China too! I can get 3 pieces 3 & 3/4 inches long from each tie. 100 ties in bundle for $18 in Canada on Amazon came in 4 days. I think they'll work fine a bit stiff but holds nose shape. No burrs when I cut ties either.

[YukonJulie]

Thanks. I see that product on Amazon now. Stainless steel - so it should be durable if a bit stiff. Sounds like a good option.

[Yvonne Ba]

There are a lot of people asking about the wire. I found a link to request flat aluminum pieces from a sheet metal workers union that is coordinating with their local chapters to donate the pieces for mask makers who are donating masks to health care workers. They have been inundated with requests so it might take a little time to receive them (mine took about two weeks). Here’s a link: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/nose-piece-request-form

[dydonnelly0407]

Thanks so much for the pattern. I made some for family just in case things worsen in Canada. Searched and even tried making another pattern I found, but I didn't like it (elastic at ears) So I did a lot more research before selecting yours.
Glad I did!
A Canadian Fan
P.S. Where do you buy the aluminum? I ended up using a fairly heavy plastic coated twist tie as other sites suggested.

[Bethnoonan13]

You can also buy metal zip ties on amazon

[dydonnelly0407]

Thanks I ordered some looks like they will work.