With the new public health guidelines in the news, we wanted to share a DIY FABRIC-LINED FACE MASK that combines a cotton fabric or fleece lining with your knit or crochet skills. This face mask is intended for use by the public but not for healthcare practitioners. These masks have not been tested but do follow recommendations to use a double to quadruple layer of fabric to prevent the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now officially recommended that everyone but infants should wear a cloth mask or face covering in certain public settings. In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, the CDC suggests that simple cloth face coverings are an additional, voluntary public health measure that can help slow the spread of COVID-19 virus. These DIY face masks are not intended to protect you as the wearer; rather, the idea is to “protect the people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms”. While wearing a homemade face mask doesn’t come with the same level of protection as medical-grade equipment, it’s incredibly important that surgical masks or N-95 respirators remain reserved for medical personnel, vulnerable populations, and people who have tested positive for the virus. And even with a face covering in place, you should still stay at least 6 feet away from other people, wash your hands often, and practice other everyday preventative actions. To support in our community doing their part to slow down this pandemic, we have fired up our hooks and needles to create patterns and other resources on stitching face masks for yourself and your loved ones. Important note: Please follow the latest mask recommendations put out by your country and the World Health Organization. You can visit the CDC and their guidelines around cloth masks in the U.S. or visit PHAC in Canada for their mask guidelines. How to Make a DIY Face Mask These masks are intended for use by the public, but not for healthcare practitioners. These masks have not been tested but do follow recommendations to use a double to quadruple layer of fabric to prevent the spread of the virus. In place of elastic, we've crocheted and knit ties. If you'd prefer to use elastic or ribbon, we've included instructions for that, too. Follow the instructions below in combination with current CDC guidelines for homemade cloth face masks, which state that masks should: fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face be secured with ties or ear loops include multiple layers of fabric allow for breathing without restriction be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape Fabric-Lined Crochet Face Mask Pattern This DIY mask pattern includes crochet instructions for worsted weight yarn paired with a fabric lining. The size is easy to customize by adding or removing hdc stitches based on the size you need. Working stitches into the back loop only gives the crochet mask a curved shape when worn. The crochet ties are incorporated into the edging—no fussy joining required. For a denser mask, you can go down a hook size and increase the number of chains you start with. Get the Pattern Tutorial: How-to Crochet a Fabric-Lined Crochet Face Mask Fabric-Lined Knit Face Mask Pattern Knit a DIY mask using these instructions that use worsted weight yarn paired with a fabric lining. This free knit pattern uses seed stitch to create a sturdy outer layer to place your fabric lining, which you will whipstitch in place with all-purpose thread. Get the Pattern Tutorial: How-to Knit a Fabric-Lined Crochet Face Mask Recommended Materials for Your Fabric-Lined Knit or Crochet Face Mask The patterns we’ve created use the ever economical Red Heart Super Saver, but you can dig into your stash for any acrylic or cotton yarn that is a CYC weight 4, such as Bernat Super Value, Caron One Pound or Lily Sugar'n Cream The Original. Our pattern also calls for a fabric lining stitched in place with a sturdy all-purpose thread like Coats & Clark All Purpose Thread or Dual Duty XP. Now Is the Time: Let’s Stitch Together! While we’re all doing our parts to slowing down this pandemic, we invite you to join us on social media for our #LetsStitchTogether campaign, which features activities to help find some relief with the uncertainty and loneliness that can come with these difficult times. This includes the #LetsStitchTogether SAL featuring knit and crochet mitered square blankets, plus an entire catalog of Spotify playlists to listen to while you craft! Recommended Songs to Stitch To Discover our community-curated playlist of the top 150 songs to cue up while you craft. Now Is the Time: Let’s Stitch Together! While we’re all doing our parts to slowing down this pandemic, we invite you to join us on social media for our #LetsStitchTogether campaign, which features activities to help find some relief with the uncertainty and loneliness that can come with these difficult times. This includes the #LetsStitchTogether SAL featuring knit and crochet mitered square blankets, plus an entire catalog of Spotify playlists to listen to while you craft! Recommended Songs to Stitch To Discover our community-curated playlist of the top 150 songs to cue up while you craft.
