Mask Making Basics

If you have tried to look up mask information in the past, there are a number of suggestions for the best shape and materials for face coverings. The CDC provided a FAQ to help introduce the concept with the do’s and don’ts of facemasks. But there are also many other options provided by hospitals and designers that have features that may meet your long-term needs. With the rapid change in expectations and the use of masks as a new social normal, being able to choose and create your own mask is a viable and necessary skill. And sorting through all the information is certainly a difficult task. So here is provided a few reliable options and some information that will help you get started on a mask for wearing in public.

If you are now interested in making your own mask there are a lot of options based on your skill level and materials available. Most masks will work as long as they are a design that is comfortable for you to wear and that fit your face properly. The CDC recommends that the mask should fit over the bridge of the nose and down to the underside of the chin. This is essential to prevent the spread of disease.

Materials

Fabric type in important to the mask’s filtering capabilities. The most commonly suggested fabric is cotton for its wicking properties and for its tight weave. A recent study in ACS Nano and available on NCBI provides information on the effectiveness of different materials and layers. And with the addition of a filter and a wire nose piece many of the patterns filter very effectively. Most patterns recommend two layers of fabric (sometimes more or with a filter pocket) to help increase filtration.

Once the mask is completed you can attach it with either elastic behind the ears or ties around the head. This will help make sure your mask fits appropriately and that it will not be uncomfortable when you are out running errands and cannot adjust the fit. So when deciding on a pattern, take into account your comfort and the types of materials you have access to and can reasonably assemble.

The CDC recommends the following for how to wear a cloth face mask. The mask 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

Patterns

In making your mask there are a number of things to consider. Form will definitely help with function and there many options to choose from for your construction. Here are some of the most common patterns available for home and institutional use. The patterns range in complexity from no sew to novice level technique. Most of these masks can be hand sewn if needed but ideally are designed for a sewing machine. The CDC website offers several patterns for simple masks that require little or no sewing. But there are also several patterns here created by hospitals and professionals that require various levels of skill. Ultimately choose a mask that will fit and is possible to make with the skill and materials available.

No Sew Facemask–CDC Additional Resources	Hand Sewn–New York Times Hand Sewn with Reusable Grocery Bag–Popular Science	Basic Surgical Mask with Ties–Johns Hopkins Deaconess Mask Instructions
Simple Curved Mask– Instructables Curved Mask with Ties–Craft Passion Free-Sewing Curved Mask Video Curved Mask–Youtube video	Original Olson Mask PDF–Unity Point Health Olson Mask in Multiple Sizes–Instructables Unity Point Instruction Video Olson Mask–Youtube	Surgical Mask with Filter Pocket- Youtube Video Step by Step Surgical Mask with Filter Pocket–Instructables Gather Here with Elastic Loop Through

Need a Mask but Can’t Craft?

Should making your own mask seem too much of an undertaking, Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors has a Facebook page where you can ask for assistance whether you need help finding a mask or need resources like shopping assistance or food. They also have a website where you can apply for help or look for ways to volunteer. They are a great resource for anything Covid-19 assistance related and they are strictly volunteer.

Want to Help Out?

But if you are excited to take on the new challenge of sewing and think you might want to volunteer your new mask making services the best way to help is to sign up with an organization like Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors or the Boston Area Mask Initiative. They will have all the information on what is needed, who needs it, and how to get involved. They also have great tips and tricks that can help you make the most of your volunteering. So check them out.

Dear Students, Teachers and Malden residents:

Do you want access to online educational resources – the Library can help.

The Malden Public Library will temporarily waive the in-person requirement to get a Malden Library Card. You will need the following information: full name, street address, telephone number, email address. We will then issue you a temporary library card number and PIN, which will allow you to access our amazing collection of online resources. This card will expire in three months. Transferring this temporary card to a permanent card will simply require you to come to the Library with ID and proof of address.

We will add new cards as soon as possible, but it may take several days for your card to be activated.

To get a library card email us at https://maldenpubliclibrary.org/contact-us/ or if you need more assistance you can call the Library Card Line at (781) 333-0640.

The Library’s Online Resources are listed at: https://maldenpubliclibrary.org/elibrary/

Keep on learning with Educational Reference Complete, US History in Context, World History in Context, Universal Class, World Book Online, and RBDigital’s Great Courses;

Read ebooks and listen to audiobooks for all ages with Overdrive, RBDigital, Hoopla, and Tumblebooks for Kids

Read your favorite magazine with RBDigital’s streaming magazines

Learn 70 languages with Mango Learning and Little Pim for Kids

Get creative with CreativeBug, Culinary Arts Collection, and Home Improvement;

Coming soon: TumbleMath: Grades K-4 and TeenBookCloud: Grades K-12

And following the Library on Facebook – new resources being added every day.

You can also sign up for a BPL eCard from home at https://www.bpl.org/ecard/. Not all Malden resources are available with a BPL eCard

The Malden Public Library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in honor of Presidents’ Day. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18th.

Young Adults in the 5th through 12th grade are invited to enjoy our next movie afternoon at the Malden Public Library

Join us on Thursday February 2oth from 3:00 to 5:00 PM as we watch a film about toys, loyalty and friendship from the minds of Pixar!

Light snacks and beverages will be offered during the film.

Young Adults in the 6th through 12th Grade are invited to celebrate the season at the Malden Public Library with games, snacks and crafts. Join us on Thursday February 13th, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM as we take over the Maccario Room of the library.

We’ll have board games, the Nintendo wiiU and ps4 set up, Valentine’s card crafts, snack, drinks and pizza! Join us to relax and spend time with friends in the Malden Public Library.

The Malden Public Library will be closed Monday, January 20, 2020 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. day. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 21 at 9 a.m.