How to Make Your Own Face Mask: Guest Post by Anthony Manno

Pat Manno & Anthony Manno

In wake of CODIV-19 and Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, Manno Clothing and Tailoring in Dearborn, MI has decided to keep their tailoring shop open to construct protective masks. They have used their knowledge, tools, and materials to create a face mask assembly line. To date, they’ve donated over 1000 masks to Metro-Detroit hospitals.

Anthony Manno was kind enough to create a guide so that you can create a mask for yourself, your family, or to create a donation assembly line of your own (the following was written by Anthony Manno):

Creating masks has been an absolute joy to our staff. It gave us purpose during a time of closure and encouragement during a time of crisis. Each mask makes a difference for a nurse, pharmacist, grocery store worker, or other individual at risk of exposure. Even if it takes a few to get it right, stay with it and know your creation will make a difference for someone.

Materials & Supplies:
• 100% cotton fabric – cut into 6.5” x 9.5” rectangles
• ¼” elastic OR 18” strands of cotton/nylon binding
• Fusible interfacing (optional)
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Scissors
• Ruler

Step 1

Instructions:

1. Start by cutting fabric into 6.5” x 9.5” rectangles. Once fabric is cut, face the pattered sides together so they match up evenly. It will appear that the mask is inside out.
a. At this point, you may apply fusible interfacing in between the fabric pieces if you so choose.

Step 2

2. Sew along the 9.5” side using ¼” seam allowance. Make sure to leave space in the center of the fabric to turn mask right side out.

Step 3

3. Cut two pieces of elastic (no longer than 6 inches) OR four strips of binding (19 inches each). Sew across sides making sure to secure the elastic or binding in place.
a. If you choose to use binding, knot one end to avoid unraveling when tying the finished product.

Step 4

4. Now, turn the mask right side out and press the mask flat. Fold in three pleats on each side an equal distance apart from each other.
a. You can use pins to keep the pleats in place if you prefer. The pleats should stack on top of each other.

Step 5

5. Press the pleats into place and try on your homemade mask!