Category: Random

frayed fabric

Troubleshooting the Fray Issue

This post specifically addresses the Fray Issue that has come up when sewing the MasksNow Pleated Pocket Mask. Troubleshooting for this issue is going to vary based on fabric thickness.

The issues

The leading edge of the pocket in the original instructions is not hemmed at the pocket opening and this can cause issues of fray especially in washing thick fabrics.

Mask pocket, with light fraying
frayed mask pocket
Mask pocket with heavy fraying post washing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

Hem the double-folded edge at the beginning of the assembly between Step 1 and Step 2. This is what it would look like:

 

hemmed filter pocket edge

Hem the single-folded edge and nose wire pocket in one go at the beginning of the assembly between during Step 2. This is what it would look like:

example of sewing down both pockets at once
Sketch of fray solution
Sewing down both pockets with one line if stitches in the shape of a “C”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hem the single-folded edge with a zigzag stitch at the end of Step 1. This is a good solution for thick fabric.

ZigZag over thick fabric edge.

Whipstitch the frayed edge. This is a good solution for masks that are already complete and that frayed in the wash. There are tons of hand sewing whipstitch edges tutorials on google. They will all work.

Glue… fabric. Depending on how bad the fraying is products like Fray-Check and other washable fabric glues can also be used. But I recommend this solution for the end-user only as you never know what folks are allergic to.

Mask and PPE Patterns

UPDATE!!! The content below is now out of date and has been replaced with the Bay Area Mask Making and Distribution Project


This is the place I will be posting patterns for personal protective equipment including Masks, Gowns, Booties and so on.

Disclaimer: These masks do not replace N95 masks. But are better than nothing and when made and worn correctly can get 65% – 85% of the particulate. This effort is to provide the most vulnerable in our population an option as shortages mean then have no other. This will free up proper PPE for Healthcare workers… because without them nothing else will matter. More from the CDC

Last Updated: March 20, 2020 – Links unvested… sewing begins tomorrow.

Masks

  • Shaped – https://freesewing.org/blog/facemask-frenzy/
  • Shaped – https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/
  • Basic – https://buttoncounter.com/2018/01/14/facemask-a-picture-tutorial/
  • This one might be better for personal use as the wire fabrication is a bit intense. – khttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1t9cEstgEH3G_9meAd7TZF9-UQdrt8gbc/view?fbclid=IwAR33wG9P9BgrjroDye20xpv5LbEjkjT2BScs9R4EDKj9MV0K74GkGOU1uc8

We are thinking of going with 3 types, all sewing out of cotton and using elastic or cotton straps

  1. Basic 2 layer surgical mask, head straps not ear straps, no pocket
  2. Shaped Mask with a pocket for disposable filter material, head straps – a modified version of this design
  3. N95 Covers for healthcare workers – Based on this design

As of 3-21-20 we are looking for contacts at local healthcare institutions to help us validate the best kind to make.

Gowns

Booties

Mask Making and Distribution

UPDATE!!! The content below is now out of date and has been replaced with the Bay Area Mask Making and Distribution Project


Goal: Make PPE to FREE up the dwindling supply of N95 Masks for Front Line Healthcare Workers

This started with the idea to just do something to help.

3-20-20

I have gotten the okay from Stone Mountain and Daughters to purchase cotton at $5 per yard for making masks.(No Contact Purchase)

Unfortunately, I am broke AF as most of my income is drying up in these trying times. But I have time and skills. So makin’ masks is what is going on.

I am asking for ya’lls help to:

  1. 1) Buy Mask Fabric
  2. 2) Sew Masks (if you are the sewing type) once the fabric is acquired.
  3. 3) Collect information on the right place to donate them (aka facilities that can launder them to ensure they are safe before use)

We can do this all no contact and provide them to healthcare facilities to launder to standards and use as they see fit. While this may not directly fix the mask shortage as sewn masks are not as good as N95’s they will help in places like cancer wards, elder care facilities, blood collection labs and so on.

Please paypal paypal.me/craftyavenger

$5 = materials for approx. 12 masks

Update!

For folks wanting to join in the mask making Additional resources are being collected and will roll out today and tomorrow including patterns and standards. For the near term here are a few guidelines:

  • Anybody who is feeling sick in any way, even if it just might be hay fever, please do not engaging in mask making. There are other ways to help.
  • Anybody with suggestions on Bay Area organizations to contact for distribution please comment or email [email protected]
  • Elastic is in short supply. If you have .25″ elastic sources please email about those too.

Disclaimer: These masks do not replace N95 masks. But are better than nothing and when made and worn correctly can get 65% – 85% of the particulate. This effort is to provide the most vulnerable in our population an option as shortages mean then have no other. This will free up proper PPE for Healthcare workers… because without them nothing else will matter. More from the CDC

Hugs. Stay Safe Out there.