Tips on Mask Masking

With so many makers working full tilt on making masks (of all variations), I wanted to offer a few tips that I have been using for fitted masks or filtered masks.

• Printing the pattern.  If you trim a manila file folder and run it through themanual feed, you will end up with a durable pattern.  Trim to the pattern with paper scissors.  
• Preparing material:
• Fabric should be prewashed.  I use a mesh laundry bag which keep ragging on the edges more controlled.
• Observe directionals and striping. Some striped fabric may look better vertically oriented rather than horizontal.
• For the widest pattern piece,  (and oriented appropriately for your fabric), cut a width of fabric that fits the widest pattern piece.
• I can easily cut 4 layers (e.g. 2 masks at a time).  So you can stack your doubled up fabric and cut efficiently.
• Lay the strip of fabric horizontally in front of you.  Place the pattern pieces out on your strip...being mindful of top of your masks and orient all pieces accordingly.  To conserve fabric, you can place your pieces very close together. 
• TRACE each pattern onto your fabric.  I use a fine line Sharpie. It is quick and easy and it saves your pattern.
• Cut your pattern pieces with the aid of a smaller, clear ruler and your rotary cutter. A specialy quilting ruler (e.g. flying geese ruler) has fewer markings and will make it easier to see your tracing lines. I have a Sew Kind of Wonderful curve ruler.  It has the advantage of having fewer markings and the curve can be used (and pivoted). But you don't need a curve...keep reading...
• Cut the straight pieces between the patterns.  If you have 3 pattern pieces, cut the straight lines between them so that you now are working with each pattern piece to more fully cut out.
• Curved lines.  Yes you can cut them easily with a straight ruler!  Remember that a point on a curve is static.  By using your rotary cutter and placing the blade against an acrylic ruler that you are turning to follow the curve of your traced pattern. If your line is curving to your left, then you will pivot your ruler left as you cut moving your blade forward with the pivot. . . curving to the right, you pivot your ruler to the right moving your blade with it.  It may take a little practice, but I promise you that it is worth building some muscle memory.  You will end up with a lovely, smooth line. And it makes very quick work (and saves your templates).

If you incorporate these tips into your mask making, you will find that you will be productive and your time will be more enjoyable.