The main aim of a DIY fabric mask is to prevent YOUR bodily fluids from being expelled or you being splashed on by someone else’s bodily fluids. It is my (non-medical) understanding that air still flows through the masks to a certain degree. The best fabric for surgical face masks is cotton that can be easily washed and NON woven fabric
as a filter that can be replaced several times during the day. You can purchase readymade carbon filters too.
The fabric should be a high thread count. If you have Egyptian cotton bed sheets
they are most likely the right kinda fabric with a high thread count. High thread count fabric feels soft to the touch and creases easily when washed.
Some of the DIY patterns for surgical masks below use dried out non-woven baby wipes as the filter, but you will need to find a pattern to suit your own needs and supplies you have on hand for making your mask. Some of these links have free printable face mask patterns to help you sew and guide you.
Gathered facemask with Ear loops (Pink floral in Photo)
Shaped Face and nose curved surgical mask for a tight fit (camo fabric photo)
Craft passion has a great pdf template for sewing your own medical mask and comes in different sizes for different ages too.
Bluprint has create an online tutorial for a firm structured mask also, this style tends to sit on the face better.
This article shows you all the different options for face mask filters.
In the last few weeks, sewing supplies have become hard to obtain, including Elastic. If you are looking for supplies many Handmade crafters are selling off their stock of Elastic on Etsy
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