Welcome to Hand Sewn Face Masks!

Class set up: This course uses video instructions to guide you through the process of hand sewing your own face mask. This course is pre-recorded so please go at your own pace. Most videos are under 10 minutes so you can do this class in bit size chunks or devote an afternoon to sewing. One of the videos is 24 minutes but I have created time stamps so you can work through it in sections. If you are in need of sewing company while you work through the project. Join my monthly sewing circle! We meet the third Thursday of every month.

About your instructor: My name is Sarah and I am the founder of Sewn Company. I am a hand-sewing scholar and a firm believer in hand sewing preservation. Before the 1830s all clothing was constructed with needle, thread and human hands. I served a seven year apprenticeship at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation where I became a Journeywoman Milliner/Mantua-maker and hold a M.A. in Material Culture from the University of Alberta. To learn more about me click here. I like to do at least 15 minutes of hand sewing a day. It clears my head and brings me back to myself. I hope you will cultivate a hand sewing practice to remember what you are capable of, remember you are human and remember what your hands can do.

Let’s get stitching! If you have any questions you can email me at sewncompany@gmail.com.

Face Mask Pattern & Materials and Supplies

Click here to download the face mask pattern

Click here to download the materials and supplies list

In this section I go over my materials and supplies and what I like to use and why. Make sure to download the pattern and the material and supplies list. They are also in the PDF that was emailed to you.

A note about my fabric choice: I am making this with two layers of cotton and a linen lining. I love the linen lining as it is cooling and comfortable. However for a new hand sewer or someone at risk for wrist pain I’d recommend using only two layers of cotton as the third layer does make it a bit bulky.

 Hand Sewing Basics

If you are a true beginner the first video shows you how to thread your needle and knot your thread. The second video discusses how I hold my needle, tension the work, sit comfortably and sew with my whole arm. The third video is practicing specific stitches. Remember to sit up straight but keep your hands relaxed. Sewing using proper technique will make your sewing practice sustainable.

Watch this video to practice your stitches. The face mask uses versions of each of these. Time stamps for stitches:

+ Running Stitch: 5:31

+ Backstitch: 8:35

+ Hemming: 12:48

 Cutting Out Your Face Mask

In this section we will cut out all our fabric using our pattern in preparation for sewing. If you are using two pieces of fabric vs. three you will only cut the two cotton pieces out, one outer and one for the lining. If you are using three layers you will cut: 2 cotton pieces and one linen lining. Make sure your pattern is cut out and your fabric is ironed.

Sewing the Body of Your Face Mask

This video shows you how to stitch your lining to the outer fabric. You will baste your outer fabric and fell in your lining. If you decided to only use two layers of cotton vs. the two cotton and linen lining; set in your cotton lining in the same manner I instruct for the linen.

Attaching the Nose Piece

In order to fit the mask to your face you will need to stitch a casing on the top of the mask. This casing will allow a piece of wire to sit in the casing and crimp over your nose. This video shows you how to create a casing with scrap fabric.

Pleating the Mask

Pleating the sides of the face mask gives it shape and allows it to fit around the face. In this section we will pleat the face mask.

Backstitching the Pleats

Once the pleats are pinned, they need to be stitched down. In this section I show you how to do a spaced back stitch on either side of the mask to hold the pleats in place.

Attaching the Ties

Four ties are stitched at each corner of the mask. This video shows you how to cut and attach these ties.

Putting On Your Face Mask

Congratulations! Your completed your mask! This video shows you how I like to tie my mask for optimal comfort. Tag me @sewnstories on instagram and use the hashtag #handsewnmask. I cannot wait to see what you have created!

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 Workshop Survey