The most sustainable face mask?

Wondering where to get the most sustainable face mask? It’s not the one you buy at a company, even if it’s made from sustainable materials. Face masks shouldn’t become a trend, it’s a functional piece. So I thought a little tutorial couldn’t hurt. The most ethical and sustainable face mask, is the one you make yourself from an old piece of clothing or from left-over fabric.

One of the big problems in the textile industry is waste. This is the perfect way to repurpose old pieces if you ask me! If you make one yourself from an old garment, it’ll be in line with your wardrobe too, so that’s perfect. I used a piece of fabric from a sustainable dress (the collar, which I never use).

It’s not that hard, this might be just the reason you need to start to learn how to sew.

What you need to make a sustainable face mask:

• Old piece of clothing
• Pair of scissors
• Pencil
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Plate (+/- 26 cm)
• Elastic, or use fabric to tighten the mask

>> For easy reference, check out the full tutorial on my IGTV!

How to make a sustainable face mask:

Step 1:
• Cut a plate of fabric and evenly cut this ‘plate’ into four pieces.

Step 2:
• Place two slices on top of each other, with the right sides on top of each other. Sew the rounded sides together. You now have two sides of the face mask.

Step 3:
• We will be putting the two sides together. Place one piece on the table with the good side towards you.

Step 4:
• Place the second piece on top of the first piece. The good sides are facing towards each other.

Step 5:
• Now, sew the straight sides. Make sure to leave an opening on both ends.

Step 6:
• Cut off any loose ends, fabric and threads, and turn the face mask inside out.

Step 7:
• Turn both ends of the fabric inwards, to get a nice finish.
• Measure how long the fabric or elastic that goes around your ears needs to be to make sure it fastens well and it gives you the protection you need.

Step 8:
• Sew ends of the mask together with a top stitch.

EXTRA TIPS:
• You can layer the fabric if you need more than one.
• My fabric isn’t big enough for the whole plate, so I’’m cutting half a plate.
• I’m using the sides of the fabric to fasten the face mask, but you can also use elastic band.

>> For easy reference, check out the full tutorial on my IGTV!

It’s rather easy to make one, I hope the tutorial is easy to understand. If you have any questions let me know. I would love to help you out! 

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