Learn how to sew a transparent mask yourself
With this video tutorial on how to sew a transparent mask, we want to help all those who need them to be able to perform correct lip-reading and communication. There are many people who have been affected in their day-to-day by the use of normal masks, those who is a due to their condition, work or lifestyle need to show their face and expressiveness, such as people with hearing disabilities, deaf-mute, disorders of autism, teachers, health workers, etc.
We have made this fabric mask tutorial with a transparent plastic window to be able to see the lips and facial expressions perfectly through it. This mask is not approved, but as Marie-Florence Devalet, director of the Belgian Federation of the Deaf, says: “The use of these masks not only benefits deaf or hard of hearing people. It is also important to facilitate social interactions since you can see people´s expressions. Everybody needs to look at the face of the person you are talking to”.
How to make a transparent mask
To make this clear mask we have used the basic model of square mask with folds whose pattern you can download for free here.
Materials
- 100% cotton antibacterial poplin: FABRIC FOR YETI & SNOWMAN MASK But you can also use the new antibacterial poplin in colors and in white.
- Transparent plastic or vinyl
- Elastic cord
- Malleable wire or metal loaf closure or similar. (Optional) Learn how to place it in this video.
Step by step
Follow our step-by-step video tutorial to make this easy transparent mask.
1- Cut the paper pattern into 4 pieces as shown in the video.
2- Add stitching to the corresponding pieces
3- Cut the central pattern out of plastic 1 time. And the other pieces of the pattern on the antibacterial poplin twice each.
4- First sew the two smaller pieces of fabric on both sides of the plastic piece in the form of a sandwich. Open and pass a topstitch to the side of the seam to seat.
5- Repeat the same process with the larger pieces of fabric at the top and bottom.
6- Hem a 1 cm to the wrong side of the fabric in the pieces from the top and bottom and pass a backstitch.
7- Overlock with zigzag stitch the two sides. 8- Make the folds at the pattern marks and pass a backstitch to secure them.
9- Fold the sides to the wrong side of the mask 1 cm and pass a backstitch, in this way a rail is generated to pass the elastic.
10- Pass the elastic through the rail with a safety pin or strap. Adjust the measurement to your face and tie a knot.
