Sew a face mask !

Mondmaskers with love

Dearest Sewistas,

Give our care workers fresh air!

Make and wear a reusable face mask yourself, when and where the government recommends it. Keep a distance of at least 1.5 m, don't touch your face and wash your hands with soap and water.

The pattern and instructions have been recommended by the Belgian FPS Public Health. 
Other patterns circulating online right now haven't been tested yet, so they probably aren’t safe enough.
When making this homemade face mask, always make sure that you follow the general rules.

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Download the pattern & instructions

 

WEAR THE MASK IF YOU'RE SICK

Stick to these 9 usage tips 

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the mask. Use the ends of the ties to put on the mask.
  2. Only use the mask when necessary. For example, wear one when quarantined at home, if you’re sharing the same space with others.
  3. Continue following the basic rules when wearing a mask: wash your hands, maintain a safe distance and avoid contact with others when you’re feeling ill. 
  4. Make sure the mask fits your face as closely as possible. The mask has to cover your mouth and nose when breathing. 
  5. Face masks don’t work as well for children. Change your mask regularly or wash at 60°C after use (anti-allergy load).
  6. In any event, sterilise every face mask at least once a day by washing at 90°C.
  7. Don’t use elastic bands to secure the mask. They can’t be washed. 
  8. Don't touch the inside of the mask with your fingers. By using 2 different colours, you'll have no trouble telling the difference between the inside and outside of the mask. 
  9. You can slide a replaceable filter into the mask pocket, e.g. a piece of vacuum bag or a carbon filter. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before inserting the filter as well.    

Take the proper hygienic measures when working 

  • Wash your hands for 60 seconds with soap.
  • Make your sewing machine as sterile as possible.
  • Wash your hands again before continuing.
  • Wear a face mask while making a new face mask.