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Lafayette | Culture

I Learned How to Make Masks

Layla Ennis Student Contributor, Lafayette College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Lafayette chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Remember taking home ec or family and consumer sciences in middle school? Well, I do. I learned to sew a pillow, passed the class, and thought I would never have to use a sewing machine ever again. I also thought I would never live through a global pandemic. 

 

Once classes ended last semester, I had a lot of time on my hands. I was about to return to my summer job, and I knew that I would need masks to go to work. At this time, the average mask is about $10-15 which seemed absurd when health officials were saying students would need 10 masks. That would cost about 150 bucks just for a few pieces of cloth. Instead, I decided to go to my local fabric shop (always try to shop local) to pick out some cute patterns to make myself some masks.

 

I like the masks that are fitted to your face, so I used a pattern similar to this one. I didn’t add any wires or filters. I feel that having the ability to remove the elastics is essential to make the masks long-lasting. Therefore I made sure the elastics were not sewn directly into the fabric. Here are some helpful tips I have learned: 

  • Trace the template onto cardboard cut out to get a hard edge stencil

  • Trace accurately so you don’t waste fabric

  • Align the pattern of each half of the mask to make it symmetrical

  • Hem the edges of the mask so that it does not fray

  • Iron the fabric multiple times (or after every step)

 

You do not need many materials to get started. What I found important was:

  • A sewing machine

  • Thread

  • Two fabrics (one for the front and one for the lining)

  • A pen/pencil

  • Scissors

  • Elastic (I suggest â…› elastic)

  • An Iron 

 

Making your own mask may be difficult at first, but you will get unique custom masks that are perfectly fitted to your face. 

 

Soon, once I got the hang of making the masks, I started making them for my family. I even sent some to Germany for my grandparents. I gave friends some masks as well. I found this experience extremely rewarding. Not only do I have masks for all of my outfits, but I was able to show my love and appreciation to my family and friends through my masks. This fun crafting project consumed my summer, but it was so much fun. I hope I have inspired you to get sewing!

Layla Ennis

Lafayette '23

Junior at Lafayette College