Sewing Projects

Masks are for babies up to young adults who must wear a mask due to compromised immune systems. You may make as many and whatever size you like. Our requirement is that you use 100% cotton, make the fabric “kid friendly”. Please keep in mind these mask are for sick children and it is not a fun experience for them to have to wear a mask. Our goal is to make the experience as fun and pleasant as it can be by using colorful, soft fabrics.

There are 4 different sizes of masks:

1. Baby: Cut a piece of fabric 6 1/2 inches wide X 6 1/4 inches long
2. Small: Cut a piece of fabric 7 1/2 inches wide X 7 1/2 inches long
3. Medium: Cut a piece of fabric 7 1/2 inches wide X 8 inches long
4. Large: Cut a piece of fabric 7 1/2 inches wide X 8 1/2 inches long

Fold in 1/4 inch on all sides and sew. Fold sides down another 1/4 inch and sew to make a clean edge. Fold top and bottom over 1/2 inch and stitch to form a casing for the ties. If you have a Surger take 1/4 off each width and length.

Pleats
Fold fabric in half and finger press. With right side of fabric facing you measure 5/8 inch from the center finger pressed seam on both top and bottom of this pressed seam. Bring that 5/8 inch measure line up to the center pressed line on top and bottom. This will make a “boxed pleat.” Sew both ends to hold in place. You will need to adjust the pleat size based on the size you are making.

Alternate Directions for Pleats
With wrong side of fabric facing up fold in half and finger press. FOLD in half a second time and finger press. Unfold and place right side up. Take the TOP crease and bring in to the middle. Pin on both sides. Take the BOTTOM crease and bring to the middle. Pin on both sides (they will meet in the center).The mask will expand when placed over the mouth and nose. Sew the sides of the pleat 1/4 inch from the outer edge (depending on the size you may want to sew the edge as well)

Ties
There are two ties needed for each mask. Cut 2 strips 1 inch wide by 44 inches long. For the infant ones cut 40 inches long. Fold in the edges of the strip so there are no raw edges showing and press the entire strip.Stitch all the way around to make a nice edge. You may use bias tape for this step if you like but fabric is more economical. To complete thread one tie through the top casing, and one through the bottom. Tie each end in a small knot.

Please send all completed masks to:

It’s My Heart, Inc.
1775 St James Place, Suite 130
Houston, TX 77056

If you have any questions please call Gail Brasser at: (281) 794-8995
or email her at: gail.brasser@itsmyheart.org.