Reusable Shopping Bags Make Great Face Masks!

Strange times  call for different methods... in this case, sewing where my yarning posts usually live. It's been fun to get back to the machine for a bit.

Last week I made masks from woven cotton fabric on hand and shared this nicely thought out mask pattern by CraftPassion.com

Then, testing these masks on warm walks in FL, I found the woven cotton masks too heavy and uncomfortable. I started thinking… What about non-woven polypropylene material? Known for it's breathable, wicking properties I was pretty sure that it was the same fabric as the "HEPA" filter fabric used in vacuum cleaner bags.

What about non-woven polypropylene material found in REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS?

While not medical grade, the fabric is similar to the fabric used for N95 masks –a bit heavier but when doubled (main fabric and lining fabric), these lighter, more breathable masks are a good alternative to cotton masks, much lighter and easier to breathe.

Non-woven polypropylene is a practical fabric because it is strong and extremely lightweight, comfortable,  soft, and commonly used to make surgical masks and gowns.

Here’s one of several articles confirming the viability of turning those bags into DIY face masks: www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/the-best-materials-for-diy-face-masks-and-filters/ar-BB12jzH1
Polypropylene non-woven fibers (used in non-shiny reusable fabric grocery bags, tote bags and wine bags) also make adequate filter fabrics. “This is the same material used in N95 masks, although the thickness and weave are different,” says *Stanford physician Sudeb C. Dalai

DIY face mask pro Juliana Sohn states that  "…grocery store tote bags made with non-woven polypropylene have the advantage of being easily laundered, allowing you to use them again and again…."

​Many of you many already have "Reusable Shopping Bags" in your car or home. I found mine at the checkout line of a big box store. Each bag (under $1.00) made 4 masks. And, you could squeeze out 5 masks from a lot of bags; I laid these out to show off the cute prints.

Here are some hints/instructions for repurposing reusable shopping bags using CraftPassion.com ’s helpful pattern

Grab a seam ripper and remove the binding before washing.

1. Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the side seams. The binding could be used for a (non-stretchy) tie if you don’t have elastic braid handy!

2. Throw all the shopping bag parts into the washer (hot, cold, doesn’t matter), then in the dryer (these dry quick). The washer/dryer should remove the thread bits, so you don’t have to pick them out or make a mess.

Making multiple masks? Print 4-5 copies of the pattern to get the most out of your fabric.

3. Print four or five copies of the pattern if you're making multiples. This will help plan placement of best parts of the bag if you have prints you want to feature. To me, there wasn’t much  difference in size (1/4" +/-?) with Women’s vs. Mens pattern, so I’ve started making them all in women’s size, which fit my husband fine.

4. Make your Main (outside pieces) using the OUTSIDE of the bag. Lining pieces using INSIDE of the bag. I found the inside of my bags to be a bit smoother and nicer next to the face.

The lining (inside) of my bags had a whitish cast and is a bit smoother to the touch. Lay out your lining fabric so it's against the face on finished masks.

5. No pressing necessary! This polypropylene is similar to paper. It creases perfectly! That means you can finger press seams before top stitching for nice clean, crisp edges to topstitch on. Yeay, no pressing.

6. Optional! Zig-Zag 4" length of trimmed pipe cleaner in the seam at the bridge of the nose for closer fit.

Elastic is now scarce. I used mine all up. Here’s the instruction sheet I sent to family/friends with their masks today. You can find elastic in strange places –old workout pants and exercise clothing has great elastic in the waist if you're ready to sacrifice a pair.

If you do have one good length of braided elastic, fit the maske, then pin the elastic together with a small safety pin. If you knot the elastic braid tightly, it’s very hard to undo and you might want to be able to use one piece of precious elastic to change out your stylish masks as the mood suits you!

While these masks are machine washable and withstand dryer heat, I just throw my mask in a bucket of hot water and Dawn, soak for a bit, rinse and put it out in the breeze to air dry. We don't go out often, so this is quick and easy. Remember to avoid handling any mask after use,  and get it into hot soapy water or the washer as soon as you're home.

Get fun, be creative, be safe and comfortable –while you're at it, make some for family and friends!

Make them mass production!