Modified Face Coverings Needed to Bridge Communication Gap
Aug 06, 2020 03:02PM ● By Editor
From the Cook County Emergency Operations Center - August 6, 2020
The Cook County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), in conjunction with the local medical community, announced the need this morning for face coverings to help bridge the communication gap for the hearing impaired.
“The executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public places has exposed an area of concern: the ability for hearing impaired persons to be able to read lips,” said EOC Incident Co-Commander Grace Grinager. “After researching and testing face coverings with clear windows, we have identified a preferred pattern and are ready to ask for the community’s help in meeting this need.”
That need – at least initially – is for 200 masks with clear windows. The preferred pattern, along with photos and a tutorial video, is available at http://inspiration.cricut.com/cricut-face-mask-with-window/. A copy of the instructions is also attached to this release.
Completed masks can be donated to the EOC by contacting the site manager at 218-387-3638 or mailto:[email protected]. Phone and emails will be answered between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drop-offs will be accepted by appointment between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“The response to our donations requests to date has been overwhelming, and we are grateful that we can help meet the needs of the Cook County community during this pandemic” Grinager stated. “This latest need – face coverings with clear windows – will help bridge the gap in accessible communication in our community. Our hope is to meet this need shortly.”
Contact:
Grace Grinager
218-387-3605
Or mailto:[email protected]
Cricut Face Covering with Clear Window
You’ll need the following items below to make a face mask with window.
Materials:
• https://cricut.com/en_us/cutting-materials/paper/cardstock.html?utm_source=blog*
• (2) Fabric Fat Quarter
• https://www.amazon.com/Tact-Brand-Multipurpose-Covering-54-Inches/dp/B00GKBLQM4 (6-12-gauge size)
*For use when creating a template and cutting the pattern on a Cricut Explore machine or using scissors
Tools:
• https://cricut.com/en_us/essentials/mats/cutting-machine/lightgrip-machine-mat-12-x-12.html?utm_source=blog – 12″ x 12″ (when using https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-explore-air-2.html?utm_source=blog)
• https://cricut.com/en_us/essentials/mats/cutting-machine/fabricgrip-machine-mat-12-x-12.html?utm_source=blog – 12″ x 12″ (when using https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-maker.html?utm_source=blog)
• Rotary cutter (if using a template)
• https://cricut.com/en_us/essentials/mats/self-healing.html?utm_source=%22blog%22 (if using a template)
• Fabric scissors (if using a template)
• https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/easypress/cricut-easypress-mini.html?utm_source=blog™ or household iron
• Sewing machine
• Thread
Optional items:
• Jersey/spandex strips (for ties)
• Double fold bias tape (for ties)
• 1/4″ (6 mm) braided elastic (for ties)
• Ribbon (for ties)
• Coated https://www.michaels.com/panacea-green-floral-wire-22ga/10343202.html (for nose bridge)
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0875N5V4J/ (for nose bridge)
• Double sided tape
• Liquid dish Soap or anti-fogging spray
Step 1: Preparation
We recommend reading all of the project steps before beginning.
If you are using the template option, you will only need one template per piece of the mask. Hide the additional shapes as desired.
Before cutting, be sure to pre-shrink fabric by washing it first, and allowing it to dry.
Step 2: Cutting the fabric pattern
When directly cutting fabric on a machine, position the fabric pattern side down on the FabricGrip Mat with the grain running the length of the mat.
When using a Cricut machine to cut a template for this project, follow the prompts in Design Space. We recommend using the LightGrip Mat with cardstock. If you are not using a machine, print the PDF pattern http://inspiration.cricut.com/cricut-face-mask-with-window/#face-mask-window-tutorial and cut out with scissors to use as a template.
• Prepare to cut the materials needed by first laying it out with the outside exposed and keeping the right sides together.
• Stage the material on your self healing mat or other flat surface, pressing out wrinkles if needed.
• Begin cutting with the fabric material by placing the template on the laid out fabric and tracing the template. Alternatively, you can also cut out both layers of the fabric directly using a rotary blade or scissors. Repeat the process with the vinyl liner pieces.
After your materials have been cut, gather all of the fabric pieces and press to smooth out any wrinkles if necessary.
Step 3: Assembling your face mask with window
Match together the pieces, right sides together, and sew the curved portion with a 1/4″ (6 mm) seam allowance. Snip along the curve taking care not to cut through the stitching.
Press the curved seams to the right. Then, carefully press the raw edges along the “window” to the inside. Repeat with the outer piece of fabric.
Align the outer and liner pieces, right sides together, and stitch along the top and bottom with a 1/4″ (6 mm) seam. Backstitch to reinforce seams where necessary. Leave the sides and window portion open.
If you do not wish to add floral wire, simply skip the following step.
To add a floral wire for the bridge of the nose, fold the edges of a 6″ (15.2 cm) wire on each side, and using a zigzag stitch, sew the wire onto the seam allowance located at the top of the mask.
For those adding the adhesive metal strips, simply adhere this piece at the very end when your mask is finished.
Turn the mask right sides out and press. Top stitch across the top of the mask to encase the floral wire, if desired.
Slide the plastic vinyl between the two layers of fabric through the window area. Make sure there are no open areas that may allow for exposure. Try to place the plastic so it tends to curve slightly outward (away from the mouth). Use double sided tape to help keep the plastic in place when stitching.
Slowly top stitch 1/8″ (3 mm) away from the folded fabric edge, all the way around the window. Make sure both the outer and liner folds are securely tucked underneath itself. Take your time and leave your needle in the down position to turn or make adjustments as needed.
With the mask right sides out and pressed, avoiding the plastic, fold the raw edges on each side inwards about 1/4″ (6 mm) and press.
Tuck the ties into the sides, close to the seams, pin if necessary.
Stitch the sides closed, backstitching over the ends of the ties as necessary.
The length of your ties will depend on the material. Use the chart below for reference.
Step 4: A few care instructions
Use liquid dish soap on the inside of the plastic window to prevent fogging as necessary. Simply, add a dot of the dish soap to the center of the vinyl, rub it around with your finger to coat the material, and wipe the excess off with a paper towel. Depending on how long you wear the mask, you may need to reapply dish soap. Other https://www.edcmag.com/best-anti-fog-sprays/ may also be effective.
Hand wash and air dry the mask to clean.
The Cook County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), in conjunction with the local medical community, announced the need this morning for face coverings to help bridge the communication gap for the hearing impaired.
“The executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public places has exposed an area of concern: the ability for hearing impaired persons to be able to read lips,” said EOC Incident Co-Commander Grace Grinager. “After researching and testing face coverings with clear windows, we have identified a preferred pattern and are ready to ask for the community’s help in meeting this need.”
That need – at least initially – is for 200 masks with clear windows. The preferred pattern, along with photos and a tutorial video, is available at http://inspiration.cricut.com/cricut-face-mask-with-window/. A copy of the instructions is also attached to this release.
Completed masks can be donated to the EOC by contacting the site manager at 218-387-3638 or mailto:[email protected]. Phone and emails will be answered between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drop-offs will be accepted by appointment between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“The response to our donations requests to date has been overwhelming, and we are grateful that we can help meet the needs of the Cook County community during this pandemic” Grinager stated. “This latest need – face coverings with clear windows – will help bridge the gap in accessible communication in our community. Our hope is to meet this need shortly.”
Contact:
Grace Grinager
218-387-3605
Or mailto:[email protected]
Cricut Face Covering with Clear Window
You’ll need the following items below to make a face mask with window.
Materials:
• https://cricut.com/en_us/cutting-materials/paper/cardstock.html?utm_source=blog*
• (2) Fabric Fat Quarter
• https://www.amazon.com/Tact-Brand-Multipurpose-Covering-54-Inches/dp/B00GKBLQM4 (6-12-gauge size)
*For use when creating a template and cutting the pattern on a Cricut Explore machine or using scissors
Tools:
• https://cricut.com/en_us/essentials/mats/cutting-machine/lightgrip-machine-mat-12-x-12.html?utm_source=blog – 12″ x 12″ (when using https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-explore-air-2.html?utm_source=blog)
• https://cricut.com/en_us/essentials/mats/cutting-machine/fabricgrip-machine-mat-12-x-12.html?utm_source=blog – 12″ x 12″ (when using https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-maker.html?utm_source=blog)
• Rotary cutter (if using a template)
• https://cricut.com/en_us/essentials/mats/self-healing.html?utm_source=%22blog%22 (if using a template)
• Fabric scissors (if using a template)
• https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/easypress/cricut-easypress-mini.html?utm_source=blog™ or household iron
• Sewing machine
• Thread
Optional items:
• Jersey/spandex strips (for ties)
• Double fold bias tape (for ties)
• 1/4″ (6 mm) braided elastic (for ties)
• Ribbon (for ties)
• Coated https://www.michaels.com/panacea-green-floral-wire-22ga/10343202.html (for nose bridge)
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0875N5V4J/ (for nose bridge)
• Double sided tape
• Liquid dish Soap or anti-fogging spray
Step 1: Preparation
We recommend reading all of the project steps before beginning.
If you are using the template option, you will only need one template per piece of the mask. Hide the additional shapes as desired.
Before cutting, be sure to pre-shrink fabric by washing it first, and allowing it to dry.
Step 2: Cutting the fabric pattern
When directly cutting fabric on a machine, position the fabric pattern side down on the FabricGrip Mat with the grain running the length of the mat.
When using a Cricut machine to cut a template for this project, follow the prompts in Design Space. We recommend using the LightGrip Mat with cardstock. If you are not using a machine, print the PDF pattern http://inspiration.cricut.com/cricut-face-mask-with-window/#face-mask-window-tutorial and cut out with scissors to use as a template.
• Prepare to cut the materials needed by first laying it out with the outside exposed and keeping the right sides together.
• Stage the material on your self healing mat or other flat surface, pressing out wrinkles if needed.
• Begin cutting with the fabric material by placing the template on the laid out fabric and tracing the template. Alternatively, you can also cut out both layers of the fabric directly using a rotary blade or scissors. Repeat the process with the vinyl liner pieces.
After your materials have been cut, gather all of the fabric pieces and press to smooth out any wrinkles if necessary.
Step 3: Assembling your face mask with window
Match together the pieces, right sides together, and sew the curved portion with a 1/4″ (6 mm) seam allowance. Snip along the curve taking care not to cut through the stitching.
Press the curved seams to the right. Then, carefully press the raw edges along the “window” to the inside. Repeat with the outer piece of fabric.
Align the outer and liner pieces, right sides together, and stitch along the top and bottom with a 1/4″ (6 mm) seam. Backstitch to reinforce seams where necessary. Leave the sides and window portion open.
If you do not wish to add floral wire, simply skip the following step.
To add a floral wire for the bridge of the nose, fold the edges of a 6″ (15.2 cm) wire on each side, and using a zigzag stitch, sew the wire onto the seam allowance located at the top of the mask.
For those adding the adhesive metal strips, simply adhere this piece at the very end when your mask is finished.
Turn the mask right sides out and press. Top stitch across the top of the mask to encase the floral wire, if desired.
Slide the plastic vinyl between the two layers of fabric through the window area. Make sure there are no open areas that may allow for exposure. Try to place the plastic so it tends to curve slightly outward (away from the mouth). Use double sided tape to help keep the plastic in place when stitching.
Slowly top stitch 1/8″ (3 mm) away from the folded fabric edge, all the way around the window. Make sure both the outer and liner folds are securely tucked underneath itself. Take your time and leave your needle in the down position to turn or make adjustments as needed.
With the mask right sides out and pressed, avoiding the plastic, fold the raw edges on each side inwards about 1/4″ (6 mm) and press.
Tuck the ties into the sides, close to the seams, pin if necessary.
Stitch the sides closed, backstitching over the ends of the ties as necessary.
The length of your ties will depend on the material. Use the chart below for reference.
Step 4: A few care instructions
Use liquid dish soap on the inside of the plastic window to prevent fogging as necessary. Simply, add a dot of the dish soap to the center of the vinyl, rub it around with your finger to coat the material, and wipe the excess off with a paper towel. Depending on how long you wear the mask, you may need to reapply dish soap. Other https://www.edcmag.com/best-anti-fog-sprays/ may also be effective.
Hand wash and air dry the mask to clean.
