One of the challenges of making a face mask at home is finding a way to effectively filter airborne particles. Today I am sharing with you a material that filters up to 10x more airborne particles, than a regular cotton mask. In this tutorial, you will learn how to sew a face mask with Filti material.
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I am excited to share with you that today’s post is sponsored by a company called Filti. Filti has been making reusable HVAC filters for homes to keep the air filtered and clean. And when they noticed people using tshirts and other household materials to make masks, they knew they had the ability to help.
What is the Filti material made of?
Filti’s Face Mask Material is engineered using their patent-pending Nanofiber technology and is highly-efficient (up to 83%) on sub-micron particles, including bacteria and viruses. Filti Face Mask Material is contructed from polypropylene spunbond nonwoven with a Nanofiber fine fitration layer and surface layer of nonwoven polyester.
The Filti material can filter up to 83% of airborne particles coming through the mask, by comparison, a regular cotton mask filters about 7%.
When it comes to face mask filters there has been a lack of unbiased testing, leaving many consumers unsure of what products are actually worth buying. But, a new particle testing study is now providing evidence of which materials are best for breathability and filtration. According to the study, Filti’s product ranked best for filtration (filtering out 83% particles) and was a top contender for breathability.
How can I use the Filti Material?
There are several ways you can use this material for making safe and effective face masks.
- The first one is that you can make a filter for your cotton face mask. To do this, just measure your mask and cut out a piece of the filter material to fit inside your mask. The outer layer that is supposed to face away from your face is more textured and the layer that faces your mouth is more smooth and slick. It is really important as the cities begin to reopen, that you use a filter in your mask! It’s almost useless to wear a mask otherwise. Especially those who will be returning to jobs where they contact a lot of people, like retail workers and the like.
- The next way that you can use the Filti material is to use it as a layer in between cotton. So you could have a layer of cotton and then sandwich the filti material between another layer and you have a permanent filter in your mask. The filti material is washable!
- And lastly, you can use the Filti material to make a mask using just that material.
Today I will share with you step by step instructions on how to make a face mask using the filti material as well as how to make a filter for a cotton mask.
Is the Filti material washable?
Yes it is washable! However, specifically with covid-19 the effectiveness of the material will decrease over time when being washed. The Filti team offers a nice 21 sq. foot bundle of material and it can make 50-80 masks. I would recommend making several masks to keep on hand and rotating them out frequently to ensure protection.
Where do I buy the Filti material?
You can purchase this material on the Filti website. The material is produced and shipped right here in the USA, shipping is reasonable and they are well stocked and ready to ship!
Filti was kind enough to give me a discount code for my readers! You can use the code “KRISTIN10” for 10% off your order!
How to sew a face mask out of Filti material
Materials/Tools Supplies
Filti Face Mask Material
Mask Pattern. FREE here
Elastic or Nylon
Tin Ties for nose wire
Scissors
Clips (I used alligator clips, but I want to get these sewing clips)
Sewing Machine
Instructions
If you would like a printable option, scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Cut out 4 pieces of filti material using the pattern provided.
- Place each set of 2 pieces, fuzzy sides together and sew around the rounded edges
- Place the first sewn set, fuzzy side up on table and match the other sewn set, fuzzy sides together on top of each other.
- Clip the pieces together to prep for sewing. We don’t want to use pins for this because it alters the material and it may not be as protective as we would like.
- Sew top and bottom edges of the mask, leaving the two short edges open
- Turn mask right side out
- Place your nose wire in the top of the mask, through the open edges
- Sew along the nose wire to hold in place
- Cut 4 inches of 1/8″ elastic. If using nylon pieces, you may need to adjust the size
- Tuck in the short edge of the mask and place one end of the elastic in, sew the elastic in, slide the other end of the elastic into the mask and sew that in as well.
- Repeat to sew other elastic ear piece on opposite side
How to make a filter out of Filti material
If you have already made face masks out of regular cotton material, you can use the Filti material as a filter if you have included a filter pocket on your mask. I have several face mask tutorials, but if you want to learn how to make one with a filter pocket, check out this one.
To make a filter for your face mask, simply measure your mask and cut a length and width of fabric that will fit inside your mask. It’s that easy!
Do make sure that you are using the material correctly, you will want the fuzzy side of the fabric facing away from your face.
For printable instructions, see below
Use this Filti material to sew a face mask that protects better than most. If you are using something other than 1/8" elastic, you will need to adjust the size. For instance, the nylon headbands are stretchier. Hair ties are not as stretchy, so test it out before you sew it in. If you don't want to double your filti material layer, you can use cotton as one of the layers. Just make sure the fuzzy side of the filti material is facing out, away from your face.How To Sew A Face Mask With Filti Material
Materials
Instructions
Notes
Sandra says
I love AND appreciate your tutorials. I haven’t sewn anything since my husband passed and I used to sew alot! I feel that I want to start making masks. I bought pipe cleaners for the nose, then you mentioned that they will rust. I went on Amazon to find the tin ties you mentioned and showed on one of your tutorials and I was overwhelmed! I definitely want a USA product. Could you help me as to
which ones you ordered please?
Thank you so much!
Kristin says
Hi! I’m sorry you are having trouble – here is the kind I purchased: https://amzn.to/2YFIaIJ they are made in the USA
Pamela Staveley says
For maximum filtration it seems like both fuzzy sides should be facing out when the mask is assembled. That would mean putting one right side and one wrong side together when assembling. This would also make is easier to determine which side faces out when reusing the mask to avoid putting the outer side toward the face.