Mask making trouble
 

This is my first mask making adventure, as my sister wants some cloth masks. I bought some cute fabric for masks made by Moda. It's the one with the three folds in it. I'm having trouble getting my machine to sew through all 12 layers of fabric (where the folds are) when you do the last step, which is to sew all around the mask. My primary machine is a mid-century Singer Slant-o-matic 401a. I'm using a #14 sharp needle. I just changed it. I also have a 201-2 that is easy to get to, as is my 301.

I'm switching to the other style of masks after I use this fabric. This style is a real pain, but the fabric is really cute and I've already purchased it and cut the backing for it. .

Any suggestions?
bkay

In the pleated masks I was making I was using binding instead of elastic since we were out early here. The thickness comes when you are making the casing for the elastic? Or do the directions have you stack the pleats right on top of each other instead of more of a Z fold?

The instructions say to sew the top and then the bottom, leaving about 3" to turn it. Then sew the sides, with the elastic ends inside the edge. Turn it, press it. Then, pleat it, then sew the outside edge all round, including the turned edge. Sewing around that outside edge is when my machine balks. I counted layers and there are 12. It's just quilting cotton, though. It kind of reminds me of trying to hem jeans. I thought about using my walking foot, but haven't tried it yet.
bkay

Joann’s had a pattern posted on their site with lines indicating folds. The pleats are more of a z fold so while there are a few layers, it isn’t 12. If you have a walking foot, that helps go through the bulk.

Your pattern instructions seem like the same type pattern.

Have you tried one of your other machines? I heard that the 301 is a real workhorse.....I vaguely remember something about the machines with a slant foot having difficulty with some types of stitching? I have broken a needle when stitching the corners on masks where the elastic is inserted.

I'm using the Moda panel for masks for son's family--I sewed and turn the 2 layers, then did the pleats and closed the turn opening. then I attached the bias "channels" to put the elastic through. yes--it's hard on machines!

Twelve layers??? I've never seen one that made you sew through twelve layers! I think I'd switch patterns.

I'm going to go out on a limb, here, and suggest a smaller sharp (not universal point) needle (if thread size is okay). Many years ago, when I sewed some denim jeans for my kid, I did the seams with a smaller needle for the seams and of course had to go larger for the top stitching. It worked really slick. Another thing that helped when got to a thick seam was to stitch up to almost the seam where the presser foot was starting to angle, was to stop and put something (folded cloth or cardboard) under the back of the presser foot so that the presser foot was parallel to the bed of the machine.and continue stitching. I now have a plastic piece like a Jean-a-ma-jig or hump jumper.

I thought the 201 would be good, too. I saw that someone did a pleated mask with a Rocketeer and didn't have any problems, nor did they raise the back of the presser foot.

Hope this helps. I haven't tried the pleated masks, yet. I've altered the masks that I have made to have a casing for either a stitched bias binding tie or a t-shirt cut 1" thick and stretched.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

The pleated masks do have twelve layers for top stitching where the pleats are - plus the elastic.

I use a stiletto to "help" keep it moving. I use a sharp or microtex. Not a ballpoint or universal.

My masks are also made by the pattern on Joann's website. The first dozen or so I sewed on my workhorse Bernina 1230 and had very little trouble with the multiple layers. When I switched to my newer Janome 7700, the difference was like night and day, awful! I second the advice to try a different machine, if you have more than one.

Daffy

I'm using an old Janome with universal 80 needles. I've bent a few, so I get where you're coming from. They're holding up after multiple washes with the ties, not so great with the elastic.

Sometimes it helps to tighten the presser foot tension. It's the metal knob on the top, left of your machine. Righty tighty, lefty loosey.

A "seam jack" or "jeans jack," can help you get over those thick seams. Bernina makes on called a “height compensation tool.” Or you can fold some light-weight cardboard to a thickness of 1/16” to 3/16.” I've used an empty needle pack, too. I have a great tutorial on how to use a seam jack, but I'm not allowed to post the link.

https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png Here is a link on how to use a seam jack - http://shesasewingmachinemechanic.bl...re-sewing.html I have the one like the pointy one, that comes in handy for turning point, sewing on buttons, making creases or pressing seams

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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How long is your stitch length? Maybe you could lengthen it a bit, like to a 2.5 or even 3.0 when you get to that part of the process. I don't like to pull on the fabric as it comes out the back of the needle, but you might want to tug it a little with a steady pressure to help it along. I've made over 275 masks so far and haven't had much of a problem with my Bernina 570. But I"m still looking for the perfect pattern!

Leslie

I haven't had any problem with my 301 or 404, but if I did, I would move my line of stitching in a bit so I wasn't stitching through the seam allowance along with the mask. I've seem masks with the stitching in about 1/4" - maybe that's why.
Currently, my favorite pattern is the fitted one by Twig and Tale.

I rarely use the hump jumper/ jeans Jack/ etc. for yr's now I simply press down on the front edge of the presser foot, and the machine climbs right over the thick seams. I think it's something to do with putting in contact with the feed dogs. Try it.

Are the pleats stacked on top of each other?

Line up the pleats so they almost touch each other but don't stack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk92ZBt5gQY

This one folds up/folds down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceCYbtEHzq0

Using a walking foot is a big help.

The walking foot is the best way to go.

In making the masks with the three pleats I sew the seam on the inside at 1/4 inch. then turn and pleat and sew 1/2 inch from edge so you are sewing thru fewer layers. I broke needles on my regular machine and may Serger doing the masks. I prefer to make the shaped masks as they stay on better and not so many layers.

Here's a picture of some of my early masks, I'm using the z-fold style plus the binding. You can see that wonderful striped fabric and how it helped me! (that's my favorite, I have two identical)

I second what Rhonda and others have said--bring that seam in about 1/4" so you are not sewing the seam allowances in the mix--should reduce the layers some. And on the pleated style I've found that if I don't overlap the pleats it sews so much better. I had to make 8 dozen "medical weight"--meaning 4 layers of fabric-and it was really rough on my machine--which is getting "spa" treatment but it takes so long these days!

Friend just posted a mask pattern from YouTube (not sure of name)that has the pleats in the front so that it stands off the mouth (not as hot and safer, too). It also looks like much less bulk at the edges too. Think I will try that for next round for family.

I was making the folded ones also for a while. I spent yesterday learning how to make the fitted ones from a free pattern on Craftpassion.com. I'll be making this kind from now on. I loved their pattern because I had requests from family for a nose wire and a filter. I purchased aluminum nose pieces from Amazon. An this pattern the filter pocket is the entire mask so, a blue paper type filter can completely be placed inside and this one can be used for a cover only. It works so good, I have quit making them in batiks and have started to use printed quilter's cotton. Batiks are just too hard to breathe thru this type of mask.

I have made several masks with the 3 pleats and I go very slow and lengthen my stitch. I will agree it is a bit hard to do. Good luck to you and maybe you could find an easier pattern that your machine will like better and it won't be so hard for you to secure the pleats in.

Thanks for the link. I spent some time looking at the site and mostly, it's associated site. It's delightful.
I'll make a seam jack today. and give it a shot.
bkay

Is it the 3D mask? They are surprising quick to make once you figure out the directions. My daughter likes hers.

This is why I was confused about the 12 layers. All the patterns I've used either have the pleats stacked next to each other, or the sides where the elastic/ties go through is the outer layer of fabric only.

I found this the easiest way to sew it too and it doesn't seem to affect the final product.

Try using a 90/14 Micro text sharp needle.

I too had trouble with all the pleats. Finally found a 3D pattern that I like much better. Including the link. It fits snuggly around nose and chin. I added a pipe cleaner to nose area and use t-shirt strips for the ears. It's a very comfortable fit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AzeR7QCbQg

I used my walking foot and a denim needle when I was making the folded ones. I switched to a better molded design and can whip them up with ease now. I know this isn't important, but with a flatter surface, I can get more creative with the fabric placement and design.

Thanks Annette. The seam jack worked perfectly. I made one from the top of a sour cream carton. I also bought some sharp needles. That was so easy, I'm just amazed.

bkay

I haven't tried making any mask. Walmart now sells the one use paper mask. I wash lucky enough to find Hanes washable mask at Walmart also. Those disappeared quickly.

The paper masks I bought at Walmart wouldn't seal around my nose. The metal strip would not keep it's shape, so I kept fogging up my glasses. With tax, they were almost $1.00 each (plain one time use paper masks). So, I took them back.

I'm making cloth masks for my sister, who is a teacher. She wanted some, and I sew, so now I'm figuring out which patterns work and how to do them easily and efficiently..

bkay

We had zero disposable masks available here by the end of February or so even though Lockdown didn't start until March and the requests/requirements to wear them hadn't started yet.

Two weeks ago for the first time since March, I now see disposable masks available again. It's true I only go out weekly but the were not there three weeks ago. They still have limits on how many you can buy but those limits are pretty generous. For the first time since March, when I go grocery shopping I have pretty good expectations of getting everything i want, without limits. Prices are higher but there is sanitizer and wipes and meat and dairy and bread and toilet paper...

My MiL tells me they have trash problems where she is because people litter and discard their masks -- that hasn't happened here because we didn't have them and they are now required as of the end of June (it's a law, you can be fined for no mask). Not only for while inside but in outside in some circumstances too, like at bus shelters and certainly while on the bus.

I'm not really happy with wearing or making masks but I am willing to do my part. During the early months when masks were advised but not yet required I made maybe a 100? gave them to hubby's work, and I would typically take a few with me when I went out and especially I gave them out to homeless people. It's kind of sad when wearing a mask makes you slightly more welcome...

Yes, I know, Iceblossom. The information about the efficacy is conflicting. My theory is, what can it hurt? So, I just wear one.

In March, before my spouse passed, masks were hard to get. At one of his doctor's offices where they treated immune compromised people, they anticipated not being able to get enough. They made up a set of 5 masks for each employee. They used brown paper bags that were labeled with the employee's name and Monday, Tuesday, etc. They said that the CDC had informed them that a disposable mask could be re-used if it "rested" for 7 days. So each employee was to put each day's used mask back in the paper bag and use it again the next week.

Fortunately, I took a friend to the hospital for a procedure before the shortage. The receptionist gave me several. I have re-used them.

bkay

When I was making pleated masks I went to 2 pleats instead of 3 so I could keep from overlapping the pleats. I also found some soft round elastic on Amazon that I used and made sure the pleats did not touch the elastic. I also used a Jeans-a-ma-jig to start over the humps and a sharp needle but it still hurt my hands to work the fabric (wish I had thought to use the walking foot - duh!!). I am now making the more molded masks and they are so much easier on me and the machine.

I made mine with 2 pleats instead of 3, And I fold them both towards the middle..