Download Free Pattern Here

The Department of Health and Human Services Victoria (DHHS) has also published a mask tutorial on their website which can be accessed here.

Chief Health Officer’s advice

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, it is recommended that you wear a cloth mask when leaving home for one of the four essential reasons if it is going to be difficult for you to maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others.

- Wearing a cloth mask provides an additional physical barrier to coronavirus (COVID-19), protecting you and those around you.

- Keeping 1.5 metres between yourself and others and washing your hands regularly are still the best defence against coronavirus (COVID-19).

- The recommendation to wear a cloth mask does not apply to children (people aged under 18 years), individuals with breathing difficulties, and those who have physical conditions that make it difficult to wear a cloth mask.

- There will be no enforcement on the use of masks. You will not be fined if you don’t wear a mask.

How do I wear a mask correctly?

Cloth mask

A cloth mask should fit securely around the face, specifically covering the nose and mouth areas. The mask should fit snug on your face and be secured by ties at the back of your head, rather than ear loops. If you are using a mask with ear loops, you can get a plastic clip or tie to join the ends together at the back of your head.

Make sure your mask does not have holes or a valve. This can result in breathing out the virus if you have coronavirus (COVID-19).

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitiser containing over 60% alcohol before putting it on and after taking it off. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them.

Source: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-metropolitan-melbourne-mitchell-shire-covid-19

We’ve made a video explaining how to make the McCall’s mask pattern with three layers of fabric, and optional fabric ties instead of elastic.

What Fabric Should I Use?

Three layers of fabric are recommended (the free pattern uses two, but you can easily add a third) and should be of the following types:

Inner Layer (Against the Face)

1 x piece of water absorbing fabric (cotton), this is the piece closest to the face and can be everything from a thick cotton jersey, cotton flannel, or tightly woven cotton poplin. Quilting fabrics, flat fats and fat quarters within quilting may also be great options.

Middle Layer

1 x piece of fabric blends fabric (cotton polyesters mixture), this piece can be a tightly woven cotton poplin or a quilting cotton fabric (including flat fats and fat quarters), broadcloth, printed poly cotton, or top pop poplin may also be used.

Outer Layer

1 x piece of water-resistant fabric (polyester/nylon). Use a light weight non-woven sew in or fusible interfacing within 2 layers of fabric, enviro cloth fabric, or polyester chiffon may also be suitable, if the chiffon is too sheer you may need to double layer).