I think we all thought it was behind us but mask-wearing is back. First and foremost may I wish you, your family and friends the very best of health and good wishes from us all at Empress.
Since weekend and the government re-introducing mandatory mask-wearing our team has been answering a huge amount of queries regarding masks.
Mum, Aunty Jane, Ariana & Jennifer are working as fast as possible to answer individual questions. However, with interest so high I have popped an updated version of our mask info below with a mix of details that we previously had available plus new items
As always we feel it is important to state that:
Empress Mills Fabrics are manufactured for use in garments and home crafts and our products have not been designed for, nor have they been tested for any medical application or against any test standard that would be required in a medical application.
We cannot guarantee and accept no liability for the use in a medical environment.
In these unprecedented times we are naturally pleased our fabrics can be of use but we feel it is only right we highlight the above.
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Everything In One Place
We have popped together a Mask Making Supplies Page Here for you. It contains the below essentials and a few other items to make your projects easier.
Vilene Interfacings For Face Mask Filters
Freudenberg, the parent company of Vlieseline (Vilene) created this non-medical Face Mask Interfacing.
ILC151 – Non-woven lining for non-surgical masks in white, 90ms wide.
The interfacing is designed specifically for lining masks to allow easy breathing whilst reducing the risk of transmitting harmful particles.
Vilene Non-Medical Face Mask Full Info Here
Freudenberg Vilene have supplied the following image of two masks made using their interfacings.
Fabric For Face Masks & Construction
It has been suggested that a potential combination as follows can work well for mask construction:
- Cotton Outer Fabric
- Softer possibly Winceyette fabric inner (which will be in contact with your face)
- The Cotton Outer & Winceyette are used to form a ‘pocket’, into which you insert for example the Vilene Interfacing (mentioned above) to act as a filter.
While we do not have a pattern available for this type of mask, there are a variety online and various tutorials now freely available.
Regular Cotton Fabric could be anything from Quilting Fabric to Classic Plain Cottons. Ideally anything that is relatively closely woven and that will be Ok with regular washing.
Winceyette Fabric is again a good option as is relatively lightweight yet offers quite a close weave finish. It is not tickly or stifling and is soft against your face.
Vilene Interfacings for ‘filter’ – please see info above on Vilene Interfacings for this application.
A Final Note
As I mentioned above, the Vilene non-wovens and other products and fabrics from the Empress Mills collection are designed for the clothing industry and home sewing uses. We cannot guarantee and accept no liability for the use in a respiratory protection mask.
Our products are not medically tested.
Should you, however sew your own mask for personal use, we recommend washing at 60°C before use.
Best Wishes From All At Empress
Once again, at this uncertain and unprecedented time I extend the very best wishes from all at Empress to you, your family and friends. Stay Stong, Stay Safe & Happy Sewing.
Charles.
