FQ friendly Mask and Pouch Tutorial

A fat quarter is perfect for two pleated masks and a pouch - tutorial for that in my last post.

I pulled four FQs, and ended up with super cute mixed sets for teacher gifts.

(Half way through I decided to make one of the pleated masks into my normal style - to give the teachers one of each type.  I needed a different fabric for the lining when I made those.)

I thought Mr. Andrews would prefer a more masculine mask.... a straight quarter yard is also perfect!

One cut 8" wide and the full width of the fabric can yield two mask cuts and a piece for the pouch.  I mixed a couple making his 4th of July set.

But back to the FQs.

To make a mask I use 8"x15" pieces (or 8x14 if that fits better).  One pouch needs 4.5"x12"

Decide which way you want the print to sit on the finished mask.  The short side runs across your face.

Then you can cut your FQ  like this...

Or this....

There are a million tutorials for the pleated masks, but I thought I would share what I've found is easiest for me when inserting the elastic.

Press the piece in half - right sides together.

Mark the top edge about 3/4" from corner.  Sometimes I tack my elastic at this point, on this outside end - other times I don't.

I use 1/8" wide elastic - 6.75" long.  This seems to work for both men and women for a quick trip into a store.

Take the whole thing to your machine.  Lay the elastic at the fold, lined up with the raw edge.  

Close the fold and start stitching here, using a 1/2" seam allowance.  

The most annoying part of the elastic is that it tries to scoot away when you stitch over it.  Starting at the fold - with the elastic against the fold, eliminates the scooting on this end.

Once you get to the other end and around the corner, I stop.  Leave a gap for turning, then start back at the fold for the other side.  

Pleat and finish.....I haven't figured out any other process optimizing bits on the last steps yet.  

But the FQs do make for super cute sets!

Mask Pouch Tutorial - Teacher Gifts for a Covid Year

Useful end-of-the year teacher gift?  Horrible souvenir?

At the least, there's a super cute little pouch that could be used for holding dog-walk bags or other random things.

I came up with four mixed sets of corona virus protection fun, with four FQs.  I'll show you more info on that later.

a-dor-able fabric - Summer Side by Dana Willard

We'll start with the little pouch that can hold one mask.  Snap it onto a belt loop, toss it into your glove box or purse, and a nice clean mask is ready to go!

Cut a piece of fabric 4.5" x 12" - then take 2" off the end for making the tab.

The tab is totally optional.  But handy and fun!

Make the tab by folding in half to find the middle, turn one end down about 1/4", fold each end to meet in the center, then fold in half again.

Topstitch around the three sides, starting and ending at the raw edged end.

This is my favorite foot for topstitching.  On my machine it's actually called a blind hem foot. 

That flange in the center keeps the needle perfectly placed on the fabric, so the top stitching is super even and pretty on the sides.  Without much stress.  Like bowling with the gutter guards up!

To prevent frayed edges inside the pouch, I use a serger for the long fabric sides.  You could also trim with pinking shears or run a bead of FrayCheck down the raw edge.

Next, fold both short ends in twice then topstitch, for a nice clean flap.

Fold your fabric into thirds, overlapping in the center just a tad.

My pouches are about 3.75" wide. Lightly press to mark the creases.  

Lay the raw edge of the tab along one side, in the center section, near a crease.  Then fold the pretty sides together.

Make sure you turn the tab up a little, or you will catch it in the other side seam.  

Then you would have to pull out the seam ripper.  And that's no fun.

Sew down both open edges using a 3/8" seam.

Then I go back and sew once more about 1/4" in, where the tab and the overlaps are.

Just for a little extra strength at the stress points.

That was fast!  Flip right side out.

Poke the corners with a chopstick. Or something pointy, but not too pokey.

Now just to finish up the tab.  I placed my snaps 3/4" in from the end - any closer to the end, and it was hard to pull open the snap.  

Then the other goes 2" down from there.   You could also use velcro, or even stitch both ends into the seam for a plain loop.

I use KAM snaps.  I have a boatload of snaps and an awesome press from when I was making Mara's cloth diapers.   

If you need any kind of fasteners, I highly recommend ordering from this family business. Amazing customer service, super helpful owner, high quality well tested products.   https://kamsnaps.com 

DONE!  Now to put a mask inside.  

A pleated mask fits perfectly.  Fold it into thirds.

Slide one end under the flap.

Pull the other side from behind and over the mask...

 ....while you stuff it in. 

Ready to go.

As a note, I made a few and ran them through the washing machine. As if I had been out and needed to wash my mask and maybe also the pouch when I got home.  

The pouch washed up beautifully.  

I tested topstitching the pouch a bit, but it wasn't needed to help hold its shape and it made the pouch lines look a little less clean.

Next up, cutting info if you want to make some mask and pouch sets with your cool fat quarters!