From the age of 6, wearing a mask has become compulsory both in public places and in class.

Not easy for the little ones to accept this restrictive tool. Lots of stores have masks for sale, tailored to their faces, but choosing a beautiful fabric and attending a sewing workshop offered by mom or dad makes things a lot funnier.

For the choice of fabric, the AFNOR Spec document is based on different combinations of fabrics, which have been tested by individuals and craftsmen. The results of these tests are available on the AFNOR website.

In order to facilitate the choice of materials based on availability and price criteria, here is what AFNOR recommends.

To make a category 1 mask (90% filtration):

• layer 1: cotton 90 g / m²
• layer 2: non-woven 400 g / m²
• layer 3: cotton 90 g / m²

To make a more technical mask:

• layer 1: 100% cotton 115 g / m²
• layers 2, 3 and 4: 100% pp (non-woven polypropylene) spun bounded NT-PP 35 g / m² (very fine)
• layer 5: 100% cotton 115 g / m²

In the absence of access to these fabrics, AFNOR advises to bet on the complementarity of fabrics. The filter is “more efficient if you choose three different fabrics”.

• Layer 1: A thick cotton, kitchen towel type
• Layer 2: A polyester, technical t-shirt type, for sports
• Layer 3: A small cotton, shirt type

The cotton / fleece / cotton assembly does not seem to provide the expected performance.

Jeans, oilcloth and coated fabric should also be avoided for breathing reasons, especially for young children. The jersey is also to be discarded, too slippery.

As the beautiful spring days arrive, you should avoid using fleece, which is too hot, as well as rough cretonne, which can cause irritation and does not allow air to pass through.

The site “What to choose” also gives advice on the preferred fabrics for making a general public mask.

Once the fabric has been chosen according to its beautiful color: unicorn, superhero, rainbow, etc., and its density (it is necessary to verify that the child can breathe through it), it remains to be found how to put it all together.

Because to make a mask, you also have to cut the fabric to the correct shape of the face and sew the elastics on it. These must also be measured correctly so that the mask does not fall or on the contrary that it tightens the ears too much. Children keep it all morning (it is advisable to change it for the afternoon) and it must be comfortable so as not to interfere with their learning.

The supports to find a tutorial:

• many fabric brands, such as Mondial Tissues, offer tutorials on their website, accompanied by photos and videos;
• creative workshop sites such as l’Atelier des gourdes;
• many videos on Youtube also offer explanations.

Making a mask yourself can lead to participating in a creative or sewing workshop. The haberdasheries or associations can accommodate a few people, in order to guide the first steps in sewing.

At home, it is also an opportunity to share a moment thanks to a video exchange, whether thanks to the tablet, phone or computer and to chat with your grandmother to learn the basics of sewing. A beautiful moment to share together, from a distance.

Many solidarity groups, or associations of seamstresses offer their help. Their contact details can be found at town halls or neighborhood centers, cultural social centers.

On the “Atelier des Gourdes” site, Anne Gayral provides practical advice and tutorials for free. “I had the chance to work with AFNOR to develop the pattern for junior masks. My little Léon even made a guinea pig for the tests, which was negotiated with a lot of chocolate squares ”.

The workshop also offers information on:

• the type of mask;
• the fabrics used;
• the links ;
• maintenance;
• the precautions to be taken.

Professionals have both thought about ways of sewing for a large number of people quickly and also thought about people who do not have a sewing machine.

“Our tutorials quickly made the buzz since 3 million people have consulted it”. A solicitation that attracted the national media. I used to work locally and it has become a great adventure, despite this period. “

Anne’s objective is not to sell but to teach how to do it: “We were able to set up a group, here, in Rodez, which made 16 masks distributed free of charge. Other groups in France joined us. “

A citizen approach, rewarded by the release of a book in June by Mango editions.