Information about face masks fabrics

Protection

Only surgical masks can protect against infection, but because of the measures taken to limit contamination with Covid-19, mouth masks made from organic cotton fabrics are a good alternative. Keep in mind that these mouth masks do not protect you against Covid-19 contamination, but you can protects others by wearing one, as fewer particles are transmitted to the air. Also, by wearing a mask, you remind others to be careful.

Which fabric?

Organic cotton fabrics are the best option because they can be washed at 60 degrees Celsius and do not cause allergies or skin discomfort. We recommend using poplin in combination with hydrophilic and the use of a flannel or non-woven interlining for the filter. Twill fabrics are also suitable. Twill is slightly thicker than poplin making it the most recommended option. The tighter weave creates a greater barrier. Therefore, only one layer of twill is needed for the mask. If you prefer to use thinner fabrics, the poplin option is perfect for sewing a double layer mask in which you can insert a filter.

Poplin and flanel are sold in the Bo Weevil onlinestore; for twill fabrics, such as gabardine, we refer to our partner Pure Fabricz for companies or Pure Coverz for consumers.

Please keep in mind:

• The fabrics (and the masks created with these) do not have medical certification. They are therefore not suitable for professional use and they do not protect against viruses. We cannot prevent the prevention of bacterial or viral infections by using mouth masks made with these tissues and we do not take any responsibility for this.
• Coloured fabrics may fade due to washing at high temperatures. However, the fabric itself is not damaged by washing at these temperatures. Therefore we recommend working with light colours.
• A fabric face mask must be washed at a minimum of 60 degrees to kill all bacteria or viruses. 
• Fabrics might shrink with washing at high temperatures. We recommend to wash the fabric before at the temperature with which the mask will be washed later, to prevent any shrinkage of the finished product.
  
  

Ready-made

For those who want to buy ready-made face masks, we refer to companies that work with organic materials:

• Rianne de Witte, designer of sustainable clothing.
• Boromini Atelier, sustainable & social textile workshop where textiles are sewn, dyed and printed on a small scale with natural pigments based on plants and minerals.