The outbreak of respiratory illness resulting from Corona-virus is going viral - the recommendation, the appeal, the petition of experts struggling to overcome the virus is - not to leave the house, but if you are compelled to do so, be sure to wear gloves and a face mask.

And as you already know, Eco Party Warehouse takes deep care of the environment and health of our lovely Mother Earth. By providing you with the tableware made entirely from renewable, natural materials (bagasse, bamboo, palm leaf, and sugarcane) that have a minimal impact to Earth's natural resources and absolutely, certain to, easily and safely break down into the environment as they are fully biodegradable and completely compostable, Eco Party Warehouse strive to complete the great cycle of life and reduce the carbon footprint. But in this difficult period, we think about your health too! And since buying disposable surgical mouth mask will be so not cool for our green life, we believe it's a much better option to sew reusable one! That's why we prepared the best DIY project on this matter to help you stay safe and healthy.

Supplies and tools needed for your Face Mask:

• 100% Quilting Cotton fabric
• 1/4″ or 3/8" wide elastic
• Thimbles
• Fabric scissors
• Heavy paper for patterns 9" x 15" and attached maks pattern
• Cardboard - optional ( use a 9.5" piece of cardboard to loop around 10-15 times to cut all at once to produce 20-30, 9.5" pieces) 
• Sewing Machine
• Thread

Directions Step by Step:

  * Before you start sewing, please pre-wash all fabrics, and wash it again before wearing it. *

Step 1: Preparation
Cut a rectangular 9" x 15" base paper pattern. Fold the fabric in 4 layers. Lay 9" x 15" base pattern on top of 4 layer fabric. Cut around the base pattern.

Step 2: Pinning
Take 2 cut sheets and fold in half to make 4 layers. Cut mask pattern per attached sample (8.19" x 5.4"). Pin mask pattern to cut 4-layer fabric using 4 pins around the outside.

Step 3: Cutting
Cut the fabric for the mask pattern.

Step 4: Finishing
Remove pins and paper patterns from cut fabric. Separate 4 fabric pieces into 2 sections of 2 layers of fabric each. Pin 2 piece sections around curved edge vertically, every 2".

Step 5: Elastic
Cut elastic into 2 (9.5") sections. Insert 1 elastic into each 2-piece pinned section through the flatter open edge (opposite from the edge that is pinned). Check to be sure elastic is not twisted inside the section. Once the elastic strip is inserted into the opening and placed flat in a U shape, center the new elastic earloop and pin down each end of the elastic strip 3" apart - even with the edge of the fabric ( tip: create a 3" line on your table as a guide). Use your completed 2-piece section as a guide for the other sections to make one unit, ready for sewing.

Step 6: Sewing
Each mask uses 4 cut pieces of fabric. For added durability, you can use a zig-zag stitch and backstitching as deemed necessary.

1. If not yet assembled, pin two pieces together on the side where pattern indicated first seam line, pinning ends of the elastic inside.
2. Following the first seam line on the pattern, sew seam using a 1/2 inch seam allowance for green fabric (regular size mask) or 5/8 inch for blue fabric (small mask).
3. Turn two halves inside out so that the straps are exposed.
4. Line up and pin the center (nose) seam.
5. Sew both sides together through all 4pieces of fabric approximately width indicated on the pattern.

Notes: 

• Handle the face mask carefully. Do not touch the contaminated side of the face mask, wash your hand if you accidentally touch it.
• When you are done using the mask, wash it in the machine at 95 degrees, dry, and iron - it is then sterilized and ready for use again.

In the meantime -  Wash your hands properly. Promote social distancing. Clean commonly touched surfaces. Keep on sewing.

Hope you all stay safe and stay away for any virus.

With a love for life Eco Party Warehouse!