Make Iron-in Metal Nose Pieces for Masks
Most face masks need a nose strip to get the best snug fit. Here is my way of making Iron-In Metal Nose Strips for Masks. No special materials needed.
The Metal:
Did you know that sardine cans are aluminum? That means they do not rust. Go, have some lunch, I’ll meet you back here…
Yes, wash your can well. I mostly use the lid as that’s easiest. It is not that super sharp as other cans and cuts with some (old) scissors. The length also works well. It’s amazing how many can be cut from one lid.
Cut the strips about 1/8″ – 1/4″ wide depending on your fabric choice. If the fabric is bulky it probably needs a stronger/wider strip.
Cut the strips 3.5″ – 4″ long depending on your pattern. To lessen any poking round off the corners. The edges do not feel that sharp but a quick run over sand paper will take any sharpness off.
The Secret Ingredient:
Fusible Webbing is a wonderful stuff! That is what will bond these into place permanently. It comes as a parchment paper with a layer of heat sensitive ‘glue’ on one side.
After cutting the strips of sardine can, cut thins strips of the fusible webbing that is wide enough to fold over the metal strips. Using a rotary cutter and metal ruler make it super fast.
I make a bunch at a time, and then head to the ironing board.
Place a metal strip inside the folded fusible webbing and then grab the iron.
To ensure that the iron does not get any of the webbing on it, I use a sheet of parchment to protect it. Medium to high heat will melt the ‘glue’.
After it is ironed and cooled, peel the paper off like taking a candy out of a wrapper. Ta-da! It’s ready to insert where you like! Fusible web is wash safe as well, but I would use a ‘lingerie bag’ to protect it form too much tumbling.
I am not a huge fan of the pipe cleaners as they break and have thin wires but in a pinch you could substitute them for the wire. Again, ironing them inside the fusible web would make them flat and able to be iron-in place.
I have used these strips in most my mask designs; Snug Nose-Bridge DIY Fitted Mask, DIY Ultimate Fitted Face Mask, DIY N95-Style Face Mask Pattern and the latest Fitted Face Mask Pattern for Glasses. The less bulk of seams makes the nose-piece flatter and then much less likely to get in your eyes and also fit well. The metal piece stays in place but can be shaped easily.
Instead of Elastic:
Due to shortage of elastic I found another option; t-shirt strips! They are so much more comfortable than the elastic and depending on the fabric can be so soft. If the fabric has some spandex it has more stretch. Test different widths, 3/8″ -3/4″.
Another tip; you can make some toggles out of ‘Pony Beads’ so that it is a slide adjustment. Test which thickness works best through the bead hole. One t-shirt/camisole can make so many stretchy straps! Many prefer these over the elastic. Using casings allows for switching out straps or using the behind the head option.
Once the strip is in place (this is the Fitted Face Mask Pattern for Glasses) it stays put and actually flattens the fabric since it is fused. This magic stuff can replace sewing in a lot of projects. It’s great for appliques and art quilts…
I hope this will make you & your loved ones just a bit safer. Do not worry, we will get over this with care and patience.
Thank you for making and wearing a mask! 😷 Stay safe & we will soon be making things for fun…
Watch this as a video:
Ring pull bean dip and cat food can lids are light weight as well but I’m not sure if they would achieve the length requirement. I just discovered this last night and they are still in the sink to be washed!
Flashing for roofs are also sometimes aluminum. Thanks for the info!
Your nose piece idea us brilliant! I doubt I would ever have thought of using fusible web on the metal. Nor would I have thought of using sardine cans (no fan of sardines!) I’ve been using disposable aluminum pans, so that should work, too! I will be trying this tomorrow and will let you know my results!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Yes, let me know. I LOVE fusible web, makes anything into iron-on, practically.
How do you sew the “T-shirt” ties to keep them from unraveling?
They do not unravel, they curl into a ‘tube’ when pulled across the knit, not longways.
Creative and clever.! Thanks..
I walked around mulling this design and ‘how-to’ for weeks. Finally came together.
I have about 100 ft of plastic coated copper wire left over from a buried electric fencing project. It’s been perfect. Just in case there are any dog owners with similar leftovers.
Great ideal, I always follow your ideals. Good thing that I have cats that will eat the sardines, not my thing.
Haha, my next trip to grocery store will look at the cans instead of the ingredients… Always wondering.
Thank you for sharing the nose piece technique! I used it for masks I made for family. My adult offspring are in corona lockdown in Melbourne, VIC, Aus., this means they get fined if they fail to wear masks for any tasks they undertake outside of their home – they are only supposed to leave their homes for 1 hour exercise/grocery shopping per day. The nighttime curfew starts at 8pm. Pretty grim. The offspring reckon your nose pieces make all the difference In comfort and reducing glasses fog – so thank you – your thoroughness and attention to detail are appreciated!
I love Australia! I’m glad I can make it a bit better for them. I have many Eco Printing friends down there, stay safe!
I love this tip! I’m getting ready to create a new set of masks and I’m frustrated with the wire in my old ones. I’ll be using a silver craft wire (20 GA). It’s held up wonderfully but never stays in place. This should be a big improvement!
I love the fusibility!
Can you throw those nose pieces in the washer when they are inside a mask?
The tumbling in a washer can be hard on it as with fine lingerie that has wires, I’d suggest a lingerie bag. And no dryer
I have gone onto Aliexpress and bought the Aluminium Nose Bridge Strips with self adhesive on the back, they are so cheap, you get 100 for £2.42 including delivery, only thing is the wait. Mine arrive in the UK 2 weeks after I placed the order. Hope this helps.
It’s always a bit of a chance to take. I’m in Canada and sometimes it’s months!
Where do you buy your fusible webbing…
I bought it on amazon (as shown with the link)