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:
How do you use the pony beads to make the strings adjustable? I have made a few masks, but am looking forward to using this pattern for better fit.
The trick is to test the thickness of your ties (cut a test width to see how it will pass through the bead) Make sure it isn’t too loose and then push both ties through (use a skewer or similar). Slide to adjust.
So do I need another piece fusible web to attach the nose wire to any of the mask pieces, or do I just iron it again and the same fusible web fuses it to the fabric?
Once the paper is peeled off, it will be activated by the heat of the iron when you have it in place.
Thanks for this idea.
Ive been using pieces of pipe cleaner but have to sew them in by hand, this should be a lot easier.
Thanks again
Yes, I think the wider strips are less likely to poke out. Stay safe!
I like the fusible web for securing nose piece.
I started with heavier floral wire. It holds up to washings. I sew them in against the top edge. I dont like working with sharp objects so the aluminium option is not for me and seems like a lot of work. I moved on to using pliable ties that come from products you buy that say have a cord wrapped in a twist tie. They work better than floral wire as it is more pliable and no rust over time. Holds up to thg he dryer so far. I did save the coffee bag sealer but dont drink enough coffee to use that method. I like they are flat.
All great ideas and one of these will work for someone. I love thse forums for sharing ideas
I’ve made over 70 masks just for friends and neighbors when nothing existed. Like you Barb, keep trying to improve the pattern but working full time doesnt leave much time to perfect them. Thank you for sharing your patterns. You lay out great detail directions.
Great! Glad you are helping out too! Fusible web rocks!
Hi from Far North Qld 🇦🇺 Barb,
Thank you so much for this pattern, however I do not have access to a printer (I have downloaded the PDF pattern), however I am terrible, terrible (did I mention terrible) at sewing, but at the risk of my own sanity I want to make this mask my maiden project. Would it be possible (I know you are busy busy) to forward the actual measurements (in inches or cm) of the mask & nose peice pattern so this dummy can draft it onto paper myself, (did I mention, maths & figuring out scale is not one of my strong points either) & possibly add that to future patterns you may make available for beginner folk like myself.
Kind regards
Mish
If you notice the 1 inch grid on the background of the pattern, you can draw one on your paper and then follow where each line crosses a line. That’s how to replicate it without a printer. It’s really not that hard and will be better shape. Or, count the squares for measurements. Each is 1 inch. Hope that helps!
Hi Mish, I was wondering if Barb could just make them for us 🇺🇸 would be glad to pay someone to make these mask. Hint hint 👋
I’m sorry but I am swamped with work, and also helping daycare my grandson. Shipping makes it so expensive especially going over a border. If you find a local sewist they may welcome you bring thing the pattern.
Barb thanks for the idea 💡 with the sardine can lid. Ingenious…
Going to try and figure how to make these mask 😷 🤔. They look very comfortable.
Thanks! Stay safe…😷
Dear Barb, the first mask I made way back in 2020 the pattern was from ageberry.com it has a side dart which makes the mask fit better, so on your pattern I have made a dart each side, the nose piece makes all the difference NO FOG up on the glasses, have just made another for my son in Sydney and am waiting for feed back .
Thanking you Heather
That’s great that you adapted! I’m happy to help!