Face Mask V1 ear loop elastic source

[Rob_L]

Hi Rob_L,

Take a look at some of the earlier forum threads that discussed making masks when they released the patterns and also added tips on how to expedite fabrication (chain stitching multiple masks, etc.). In particular, take a look at Tom Bihn Mask Video Tutorial and references to “T-shirt yarn”, and also look at the later parts of the Pitching in to make simple surgical-style face masks thread

Please be aware that production methods and tips evolved a lot during those discussions, even as some of the patterns and sizing changed. So there are a lot of useful tips about using different mask patterns and materials in those threads.

HTH,

moriond

Thanks moriond - I did watch the video tutorial, as well as the one on tips for speeding up production. Both are helpful, although they don't provide any info on the elastic used. I did see the link to the t-shirt yarn, but it's apparently no longer available. I tried searching the forum but haven't hit on the right combination of search terms to narrow down the posts enough - the few that looked promising so far didn't offer any clues to the source of the elastic, and the majority of results returned had nothing to do with masks. I will try sifting through the later parts of the thread on making surgical-style mask to see if there's anything about the ear loops.

Rob L

[Rob_L]

Welcome to the Forums Rob_L !

It's great that the V1 masks work so well for you both. I don't know the source of the ear loop material, if it's not a trade secret, perhaps Darcy can offer some help.

Thanks for tagging Darcy, G42! Yes, it would be great if they could provide the brand(s) and cord type(s) that have been used for the mask production.

Rob L

[dgrls]

This is what I use. It’s not exactly the same, but quite similar. Very stretchy and comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C7Z76BS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[moriond]

Hi Rob_L,

Take a look at some of the earlier forum threads that discussed making masks when they released the patterns and also added tips on how to expedite fabrication (chain stitching multiple masks, etc.). In particular, take a look at Tom Bihn Mask Video Tutorial and references to “T-shirt yarn”, and also look at the later parts of the Pitching in to make simple surgical-style face masks thread

Please be aware that production methods and tips evolved a lot during those discussions, even as some of the patterns and sizing changed. So there are a lot of useful tips about using different mask patterns and materials in those threads.

HTH,

moriond

[G42]

Welcome to the Forums Rob_L !

It's great that the V1 masks work so well for you both. I don't know the source of the ear loop material, if it's not a trade secret, perhaps Darcy can offer some help.

[Rob_L]

My wife and I bought two of the V1 face masks back in May 2020, and it turns out after trying several types of reusable cloth masks, they're the ones that fit each of us best (I use the large, she has the regular size) and are the most comfortable to wear for any length of time. We particularly like the elastic cord that the ear loops are made from because they have a very soft fabric outer layer and are both relatively thick and round in profile, which makes them very comfortable compared to the ear loops on the other masks we've used.

We downloaded the patterns for the V1 mask and my wife wants to make some more of them for us to put into rotation, but she would like to get the same (or very similar) elastic cord for the ear loops. She doesn't have a clue on what terms to describe it with in order to search online for it (finding elastic in stores around where we are is nearly impossible, and we'd prefer to stay our of stores anyway, for good reason).

Does anyone know the brand and type/model number of the elastic cord that was used on those V1 masks from May? Or if there's a good description for their characteristics that we can use to search out a supply online?

Thanks for any info about the elastic cord (plus big thanks to Tom Bihn for making the patterns freely available).

Rob L