|
|
Post by AngieandSnoopy on Apr 6, 2020 23:01:01 GMT
I'm trying to figure out what I have, to make sure it IS Pellon or other non woven interfacing that can be used in masks. I have a whole bunch of it I got on a roll at a thrift shop in the past few years. If you know what it is, please let me know!
I figured out the OTHER red dot "interfacing" that I have is actually a Pellon product BUT it is just tracing material scale up, duplicate or alter patterns. It is thinner that the white flower interfacing looking stuff.
I fortunately DO have some actual Pellon IN a package that I know what is and some thicker that has the plastic that came with it that identifies it.
Well, my picture didn't show up.
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Apr 6, 2020 23:09:32 GMT
Not currently. But it’s hard to say, since you bought it secondhand. I’ve been sewing since about 1982 ish and I don’t ever remember a floral Pelion interfacing. However, I remember an interfacing type fabric when we lived in Korea that was used to wrap flower bouquets in. I still have some that’s a light green with white polka dots. It came in a lot of different patterns and colors and was sold on a bolt about 20” wide, like interfacing.
|
|
basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,699 
|
Post by basketdiva on Apr 6, 2020 23:45:15 GMT
I'm trying to figure out what I have, to make sure it IS Pellon or other non woven interfacing that can be used in masks. I have a whole bunch of it I got on a roll at a thrift shop in the past few years. If you know what it is, please let me know! I figured out the OTHER red dot "interfacing" that I have is actually a Pellon product BUT it is just tracing material scale up, duplicate or alter patterns. It is thinner that the white flower interfacing looking stuff. I fortunately DO have some actual Pellon IN a package that I know what is and some thicker that has the plastic that came with it that identifies it. Well, my picture didn't show up. Are you sure it's Pellon non-woven interfacing and not a fabric fad of the 60's? 
|
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Apr 6, 2020 23:58:00 GMT
I don’t ever remember a Pelion interfacing with flowers, and I’ve been sewing since 1972.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:17:36 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2020 0:03:58 GMT
Polypropylene is the "plastic material" used in N95 face masks. The polypropylene material in N95 masks have a electrical charge that stays with the fabric and does a much better job of catching the micro particles. There is only one Pellon product made of polypropylene that is an interface fabric but it does not have the electrical charge. You are better off using a vacuum cleaner bag or Swiffer dry rag both of which are made of polypropylene with a different weave / spray and have the electrical charge.
When you get into the engineering of what it takes to make polypropylene "fabric" it's pretty fascinating how technology, chemistry and the petroleum industry have merged knowledge together to create it.
|
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Apr 7, 2020 0:41:55 GMT
Polypropylene is the "plastic material" used in N95 face masks. The polypropylene material in N95 masks have a electrical charge that stays with the fabric and does a much better job of catching the micro particles. There is only one Pellon product made of polypropylene that is an interface fabric but it does not have the electrical charge. You are better off using a vacuum cleaner bag or Swiffer dry rag both of which are made of polypropylene with a different weave / spray and have the electrical charge. When you get into the engineering of what it takes to make polypropylene "fabric" it's pretty fascinating how technology, chemistry and the petroleum industry have merged knowledge together to create it. Do NOT use vacuum cleaner bags. They are treated with chemicals that are not meant to be put against your face and breathed through. |
|
|
|
Post by gale w on Apr 7, 2020 0:46:11 GMT
Are swiffer sheets safe though?
|
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Apr 7, 2020 0:49:10 GMT
Are swiffer sheets safe though? I don’t know. I haven’t read anything specifically about them - I have about vacuum cleaner bags and filters. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:17:36 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2020 1:10:16 GMT
Thanks for that tip elaine. I have to same concern with Swiffer dry rags, too. However, I am rarely out in public as DH is the store "tribute". I make our masks with a layer of cotton material, layer of Swiffer or Pellon, and a layer of muslin which goes against our face. elaine - What are your thoughts about this type of layering? It is similar to how the N95s are layered. |
|
|
|
Post by AngieandSnoopy on Apr 7, 2020 1:17:10 GMT
Well, darn it, I've been sewing since I was 9 years old and just thought that was something that came out during a time I was either working all the time or I was so immersed in paper crafts, cake decorating or something else at the time and didn't notice it. But then, even when I don't sew much, I DO check out the fabric! Whatever it is, it is thin, on a roll, NOT woven and looks VERY much like the ultra thin fusible Pellon that I just took out of the previously unopened package. Fortunately, I found 4 yards of Featherweight (probably 910) sew in Pellon and it has Pellon, Featherweight, Sew in and wash or dry clean printed in red on the edge! I can make a bunch of face masks with that. 910 seems to be high on the list of the best thing to be inside the masks as a barrier.
I saw a video about vacuum cleaner bags and thought NO WAY, many are scented and probably have chemicals in them! I'm actually trying to filter out the cleaners they use at work first and then filter out germs.
|
|
MorningPerson
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,579
Location: Central Pennsylvania
|
Post by MorningPerson on Apr 7, 2020 2:16:17 GMT
I hope you don't mind if I jump in with a different question about interfacing. Last week I went to JoAnn Fabrics and picked up a couple of the free kits for making masks that I will make and then donate through our local mask-making group. I finally had time this morning to start, and have completed 4 of the 10 masks that I have the supplies for. I'm a very basic sewer and don't have a lot of experience with anything other than making rag quilts for my grandchildren and other crafty (simple!) projects. The directions included say to use interfacing, but the person at JoAnn said they were out of interfacing and to just follow the directions using only the two layers of cotton fabric. Long story short, I do have some Pellon SK135 sheer-knit interfacing so I decided to try it. It just makes the mask a little stiffer, and harder for my sewing machine to get through with the pleats. In your opinion, is this interfacing something that makes the mask better? If so, I'll continue using it. Or should I not bother with it? |
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Apr 7, 2020 11:36:30 GMT
Thanks for that tip elaine . I have to same concern with Swiffer dry rags, too. However, I am rarely out in public as DH is the store "tribute". I make our masks with a layer of cotton material, layer of Swiffer or Pellon, and a layer of muslin which goes against our face. elaine - What are your thoughts about this type of layering? It is similar to how the N95s are layered. I, personally, am not adding extra layers to these fabric masks. They are more to protect others from what you are breathing out than to protect what you are breathing in. They don’t provide near the protection an N-95 mask does, regardless of how many layers. So, I’m not going through the trouble to find and sandwich in other material into my masks. That said, I think that people should do what they are comfortable with - for some that is adding layers. I just think that the layers shouldn’t be dangerous - such as chemically treated filters not meant to be up against the face, mouth, and breathed through. |
|
|
|
Post by AngieandSnoopy on Apr 7, 2020 15:23:35 GMT
I hope you don't mind if I jump in with a different question about interfacing. Last week I went to JoAnn Fabrics and picked up a couple of the free kits for making masks that I will make and then donate through our local mask-making group. I finally had time this morning to start, and have completed 4 of the 10 masks that I have the supplies for. I'm a very basic sewer and don't have a lot of experience with anything other than making rag quilts for my grandchildren and other crafty (simple!) projects. The directions included say to use interfacing, but the person at JoAnn said they were out of interfacing and to just follow the directions using only the two layers of cotton fabric. Long story short, I do have some Pellon SK135 sheer-knit interfacing so I decided to try it. It just makes the mask a little stiffer, and harder for my sewing machine to get through with the pleats. In your opinion, is this interfacing something that makes the mask better? If so, I'll continue using it. Or should I not bother with it? I'm not using the pleated mask. That one is only to protect everyone else, it isn't tight against your face. I'm using a pattern similar to a silk mask that I got years ago to protect ME a little bit from chemicals, pollution and perfumes in some settings.
The first link goes to the videos and instructions and a pattern WITHOUT seam allowances. They got the patterns from the SECOND link but I did HER links that HAVE the seam allowances on the men size and woman/teen size. There is also kids sizes. In their 4th video that they didn't link, they suggested wire rather than the metal from disposable pans. I used my decorative floral wire they had. DH is heading to work with my first mask. I'm making one for me today. The second one will be a lot faster because I was researching all day yesterday.
Link to Fabric Patch
Link to Craft Passion who has the pattern, in different sizes AND SVG versions too.
I, personally, am not adding extra layers to these fabric masks. They are more to protect others from what you are breathing out than to protect what you are breathing in. They don’t provide near the protection an N-95 mask does, regardless of how many layers. So, I’m not going through the trouble to find and sandwich in other material into my masks. That said, I think that people should do what they are comfortable with - for some that is adding layers. I just think that the layers shouldn’t be dangerous - such as chemically treated filters not meant to be up against the face, mouth, and breathed through. Yes, don't use anything with a chemical in it. In fact, that is what I'm making the masks for, to keep me from coughing with all the bleach and other chemicals they are wiping down and spraying surfaces with. I have a couple of masks with designs similar to the links above and one has a charcoal filter that really works well but I don't have any more filters and I'm sure right now, she is flooded with orders.
My DH just headed to work with a mask with dogs on it! I'd post a picture but I don't know how unless I load it to one of my blogs and I'd rather not do that. I'm making one for me today and will attempt to go to work tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Apr 7, 2020 15:41:03 GMT
Long story short, I do have some Pellon SK135 sheer-knit interfacing so I decided to try it. It just makes the mask a little stiffer, and harder for my sewing machine to get through with the pleats. That most likely can be corrected with a larger needle than what you are using. I am using a #90 needle and have no problems with the pleats. I wouldn't bother with the interfacing though. If you are using a tightly woven quilting cotton, then the masks will be fine for most people. |
|
julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
|
Post by julieb on Apr 7, 2020 15:48:39 GMT
I put interfacing on the first one I made and it as entirely too hot and too hard to breath. No use in having a mask if you can't even breath in it. I'm just sticky with two layers of cotton. I've made 30 so far.
|
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Apr 7, 2020 16:01:35 GMT
I hope you don't mind if I jump in with a different question about interfacing. Last week I went to JoAnn Fabrics and picked up a couple of the free kits for making masks that I will make and then donate through our local mask-making group. I finally had time this morning to start, and have completed 4 of the 10 masks that I have the supplies for. I'm a very basic sewer and don't have a lot of experience with anything other than making rag quilts for my grandchildren and other crafty (simple!) projects. The directions included say to use interfacing, but the person at JoAnn said they were out of interfacing and to just follow the directions using only the two layers of cotton fabric. Long story short, I do have some Pellon SK135 sheer-knit interfacing so I decided to try it. It just makes the mask a little stiffer, and harder for my sewing machine to get through with the pleats. In your opinion, is this interfacing something that makes the mask better? If so, I'll continue using it. Or should I not bother with it? I'm not using the pleated mask. That one is only to protect everyone else, it isn't tight against your face. I'm using a pattern similar to a silk mask that I got years ago to protect ME a little bit from chemicals, pollution and perfumes in some settings.
The first link goes to the videos and instructions and a pattern WITHOUT seam allowances. They got the patterns from the SECOND link but I did HER links that HAVE the seam allowances on the men size and woman/teen size. There is also kids sizes. In their 4th video that they didn't link, they suggested wire rather than the metal from disposable pans. I used my decorative floral wire they had. DH is heading to work with my first mask. I'm making one for me today. The second one will be a lot faster because I was researching all day yesterday.
Link to Fabric Patch
Link to Craft Passion who has the pattern, in different sizes AND SVG versions too.
I, personally, am not adding extra layers to these fabric masks. They are more to protect others from what you are breathing out than to protect what you are breathing in. They don’t provide near the protection an N-95 mask does, regardless of how many layers. So, I’m not going through the trouble to find and sandwich in other material into my masks. That said, I think that people should do what they are comfortable with - for some that is adding layers. I just think that the layers shouldn’t be dangerous - such as chemically treated filters not meant to be up against the face, mouth, and breathed through. Yes, don't use anything with a chemical in it. In fact, that is what I'm making the masks for, to keep me from coughing with all the bleach and other chemicals they are wiping down and spraying surfaces with. I have a couple of masks with designs similar to the links above and one has a charcoal filter that really works well but I don't have any more filters and I'm sure right now, she is flooded with orders.
My DH just headed to work with a mask with dogs on it! I'd post a picture but I don't know how unless I load it to one of my blogs and I'd rather not do that. I'm making one for me today and will attempt to go to work tomorrow.
A number of people are talking about using vacuum cleaner bags/filters and cutting them up to use as mask filters. That is what I am talking about. Those bags have been manufactured with and treated with chemicals that aren’t safe to put up against your face and breath through. |
|
