Finally, an answer: The best fabric to make a face mask is two layers of quilters cotton

[Baitball Blogger]

"The best masks were constructed of two layers of heavyweight "quilters cotton" with a thread count of at least 180, and had thicker and tighter weave."

And I believe that 100% cotton batik will give you that tight weave - and some amazing patterns.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/making-your-own-face-mask-some-fabrics-work-better-others-n1175966?fbclid=IwAR0ZoHDlQWUFklkC5x4egbY0wC6uOeUTCIbaWbZ0ADVRSWxMKgCvDdFZ8d8

[KatyaR]

1. I used batik for that very reason,

and added a 3rd layer of a thin t-shirt material for extra protection.

[Roland99]

2. This thread was useful, too

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=13128740

[Nonhlanhla]

3. Here's a good tutorial

I'm a quilter and I love this woman's tutorials. Remember to prewash the fabric in hot water - it shrinks the fabric a bit and tightens the weave.

&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR24J-PBOkk46huZ9YXxIxjU72BCKa-45j2Ng6oRFy-Fp93nJ2_T5YA5jJM

[terip64]

6. Thank you!! n/t

[EleanorR]

8. would a high thread count pillow case, regular or flannel work?

I'm not sure what makes quilters cotton unique.

[Nonhlanhla]

11. Flannel is not good

I've heard that some pillow cases can work, but flannel is too loosely woven to work well. Quilter's cotton is denser, and it also needs to be prewashed in hot water to make it even better for this use.

[LisaL]

13. Per the article, you can use flannel as an internal layer of the mask with good results.

"Lesser quality fabrics also worked well, as long as they had an internal layer of flannel."
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/making-your-own-face-mask-some-fabrics-work-better-others-n1175966?fbclid=IwAR0ZoHDlQWUFklkC5x4egbY0wC6uOeUTCIbaWbZ0ADVRSWxMKgCvDdFZ8d8

[Nonhlanhla]

18. Yes, but not flannel by itself. nt

[EleanorR]

15. Ok thank you

It's confusing because the group that tested fabrics and recommended quilter's cotton also says a single layer of cotton with flannel as a liner works well.

The best-performing design was constructed of two layers of high-quality, heavyweight “quilter’s cotton” with a thread count of 180 or more, and those with especially tight weave and thicker thread such as batiks. A double-layer mask with a simple cotton outer layer and an inner layer of flannel also performed well, he said.

https://www.newswise.com/articles/testing-shows-type-of-cloth-used-in-homemade-masks-makes-a-difference-doctors-say

[Lars39]

4. I added this to the Sewing Masks thread in Crafts...

Sewing Mask Threads Compilation
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10321712

[Baitball Blogger]

5. Thank you!

[Nonhlanhla]

12. Thanks! nt

[mucifer]

7. Here is the one volunteers are making for our hospice staff:

They are giving us 2 procedural masks per week to wear inside the fabric mask.

Any other homemade mask is not allowed.

I will be getting mine on Monday.

[crickets]

9. K&R for visibility.

[Vinca]

10. I discovered another thing to use as a mask in a pinch. I picked up a Scunci headwrap at

the grocery store the other day. It has kind of a mask-like shape on one side and a stretchy band on the other. With just a minor adjustment to make it tighter around the chin, it makes a pretty decent, washable mask. I know somewhere in my fabric stash I've got some batik so I'll have to go on a search for that.

[GulfCoast66]

14. My 81 YO mother was going stir crazy alone in her big house

But she has tons of quilters cotton and elastic. Now she is sewing full time and mailing them to family and friends. Her mood has improved immensely now that she feels like she is helping.

[Beartracks]

20. A great big +1000 for your mom!

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[efhmc]

16. Some fabrics work better than other.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/making-your-own-face-mask-some-fabrics-work-better-others-n1175966?fbclid=IwAR0ZoHDlQWUFklkC5x4egbY0wC6uOeUTCIbaWbZ0ADVRSWxMKgCvDdFZ8d8

[Beartracks]

19. The article advises AGAINST batik...?

[Baitball Blogger]

22. 100% COTTON Batik.

They don't suggest knit products. Batik designs are generally cotton and have a tighter weave. But if you're just googling for the word "Batik" it's possible you might get a print that isn't cotton, or maybe a print on silk. No bueno. Search for 100% Cotton Batik.

Here's the quote: "You do want to use a woven fabric, like batik," Segal said, "but you don't want to use a knit fabric, because the holes between the knit stitches are bigger."

Here is a second source and a how to video. She says 100% cotton batik in the first 10 seconds:

[Beartracks]

21. Hmmm... What if you don't sew??

Just throwing a pillow case over my head might give some the wrong impression.

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[Baitball Blogger]

23. I have a friend making them for me.

Walking around with a pillow case on your head might give us some badly needed comic relief.