Rotary Cutting Instructions for Together We Can Face Mask

If you have rotary-cutting tools, you can cut the masks out faster. If the pattern is directional, you will need 15 1/4" of yardage that is the full width of fabric, selvedge to selvedge, and at least 40" wide, not counting the selvedges, to make two masks. Here's an example of a directional print. You will want the rectangle to be taller than it is wide.

If the print is scattered with no direction, you can get two masks out of 14".

To start cutting, make sure the fabric is folded lengthwise, selvedge to selvedge, then folded again, bringing the fold up to the selvedges. It will be four layers. Make sure the folds at the top and bottom are parallel, so your ties will be straight. Line up one fold along a line on your mat, with just a little bit of fabric sticking out over one of the vertical lines on the mat. Make sure all the raw edges are over the line. Place your cutting ruler along that line and cut, removing any jagged edges and making a perfect 90º corner between the cut and the bottom fold.

With the cutting ruler, cut FOUR 1 1/2" strips along the edge, one after the other.  These will be the ties. When unfolded, each tie will have a selvedge at each end.

If you have a directional print, like the fabric with the dogs, cut a strip 8 3/4" wide, using a large square ruler if you have one, or if not, the lines on your mat.
If your print is not directional, cut the strip 7 1/2" wide. (By cutting the strip 7 1/2", you will save fabric, if that is an issue.) The photo below shows a 7 1/2" strip ready to cut.

Rotate the resulting strip 90º. Matching up the horizontal lines on your ruler with the bottom of your piece of fabric, trim off the fold on the right side, cutting through all four layers.

Rotate the fabric 180º. Now you will be making the cut that will result in the required 7 1/2" X 8 3/4" rectangle needed for the mask. If you cut the strip 8 3/4", you will now make a cut 7 1/2". If you cut the strip 7 1/2", the second cut will be 8 3/4". Make sure you have a rectangle 8 3/4" X 7 1/2" before you cut. This photo shows the 7 1/2" strip has been cut to 8 3/4".

You will now have four rectangles and four strips, which is enough to make two masks.

It will go faster if you cut out enough pieces for a number of masks before moving on to the next step, but it may seem longer. If you get bored, stop cutting and start marking, pressing and sewing. This is a fun pattern.

Remember: Measure twice, cut once.