Category Archives: Health

Major Revision of Customized Hybrid Cloth Mask Patterns

Hybrid mask, Glasses Mask or Beard Mask pattern for glasses wearers and beard wearers by Iris Luckhaus

I have revised and added to my custom Hybrid Masks post! The classic Hybrid Mask fits surprisingly well for most people, but faces and needs are dramatically different. After being asked several times for adjustments and finding it hard to resist interesting pattern challenges (plus, I think that everyone should have a well-fitting mask!), there are now patterns for large, small, long, short, pointed and flat noses, different glasses, chins and beards as well as more space in the mask, plus templates for wide, narrow, square, round and triangular faces, which can all be combined! ➔

Backstage | A Year of Masks, and Moments of Joy

Luckhaus Hybrid Mask by Jenn Maia

It’s been a year since I first started testing mask patterns, having no idea that this would lead to making my own and helping the helpers! It’s been quite a ride since, and I am so thankful for how mask makers make this dark time feel so much brighter. Yet, there are days when everyday life feels so far away… and then, there’s a new pattern challenge, a license enquiry, a kind donation, or someone who thanks me in a way that’s so touching – and all of a sudden, I’m sure we’re gonna be fine. Thank you so much, Jenn, for brightening my day with your beautiful mask! <3  … ➔

Mask Science | We need to talk about Gaps

Optimized hybrid cloth mask or fabric face covering as an over mask, outer layer, mask cover or sleeve; to make or sew yourself with instructions, pattern and template with reverse nose pleat for glasses, filter opening for space and drawstring channels with ear loops and head ties for a a gapless fit by Iris Luckhaus

In Germany, the wearing of medical masks, i.e. FFP2 or surgical masks, became mandatory yesterday. Since I don’t think anyone will check certifications in public, this means that everything except cloth masks is allowed. I’d like to explain how masks work, how filter and fit determine their efficiency, and why a cloth mask ban doesn’t really make much sense to me. Furthermore, I’d like to point out solutions for a more responsible, safe and sustainable use of medical masks. One of these solutions could be wearing a cloth cover over medical masks, or double masking. … ➔

Press | Open Source Covid19 Medical Supplies Report

OSMS Open Source Medical Supplies Report

»One of the most popular patterns was developed by Iris Luckhaus, a German illustrator and sewist. Luckhaus, who was fed up with cloth masks fogging up her glasses, made a small change to the nosepiece of a standard cloth mask design that eliminated fogging. Her post went viral on the OSCMS Facebook group with incredible user engagement and over 300 shares. Since then, tens of thousands of her cloth masks have been made around the world.«… ➔

Available | Seasonal Hybrid Masks

Hybrid Luckhaus Masks for the winter season by NagaKiri

I adore these stylish winter hybrid masks made of chunky Pendleton wool buffalo plaid, which my sewing partner Kiri Schultz from Seattle in the Pacific Northwest made! In her family, they are jokingly called “blankets for the face”, which I find at least as pretty as the fresh fir branches and cones in the picture. I bet these masks smell great!… ➔

Survey | Hybrid Cloth Masks around the world

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Stoffmaske, Mund-Nase-Maske oder Mund-Nase-Bedeckung zum selber Nähen nach Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone, lückenlos und rutschfrei dank Rückwärtsfalte für Brillenträger, Nasenbügel, Filteröffnung und Tunnelzug für Ohrgummis oder Kopfbändel von Iris Luckhaus

I am always so excited to read where in the world my hybrid mask is enthusiastically sewn and donated! Therefore, I’d like to start a little survey and ask how many Hybrid Cloth Masks (or #luckhausmask :)) you have been sewn so far! Plus, I’m curious about the places my pattern has travelled, and what makes them special to you. Will you join?… ➔

Available | Introducing my Hybrid Mask Sewing Partners

Iris Luckhaus Hybrid Mask Samples by Sewing Partners Reusable Mask Co Australia, Christina King aka TinaBK and Samook Designs via Slow Handmade Cooperative

Today, I would like to introduce you to my amazing sewing partners, who are making masks with my hybrid pattern and selling them in online shops, on Etsy or in retail stores. Each of them has a different approach to mask making, they offer unique fabrics and ways to apply my pattern – and I think all their masks are just stunningly beautiful! In the picture above, you can see some samples by Christina King, Reusable Mask Co Australia and Samook Designs. … ➔

Press | Sewing Change: The Iris Luckhaus Story

Open Source Medical Supplies: Sewing Change, The Iris Luckhaus Story" by John Kalil

Open Source Medical Supplies is my favourite international mask making group, as there are specialists from such a wide variety of fields, helping each other and the volunteers. I have been posting and discussing my hybrid mask pattern there, helped countless volunteers to sew it and was thankful to learn about material studies and neat sewing tricks! When John Kalil asked to intervíew me for their site, I jumped right in – and now, his article is online!… ➔

DIY Instructions | Customized Hybrid Face Masks

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Stoffmaske, Mund-Nase-Maske oder Mund-Nase-Bedeckung zum selber Nähen nach Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone, passt lückenlos und rutscht nicht dank Rückwärtsfalte für Brillenträger, Nasenbügel, Filteröffnung und Tunnelzug für Ohrgummis oder Kopfbändel von Iris Luckhaus

Since I first published my pattern for sewing the Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless (even without nosepiece!) and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about adjustments for special shapes and needs. In this post, I introduce a selection of these customized Hybrid patterns, and every now and then (last March 8th, 2021), I add new ones! … ➔

Infographic | Mask Tying Techniques for Face Masks

Infographics about mask tying techniques, showing by the example of the hybrid cloth or fabric mask or face covering pattern several ways to fasten a community mask, cloth mask or fabric face mask with ear straps, elastics or head ties and knots, pony beards or cord stoppers and bun or ponytail, by Iris Luckhaus

If you take a closer look, there are so many ways to attach a face mask to your ears or head! After looking into masks in great detail over the past couple of weeks and having all these little sketches for mask tying techniques on my desk, I finally drew an infographic that shows all the different ways to tie a cloth mask with ear bands or head ties.… ➔

DIY Instructions | Making a Hybrid Instant Mask

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Mundmaske oder Mund-Nase-Maske, Papiermaske oder Notfallmaske zum Selberbasteln ohne Nähen mit Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone zum Basteln mit Servietten, Tacker, Papierhandtuch, Papiertaschentuch und Gummiring von Iris Luckhaus

After starting out with a no-sew DIY makeshift emergency mask, then testing all available patterns for cloth masks and finally inventing my own – the optimized Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits truly gapless, breathable yet reliably stays in place, even without a nose piece! –, I have now combined these two types of masks (and everything I have learned in the meantime!) to design an instant no-sew DIY mask with the same pattern and fit as the Hybrid Mask. … ➔

DIY Tutorial | Hybrid Cloth Mask Pictorial

Optimized, gapless, fog free and stay in place hybrid mask, makeshift mask, cloth mask, face mask or face covering for glasses, DIY self-sewing with instructions, pattern and template on fabric with nose wire or nose piece, filter opening and drawstring channel for ears loops and head ties by Iris Luckhaus

Since I first published pattern and instructions for my Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless yet roomy and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about making a detail tutorial for beginners and visual learners, but as a video needs at least 2-3 quiet days and a picture tutorial was possible to just make inbetween, I decided to go with that for now! … ➔

Review | Hybrid Mask Test at MaskeZeigen.de

Hybrid-Maske Mundmaske Behelfsmaske Alltagsmaske von Iris Luckhaus bei MaskeZeigen.de

I felt honoured when I discovered my hybrid mask had been tested by the fabulously useful portal MaskeZeigen.de, an initiative started at the German government’s hackathon #wirvsvirus, which I’ve been following from the start! This is what tester Birgit S. says (direct translation :)), who has both sewn the mask and taken those lovely pictures above:

»The author of the instructions is a professional. And you can tell. (…) The highlight of this mask is the seperate, backwards folded nose pleat, which also contains the nose wire (…). I was pleasantly surprised at how well the mask fits. In my opinion, the author’s plan to design a mask that “fits as tightly and seamlessly as possible on the nose, cheek and chin and does not slide up into the eyes or down the tip of the nose” worked out perfectly. … ➔

DIY Instructions | Sewing a Hybrid Cloth Mask

Optimized hybrid cloth mask, fabric mask, mouth-nose mask, face mask or face covering, gapless and fog-free for glasses, to sew DIY with instructions, pattern and template with nose piece or nose wire, filter opening and drawstring channel for ear loops or head ties by Iris Luckhaus

For my own production, I optimized the pattern and manufacture of the cloth mask, to make it fit snug and gapless around nose, cheeks and chin and reliably stay in place, so it doesn’t slide up the eyes or down the nose. Individual parts such as wire, filter and ties are very easy to replace, plus the mask is quick and simple to sew, wash and iron.… ➔

DIY Instructions | No-Sew Emergency Mask

DIY Instructions for an Emergency Maskeshift Mask

I designed an emergency maskeshift mask which can be made quickly and easily by anyone without sewing, simply with home and office supplies. If handled with care, it can protect others from your droplets, but its use for your own protection is very limited. If available, please wear a certified mask! If you decide to use this one, please understand that you’re doing so at your own risk: Keep your distance and wash your hands as if you’re not wearing it! … ➔

Category Archives: Health

Major Revision of Customized Hybrid Cloth Mask Patterns

Hybrid mask, Glasses Mask or Beard Mask pattern for glasses wearers and beard wearers by Iris Luckhaus

I have revised and added to my custom Hybrid Masks post! The classic Hybrid Mask fits surprisingly well for most people, but faces and needs are dramatically different. After being asked several times for adjustments and finding it hard to resist interesting pattern challenges (plus, I think that everyone should have a well-fitting mask!), there are now patterns for large, small, long, short, pointed and flat noses, different glasses, chins and beards as well as more space in the mask, plus templates for wide, narrow, square, round and triangular faces, which can all be combined! ➔

Backstage | A Year of Masks, and Moments of Joy

Luckhaus Hybrid Mask by Jenn Maia

It’s been a year since I first started testing mask patterns, having no idea that this would lead to making my own and helping the helpers! It’s been quite a ride since, and I am so thankful for how mask makers make this dark time feel so much brighter. Yet, there are days when everyday life feels so far away… and then, there’s a new pattern challenge, a license enquiry, a kind donation, or someone who thanks me in a way that’s so touching – and all of a sudden, I’m sure we’re gonna be fine. Thank you so much, Jenn, for brightening my day with your beautiful mask! <3  … ➔

Mask Science | We need to talk about Gaps

Optimized hybrid cloth mask or fabric face covering as an over mask, outer layer, mask cover or sleeve; to make or sew yourself with instructions, pattern and template with reverse nose pleat for glasses, filter opening for space and drawstring channels with ear loops and head ties for a a gapless fit by Iris Luckhaus

In Germany, the wearing of medical masks, i.e. FFP2 or surgical masks, became mandatory yesterday. Since I don’t think anyone will check certifications in public, this means that everything except cloth masks is allowed. I’d like to explain how masks work, how filter and fit determine their efficiency, and why a cloth mask ban doesn’t really make much sense to me. Furthermore, I’d like to point out solutions for a more responsible, safe and sustainable use of medical masks. One of these solutions could be wearing a cloth cover over medical masks, or double masking. … ➔

Press | Open Source Covid19 Medical Supplies Report

OSMS Open Source Medical Supplies Report

»One of the most popular patterns was developed by Iris Luckhaus, a German illustrator and sewist. Luckhaus, who was fed up with cloth masks fogging up her glasses, made a small change to the nosepiece of a standard cloth mask design that eliminated fogging. Her post went viral on the OSCMS Facebook group with incredible user engagement and over 300 shares. Since then, tens of thousands of her cloth masks have been made around the world.«… ➔

Available | Seasonal Hybrid Masks

Hybrid Luckhaus Masks for the winter season by NagaKiri

I adore these stylish winter hybrid masks made of chunky Pendleton wool buffalo plaid, which my sewing partner Kiri Schultz from Seattle in the Pacific Northwest made! In her family, they are jokingly called “blankets for the face”, which I find at least as pretty as the fresh fir branches and cones in the picture. I bet these masks smell great!… ➔

Survey | Hybrid Cloth Masks around the world

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Stoffmaske, Mund-Nase-Maske oder Mund-Nase-Bedeckung zum selber Nähen nach Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone, lückenlos und rutschfrei dank Rückwärtsfalte für Brillenträger, Nasenbügel, Filteröffnung und Tunnelzug für Ohrgummis oder Kopfbändel von Iris Luckhaus

I am always so excited to read where in the world my hybrid mask is enthusiastically sewn and donated! Therefore, I’d like to start a little survey and ask how many Hybrid Cloth Masks (or #luckhausmask :)) you have been sewn so far! Plus, I’m curious about the places my pattern has travelled, and what makes them special to you. Will you join?… ➔

Available | Introducing my Hybrid Mask Sewing Partners

Iris Luckhaus Hybrid Mask Samples by Sewing Partners Reusable Mask Co Australia, Christina King aka TinaBK and Samook Designs via Slow Handmade Cooperative

Today, I would like to introduce you to my amazing sewing partners, who are making masks with my hybrid pattern and selling them in online shops, on Etsy or in retail stores. Each of them has a different approach to mask making, they offer unique fabrics and ways to apply my pattern – and I think all their masks are just stunningly beautiful! In the picture above, you can see some samples by Christina King, Reusable Mask Co Australia and Samook Designs. … ➔

Press | Sewing Change: The Iris Luckhaus Story

Open Source Medical Supplies: Sewing Change, The Iris Luckhaus Story" by John Kalil

Open Source Medical Supplies is my favourite international mask making group, as there are specialists from such a wide variety of fields, helping each other and the volunteers. I have been posting and discussing my hybrid mask pattern there, helped countless volunteers to sew it and was thankful to learn about material studies and neat sewing tricks! When John Kalil asked to intervíew me for their site, I jumped right in – and now, his article is online!… ➔

DIY Instructions | Customized Hybrid Face Masks

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Stoffmaske, Mund-Nase-Maske oder Mund-Nase-Bedeckung zum selber Nähen nach Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone, passt lückenlos und rutscht nicht dank Rückwärtsfalte für Brillenträger, Nasenbügel, Filteröffnung und Tunnelzug für Ohrgummis oder Kopfbändel von Iris Luckhaus

Since I first published my pattern for sewing the Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless (even without nosepiece!) and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about adjustments for special shapes and needs. In this post, I introduce a selection of these customized Hybrid patterns, and every now and then (last March 8th, 2021), I add new ones! … ➔

Infographic | Mask Tying Techniques for Face Masks

Infographics about mask tying techniques, showing by the example of the hybrid cloth or fabric mask or face covering pattern several ways to fasten a community mask, cloth mask or fabric face mask with ear straps, elastics or head ties and knots, pony beards or cord stoppers and bun or ponytail, by Iris Luckhaus

If you take a closer look, there are so many ways to attach a face mask to your ears or head! After looking into masks in great detail over the past couple of weeks and having all these little sketches for mask tying techniques on my desk, I finally drew an infographic that shows all the different ways to tie a cloth mask with ear bands or head ties.… ➔

DIY Instructions | Making a Hybrid Instant Mask

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Mundmaske oder Mund-Nase-Maske, Papiermaske oder Notfallmaske zum Selberbasteln ohne Nähen mit Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone zum Basteln mit Servietten, Tacker, Papierhandtuch, Papiertaschentuch und Gummiring von Iris Luckhaus

After starting out with a no-sew DIY makeshift emergency mask, then testing all available patterns for cloth masks and finally inventing my own – the optimized Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits truly gapless, breathable yet reliably stays in place, even without a nose piece! –, I have now combined these two types of masks (and everything I have learned in the meantime!) to design an instant no-sew DIY mask with the same pattern and fit as the Hybrid Mask. … ➔

DIY Tutorial | Hybrid Cloth Mask Pictorial

Optimized, gapless, fog free and stay in place hybrid mask, makeshift mask, cloth mask, face mask or face covering for glasses, DIY self-sewing with instructions, pattern and template on fabric with nose wire or nose piece, filter opening and drawstring channel for ears loops and head ties by Iris Luckhaus

Since I first published pattern and instructions for my Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless yet roomy and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about making a detail tutorial for beginners and visual learners, but as a video needs at least 2-3 quiet days and a picture tutorial was possible to just make inbetween, I decided to go with that for now! … ➔

Review | Hybrid Mask Test at MaskeZeigen.de

Hybrid-Maske Mundmaske Behelfsmaske Alltagsmaske von Iris Luckhaus bei MaskeZeigen.de

I felt honoured when I discovered my hybrid mask had been tested by the fabulously useful portal MaskeZeigen.de, an initiative started at the German government’s hackathon #wirvsvirus, which I’ve been following from the start! This is what tester Birgit S. says (direct translation :)), who has both sewn the mask and taken those lovely pictures above:

»The author of the instructions is a professional. And you can tell. (…) The highlight of this mask is the seperate, backwards folded nose pleat, which also contains the nose wire (…). I was pleasantly surprised at how well the mask fits. In my opinion, the author’s plan to design a mask that “fits as tightly and seamlessly as possible on the nose, cheek and chin and does not slide up into the eyes or down the tip of the nose” worked out perfectly. … ➔

DIY Instructions | Sewing a Hybrid Cloth Mask

Optimized hybrid cloth mask, fabric mask, mouth-nose mask, face mask or face covering, gapless and fog-free for glasses, to sew DIY with instructions, pattern and template with nose piece or nose wire, filter opening and drawstring channel for ear loops or head ties by Iris Luckhaus

For my own production, I optimized the pattern and manufacture of the cloth mask, to make it fit snug and gapless around nose, cheeks and chin and reliably stay in place, so it doesn’t slide up the eyes or down the nose. Individual parts such as wire, filter and ties are very easy to replace, plus the mask is quick and simple to sew, wash and iron.… ➔

DIY Instructions | No-Sew Emergency Mask

DIY Instructions for an Emergency Maskeshift Mask

I designed an emergency maskeshift mask which can be made quickly and easily by anyone without sewing, simply with home and office supplies. If handled with care, it can protect others from your droplets, but its use for your own protection is very limited. If available, please wear a certified mask! If you decide to use this one, please understand that you’re doing so at your own risk: Keep your distance and wash your hands as if you’re not wearing it! … ➔

. . . . . .