Category Archives: Health

Statement | Why Masks and Mask Mandates still Matter

Illustration einer kleinen Demonstration in der städtischen Nachbarschaft für die Maskenpflicht in öffentlichen Räumen wie Nah- und Fernverkehr, Arztpraxen, Behörden, Grundversorgung, Einzelhandel, Schule und Arbeitsplatz – mit Schildern, die zum Schutz der Vulnerablen, Risikopersonen und Kindern um das Tragen von Masken bitten, von Iris Luckhaus

The German Infektionsschutzgesetz (Infection Protection Act) was amended March 20, 2022. In addition to other measures, the mask requirement in public spaces is no longer applicable. Here I would like to explain why I don’t think this is right, and why it is important to continue to wear a mask in public spaces, even if it’s not mandatory.

Tipps & Tricks | Upgrading our Masks for new Challenges

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

As new variants and increasing incidences appear, while at the same time mask mandates for public indoor spaces are lifted (…), mask upgrades and mask optimisation are once more discussed widely – and more often than not, the topic is oversimplified. Therefore, I would like to summarize our various DIY approaches to making masks safer and more efficient for the new challenges we’re all facing these days! For further information, you’ll find links in the text.

DIY Instructions | Hybrid Mask Frame for Sewing or Stapling

Hybrid cloth frame, brace or fitter for respirators such as FFP2, FFP3, N95, KN95, medical, surgical or procedure masks, with reverse nose pleat for glasses wearers, channels with ear loops and head ties for a a gapless, fogfree and slipfree fit by Iris Luckhaus, to no-sew make or staple yourself with instructions, pattern and template

After the Hybrid Pleated Mask, Hybrid Custom Masks and the Hybrid Boxy Mask, I created a Hybrid Mask Frame – as an alternative for all those who cannot breathe well with Double Masks, yet don’t find a gaplessly fitting, slip-free respirator or surgical mask. Due to a reverse pleat, this Mask Frame fits perfectly – even without nose wire!

Hybrid Mask Press | ICOM Blog »Clothing the Pandemic«

Clothing the Pandemic Blog by ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile

Design historian Serena Newmark, whom I first met when she showed some beautiful Hybrid Masks on Twitter (#luckhausmask) and lateron introduced my pattern to the workshop »Clothing the Pandemic« by ICOM [International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile] as part of a lecture on the exchange of information between makers, has now written a great article about me and my Hybrid Mask for the ICOM blog!

DIY Tutorial | Hybrid Boxy Mask Pictorial

Optimized, best, gapless, fog free and stay in place Luckhaus Hybrid Boxy Space Mask like 3D, Origami, Japanese or Octagon, cloth mask, face mask or face covering to sew or make with instructions, cutting pattern and templates, gapless and no fog for glasses wearers, non-slip and breathable thanks to a reverse fold or nose pleat, with nose piece or nose wire, pleats, filter opening and side channels or casings for ear loops or head ties by Iris Luckhaus

In addition to the illustrated instructions for sewing my brand new, not only gaplessly and slip-free fitting, but also very spacious Hybrid Boxy Mask, I have now created a highly detailed step-by-step picture tutorial for beginners!

DIY Instructions | Sewing a Hybrid Boxy Mask

Optimized, best, gapless, fog free and stay in place Luckhaus Hybrid Boxy Space Mask like 3D, Origami, Japanese or Octagon, cloth mask, face mask or face covering to sew or make with instructions, cutting pattern and templates, gapless and no fog for glasses wearers, non-slip and breathable thanks to a reverse fold or nose pleat, with nose piece or nose wire, pleats, filter opening and side channels or casings for ear loops or head ties by Iris Luckhaus

Now that I’ve gone through all the possibilities to customize my original Hybrid Mask for a wide range of face shapes, needs and preferences, I finally created a new cloth mask pattern with an open chin dart (or twisted pleat). Similar to 3D, Boxy, Origami, Japanese or Octagon shapes, which form a square box, the Hybrid Boxy Mask forms a triangular box which does not touch the mouth or nosetip and offers plenty of space for breathing, speaking or singing.

Closing soon | Goodbye, Reusable Mask Co Australia!

Due to personal reasons, my sewing partner Reusable Mask Co Australia is closing their business on October 31st, so if you’d like to own one (or more) of their beautiful masks (recommended by Vogue!), you better order right away! I’m so thankful to Sarah for this amazing collaboration half around the globe, I still adore her masks and truly enjoyed seeing all her adventures and successes in mask making, and I wholeheartedly wish her all the best for the future!

Press | Emily with NagaKiri’s masks in The Occidental

For an article named “The many faces of mask fashions”, The Occidental asked LA art students about their masks, and my sewing partner NagaKiri‘s adorable daughter Emily is showing three of her beautifully handcrafted Hybrid Masks (avialable via NagaKiri Studio on Etsy). Plus, she’s the cover girl! Thank you Kiri, for letting me know.

DIY Tutorial | Filter Frames for Cloth Masks

Tutorial for the Luckhaus Hybrid Pleated Mask with Filter Frames

Some maskers insert disposable filter materials (e.g. Filti) between the inner and outer layers of reusable cloth masks. For this reason, my Hybrid Mask has a filter opening! This offers the advantage of combining decent fit (through mask pattern) and filter efficiency (through disposable filters), but the disadvantage that filters are often complicated to insert, rarely cover the whole surface and easily slip. For me and my family, double masking, i.e. wearing FFP2 / KN95, surgical or self-stapled, same-pattern filter masks underneath, seems like a better option. Lately though, a lovely mask maker mentioned how complicated double masking is for kids, and I finally had an idea: Filter frames!

Tips & Tricks | Double Masking, or Hybrid Top 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

Last January, when I wrote my post about Mask Science with the science behind masks, advantages and disadvantages of mask types, practical tests, tips for optimization and a note on why and how we double mask, I still hoped that the vaccine might make masks redundant in everyday life, and that this could be my last mask post. Right now, it looks like thanks to new variants, masks will stay with us for a while (…), and as many people are looking to upgrade their masks these days, I’d like to explain our double masking with the Hybrid Cloth Mask (aka Luckhaus Mask) in detail.

Hybrid Mask | Museum Workshop »Clothing the Pandemic«

Clothing the Pandemic Workshop by ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile

I first met Serena Newmark when she posted a beautiful Hybrid Beard Mask (aka #luckhausmask) on Twitter, and we chatted about her pretty skull fabric! Later, Serena asked me if I’d give her an interview about my experiences as a mask pattern maker, and she turned out to be a PhD candidate at FU Berlin with a profound – and super interesting – knowledge about 19th century Prussian furniture in Texas! I feel honoured that Serena will present my Hybrid Mask in a workshop, »Clothing the Pandemic«, by ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile, as part of her lecture about »The Creation of an Online Art and Design Reference Library: information seeking and sharing among mask makers«, which takes place online on June 23rd at 3:10 PM CET.

Hybrid Mask Anniversary and Survey around the World

Optimized hybrid mask, makeshift mask, everyday mask, fabric mask, cloth mask, face mask or covering to sew yourself according to instructions, pattern and template, fits gaplessly and does not slip thanks to a reverse pleat for glasses wearer, nose wire, filter opening and side channels with drawstrings for ear loops or headties, by Iris Luckhaus

One year ago, I got really fed up with testing one poorly fitting mask pattern after the other, and decided to use what I’ve learnt to invent my own Hybrid Mask pattern. And my very first attempt fitted perfectly! In order to help others with similar problems, I published pattern and instructions in German on April 14th and in English on April 21st.

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

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

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.«

Frohe Weihnachten, Merry Christmas et Joyeux Noël!

Zeichnung von einem Mädchen, das zur Feier von Winter, Weihnacht, Advent, Silvester und Neujahr im winterlich verschneiten Wald Yoga in Baumpose turnt und Geschenke wie Meisenringe, Äpfeln und Vogelfutter und Glücksklee für die Tiere des Waldes wie Eichhörnchen, Füchse, Rehe, Rotkehlchen, Kohlmeise, Stieglitz, Gimpel und Amsel mitgebracht hat, während Waschbär, Dachs und Marder einen Meisenknödel vom Schlitten stehlen, für Lily Lux von Iris Luckhaus

We’d like to wish you very lovely, candle-lit and heartwarming holidays (and a merry Christmas, or whatever you may be celebrating!), and all the best for a truly happy, healthy and wonderful new year Twothousandtwentyone!

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!

Feature | Mask Tying Techniques at OSMS

I am so proud that Open Source Medical Supplies is showing my Mask Tying Techniques in a beautiful pictorial pictorial cloth mask guide! Thanks to Devon for connecting and to Sophia for the great design <3 

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 | Recommendations for the Hybrid Mask, Part 2

Luckhaus Hybrid Mask by Lara Thornberry and Erin Lewis Fitzgerald

My hybrid cloth mask is still getting around! It’s sewn by volunteers and partners near and far, and recommended all over the world. After my first recommendation and review collection in June, I’ve now gathered some more! 

Tips & Tricks | Mask Hub Page with all the Links

I have created a mask hub for all mask links, so if you’d like to share one of my masks, you can just type the link www.irisluckhaus.de/masks instead of jumping to your browser and looking for the bookmark :)

Tips & Tricks | Mask Tying Videos by Reusable Mask Co Australia

Iris Luckhaus Hybrid Mask by Reusable Mask Co Australia

My amazing sewing partner Reusable Masks Co Australia shot a lovely video with beautiful Carmen on how to dress up the Hybrid Cloth Mask with head ties, and another one on how to make ear loops! I could watch them all day long, and I thought they might be useful for my readers too. Great thanks to Sarah for letting me show them!

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

ptimierte 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!

Tips & Tricks | Mask Tying Techniques Infographic

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.

Press | Recommendations for the Hybrid Mask

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Mundmaske, Mund-Nase-Maske oder Mund-Nase-Bedeckung zum Selbstnähen mit Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone auf Stoff mit Nasenbügel, Filteröffnung und Tunnelzug für Ohrhaöter und Kopfbändel von Iris Luckhaus

I think it’s incredibly exciting and really great how my hybrid cloth mask gets around, how it is recommended, sewn and donated all over the world! In this post, I wanted to collect some of the recommendations and reviews.

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!

Feature | 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 gapless and fog-free 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.

In the meantime, longing for everyday life

Profilbild mit Selbstbildnis der Illustratorin Iris Luckhaus bei der Arbeit in ihrem Büro in Wuppertal

Do you know these moments, when you stumble over last years’ pictures or some souvenir from your last vacations and all of a sudden, there is this incredible longing for some real, true everyday life, just as we knew it?

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!

Anthology | Lily Lux Coloring Sheet at Malbogen

Ausmalbarer Malbogen mit Lily Lux an einem stürmischen Herbsttag beim Flug mit einem Lenkdrachen

A couple of years ago, I created a colouring sheet for the wonderful Malbogen Blog, right after a storm almost stole my scarf and when Lily Lux was longing for new adventures The special thing about it is that it can not only be used for colouring in, but due to some open space, you can even draw your own ideas! Maybe coloring in, painting on, and making up your own little trip with the wind might help you feel a little less locked up at home. Have a good flight!

(Deutsch) Lily Lux Notizbuch | Wie alles besser wird

Doppelseite mit einem Sammelalbum zum Wohlfühlen bzw. Wie alles besser wird, mit Listen von kleinen Zufluchten, Aufklebern mit Lieblingsstrickjacke, Wellnesshotel, Telefon, Keksmurmel, Kassettenrecorder, Rosaroter Brille und Alles-wird-gut-Wärmherz, Kosmetiketiketten, liebevollen kleinen Zettelchen, Verpackungen von Teebeuteln und Marzipan und Zuckertütchen im Lily Lux Notizbuch

Angesichts dessen, dass dieses Jahr irgendwie nichts so ist wie sonst, kommt uns unser #Frühlingsglück grade äußerst seltsam vor, und deshalb teilen wir jetzt lieber täglich einen kleinen #Lichtblick aus unserer Welt, um Euch – und uns alle! – vielleicht ein bisschen besser durch diese Zeit zu bringen. Wir haben übrigens grade unser Lily Lux Notizbuch wiederentdeckt und staunen selbst darüber, wieviele Ideen, die man auch ganz alleine und daheim verwirklichen kann, da drin versammelt sind! Nebst ganz viel guter Laune, und die ist ja grade ganz besonders wichtig.

Category Archives: Health

Statement | Why Masks and Mask Mandates still Matter

Illustration einer kleinen Demonstration in der städtischen Nachbarschaft für die Maskenpflicht in öffentlichen Räumen wie Nah- und Fernverkehr, Arztpraxen, Behörden, Grundversorgung, Einzelhandel, Schule und Arbeitsplatz – mit Schildern, die zum Schutz der Vulnerablen, Risikopersonen und Kindern um das Tragen von Masken bitten, von Iris Luckhaus

The German Infektionsschutzgesetz (Infection Protection Act) was amended March 20, 2022. In addition to other measures, the mask requirement in public spaces is no longer applicable. Here I would like to explain why I don’t think this is right, and why it is important to continue to wear a mask in public spaces, even if it’s not mandatory.

Tipps & Tricks | Upgrading our Masks for new Challenges

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

As new variants and increasing incidences appear, while at the same time mask mandates for public indoor spaces are lifted (…), mask upgrades and mask optimisation are once more discussed widely – and more often than not, the topic is oversimplified. Therefore, I would like to summarize our various DIY approaches to making masks safer and more efficient for the new challenges we’re all facing these days! For further information, you’ll find links in the text.

DIY Instructions | Hybrid Mask Frame for Sewing or Stapling

Hybrid cloth frame, brace or fitter for respirators such as FFP2, FFP3, N95, KN95, medical, surgical or procedure masks, with reverse nose pleat for glasses wearers, channels with ear loops and head ties for a a gapless, fogfree and slipfree fit by Iris Luckhaus, to no-sew make or staple yourself with instructions, pattern and template

After the Hybrid Pleated Mask, Hybrid Custom Masks and the Hybrid Boxy Mask, I created a Hybrid Mask Frame – as an alternative for all those who cannot breathe well with Double Masks, yet don’t find a gaplessly fitting, slip-free respirator or surgical mask. Due to a reverse pleat, this Mask Frame fits perfectly – even without nose wire!

Hybrid Mask Press | ICOM Blog »Clothing the Pandemic«

Clothing the Pandemic Blog by ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile

Design historian Serena Newmark, whom I first met when she showed some beautiful Hybrid Masks on Twitter (#luckhausmask) and lateron introduced my pattern to the workshop »Clothing the Pandemic« by ICOM [International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile] as part of a lecture on the exchange of information between makers, has now written a great article about me and my Hybrid Mask for the ICOM blog!

DIY Tutorial | Hybrid Boxy Mask Pictorial

Optimized, best, gapless, fog free and stay in place Luckhaus Hybrid Boxy Space Mask like 3D, Origami, Japanese or Octagon, cloth mask, face mask or face covering to sew or make with instructions, cutting pattern and templates, gapless and no fog for glasses wearers, non-slip and breathable thanks to a reverse fold or nose pleat, with nose piece or nose wire, pleats, filter opening and side channels or casings for ear loops or head ties by Iris Luckhaus

In addition to the illustrated instructions for sewing my brand new, not only gaplessly and slip-free fitting, but also very spacious Hybrid Boxy Mask, I have now created a highly detailed step-by-step picture tutorial for beginners!

DIY Instructions | Sewing a Hybrid Boxy Mask

Optimized, best, gapless, fog free and stay in place Luckhaus Hybrid Boxy Space Mask like 3D, Origami, Japanese or Octagon, cloth mask, face mask or face covering to sew or make with instructions, cutting pattern and templates, gapless and no fog for glasses wearers, non-slip and breathable thanks to a reverse fold or nose pleat, with nose piece or nose wire, pleats, filter opening and side channels or casings for ear loops or head ties by Iris Luckhaus

Now that I’ve gone through all the possibilities to customize my original Hybrid Mask for a wide range of face shapes, needs and preferences, I finally created a new cloth mask pattern with an open chin dart (or twisted pleat). Similar to 3D, Boxy, Origami, Japanese or Octagon shapes, which form a square box, the Hybrid Boxy Mask forms a triangular box which does not touch the mouth or nosetip and offers plenty of space for breathing, speaking or singing.

Closing soon | Goodbye, Reusable Mask Co Australia!

Due to personal reasons, my sewing partner Reusable Mask Co Australia is closing their business on October 31st, so if you’d like to own one (or more) of their beautiful masks (recommended by Vogue!), you better order right away! I’m so thankful to Sarah for this amazing collaboration half around the globe, I still adore her masks and truly enjoyed seeing all her adventures and successes in mask making, and I wholeheartedly wish her all the best for the future!

Press | Emily with NagaKiri’s masks in The Occidental

For an article named “The many faces of mask fashions”, The Occidental asked LA art students about their masks, and my sewing partner NagaKiri‘s adorable daughter Emily is showing three of her beautifully handcrafted Hybrid Masks (avialable via NagaKiri Studio on Etsy). Plus, she’s the cover girl! Thank you Kiri, for letting me know.

DIY Tutorial | Filter Frames for Cloth Masks

Tutorial for the Luckhaus Hybrid Pleated Mask with Filter Frames

Some maskers insert disposable filter materials (e.g. Filti) between the inner and outer layers of reusable cloth masks. For this reason, my Hybrid Mask has a filter opening! This offers the advantage of combining decent fit (through mask pattern) and filter efficiency (through disposable filters), but the disadvantage that filters are often complicated to insert, rarely cover the whole surface and easily slip. For me and my family, double masking, i.e. wearing FFP2 / KN95, surgical or self-stapled, same-pattern filter masks underneath, seems like a better option. Lately though, a lovely mask maker mentioned how complicated double masking is for kids, and I finally had an idea: Filter frames!

Tips & Tricks | Double Masking, or Hybrid Top 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

Last January, when I wrote my post about Mask Science with the science behind masks, advantages and disadvantages of mask types, practical tests, tips for optimization and a note on why and how we double mask, I still hoped that the vaccine might make masks redundant in everyday life, and that this could be my last mask post. Right now, it looks like thanks to new variants, masks will stay with us for a while (…), and as many people are looking to upgrade their masks these days, I’d like to explain our double masking with the Hybrid Cloth Mask (aka Luckhaus Mask) in detail.

Hybrid Mask | Museum Workshop »Clothing the Pandemic«

Clothing the Pandemic Workshop by ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile

I first met Serena Newmark when she posted a beautiful Hybrid Beard Mask (aka #luckhausmask) on Twitter, and we chatted about her pretty skull fabric! Later, Serena asked me if I’d give her an interview about my experiences as a mask pattern maker, and she turned out to be a PhD candidate at FU Berlin with a profound – and super interesting – knowledge about 19th century Prussian furniture in Texas! I feel honoured that Serena will present my Hybrid Mask in a workshop, »Clothing the Pandemic«, by ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Costume, Fashion and Textile, as part of her lecture about »The Creation of an Online Art and Design Reference Library: information seeking and sharing among mask makers«, which takes place online on June 23rd at 3:10 PM CET.

Hybrid Mask Anniversary and Survey around the World

Optimized hybrid mask, makeshift mask, everyday mask, fabric mask, cloth mask, face mask or covering to sew yourself according to instructions, pattern and template, fits gaplessly and does not slip thanks to a reverse pleat for glasses wearer, nose wire, filter opening and side channels with drawstrings for ear loops or headties, by Iris Luckhaus

One year ago, I got really fed up with testing one poorly fitting mask pattern after the other, and decided to use what I’ve learnt to invent my own Hybrid Mask pattern. And my very first attempt fitted perfectly! In order to help others with similar problems, I published pattern and instructions in German on April 14th and in English on April 21st.

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

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

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.«

Frohe Weihnachten, Merry Christmas et Joyeux Noël!

Zeichnung von einem Mädchen, das zur Feier von Winter, Weihnacht, Advent, Silvester und Neujahr im winterlich verschneiten Wald Yoga in Baumpose turnt und Geschenke wie Meisenringe, Äpfeln und Vogelfutter und Glücksklee für die Tiere des Waldes wie Eichhörnchen, Füchse, Rehe, Rotkehlchen, Kohlmeise, Stieglitz, Gimpel und Amsel mitgebracht hat, während Waschbär, Dachs und Marder einen Meisenknödel vom Schlitten stehlen, für Lily Lux von Iris Luckhaus

We’d like to wish you very lovely, candle-lit and heartwarming holidays (and a merry Christmas, or whatever you may be celebrating!), and all the best for a truly happy, healthy and wonderful new year Twothousandtwentyone!

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!

Feature | Mask Tying Techniques at OSMS

I am so proud that Open Source Medical Supplies is showing my Mask Tying Techniques in a beautiful pictorial pictorial cloth mask guide! Thanks to Devon for connecting and to Sophia for the great design <3 

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 | Recommendations for the Hybrid Mask, Part 2

Luckhaus Hybrid Mask by Lara Thornberry and Erin Lewis Fitzgerald

My hybrid cloth mask is still getting around! It’s sewn by volunteers and partners near and far, and recommended all over the world. After my first recommendation and review collection in June, I’ve now gathered some more! 

Tips & Tricks | Mask Hub Page with all the Links

I have created a mask hub for all mask links, so if you’d like to share one of my masks, you can just type the link www.irisluckhaus.de/masks instead of jumping to your browser and looking for the bookmark :)

Tips & Tricks | Mask Tying Videos by Reusable Mask Co Australia

Iris Luckhaus Hybrid Mask by Reusable Mask Co Australia

My amazing sewing partner Reusable Masks Co Australia shot a lovely video with beautiful Carmen on how to dress up the Hybrid Cloth Mask with head ties, and another one on how to make ear loops! I could watch them all day long, and I thought they might be useful for my readers too. Great thanks to Sarah for letting me show them!

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

ptimierte 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!

Tips & Tricks | Mask Tying Techniques Infographic

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.

Press | Recommendations for the Hybrid Mask

Optimierte Hybrid-Maske, Behelfsmaske, Alltagsmaske, Mundmaske, Mund-Nase-Maske oder Mund-Nase-Bedeckung zum Selbstnähen mit Anleitung, Schnittmuster und Schablone auf Stoff mit Nasenbügel, Filteröffnung und Tunnelzug für Ohrhaöter und Kopfbändel von Iris Luckhaus

I think it’s incredibly exciting and really great how my hybrid cloth mask gets around, how it is recommended, sewn and donated all over the world! In this post, I wanted to collect some of the recommendations and reviews.

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!

Feature | 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 gapless and fog-free 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.

In the meantime, longing for everyday life

Profilbild mit Selbstbildnis der Illustratorin Iris Luckhaus bei der Arbeit in ihrem Büro in Wuppertal

Do you know these moments, when you stumble over last years’ pictures or some souvenir from your last vacations and all of a sudden, there is this incredible longing for some real, true everyday life, just as we knew it?

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!

Anthology | Lily Lux Coloring Sheet at Malbogen

Ausmalbarer Malbogen mit Lily Lux an einem stürmischen Herbsttag beim Flug mit einem Lenkdrachen

A couple of years ago, I created a colouring sheet for the wonderful Malbogen Blog, right after a storm almost stole my scarf and when Lily Lux was longing for new adventures The special thing about it is that it can not only be used for colouring in, but due to some open space, you can even draw your own ideas! Maybe coloring in, painting on, and making up your own little trip with the wind might help you feel a little less locked up at home. Have a good flight!

(Deutsch) Lily Lux Notizbuch | Wie alles besser wird

Doppelseite mit einem Sammelalbum zum Wohlfühlen bzw. Wie alles besser wird, mit Listen von kleinen Zufluchten, Aufklebern mit Lieblingsstrickjacke, Wellnesshotel, Telefon, Keksmurmel, Kassettenrecorder, Rosaroter Brille und Alles-wird-gut-Wärmherz, Kosmetiketiketten, liebevollen kleinen Zettelchen, Verpackungen von Teebeuteln und Marzipan und Zuckertütchen im Lily Lux Notizbuch

Angesichts dessen, dass dieses Jahr irgendwie nichts so ist wie sonst, kommt uns unser #Frühlingsglück grade äußerst seltsam vor, und deshalb teilen wir jetzt lieber täglich einen kleinen #Lichtblick aus unserer Welt, um Euch – und uns alle! – vielleicht ein bisschen besser durch diese Zeit zu bringen. Wir haben übrigens grade unser Lily Lux Notizbuch wiederentdeckt und staunen selbst darüber, wieviele Ideen, die man auch ganz alleine und daheim verwirklichen kann, da drin versammelt sind! Nebst ganz viel guter Laune, und die ist ja grade ganz besonders wichtig.