Sewing Face Masks, Scrub Caps, Arm Slings, and More: Practical Projects for Comfort and Care

Herbertson, a pattern designer, debuts with a timely guide to sewing medical-related projects. Herbertson aims to inspire both beginners and experienced crafters. Herbertson starts with a list of necessary supplies and equipment, such as high-quality fabrics, needles, sewing scissors, and seam-rippers, and outlines basic sewing techniques including edge stitching and attaching buttons both by hand and with a machine. The 14 projects that follow start simple and increase in difficulty: the “Cheery Adult Bib” is basic, the “Memory-Care Fidget Mat” requires multiple techniques, and more complicated is the “Arm Sling Cast Cover.” Patterns for face masks include directions to customize them with ear loops, elastic ties, or pockets for filters. Herbertson also includes a “Half-Hour Ear Saver Headband” to protect skin at the base of one’s ears from becoming irritated from face mask elastic. Complete with an index of patterns, these straightforward and easy-to-follow projects are a great place for would-be crafters to begin. (Jan.)