Atwood Rope MFG 3/16 inch 23 Yards / 70 feet Plush White Round Sewing Elastic | Elastic Cord for Sewing | Braided Elastic | Elastic for Masks | Tela para Mascarillas (3/16)

* Please read my description on why my spool looks like this and for some tips on using this material*First I just want to say I love this for making masks! it is super comfortable but I highly recommend you take it all off of the spool and pre-wash it first and I’ll explain why.After reading the reviews on worrying about shrinking I did a couple tests and what I did first was I made a mask who’s fabric was already pre-washed - and I fed this material (UNWASHED) through the ends to make the ear loops. I tied it to my exact fit. I then washed it in hot water in the washing machine and The dryer on high heat. And the reviews are correct - yes it does shrink enough to now make the mask not fit and me now I am in able to adjust it since it’s tied In a knot.So! With that being said I then took all of the remaining spooled Material off of the spool put it inside a pillowcase and washed it the same way - hot water and high heat in the dryer and then I re - spooled it loosely on the spool which is why it looks like that.I then cut the “too tight” ear loops off of the same mask and Ran this now pre washed elastic through the mask - tied it to fit me exactly and put it back in the wash on hot water and high dryer.And NO change in size at all! It fit perfectly and comfortable!With that being said don’t let the thought of this material shrinking in the wash scare you, just do what I did and pre-wash the entire school. I did lose a few feet as once I measured it it went down to about 18 feet, but that is to be said with a lot of things that you wash when they are brand new.So if you were making masks and your fabric has been pre-washed as it should be to prevent shrinking - just make sure you pre-wash this material.Also the quarter inch is fine for adults but I think it’s a little large if you were going to be making these for children I have just ordered the smaller size and will try that out for kids masks!Oh AND! My favorite part about this is you can tie the knot super tight and small, so if you’re making masks the way I am where the elastic is freely movable: you can spin it so that the knot goes inside the opening after washing, as you can see in my mask photo and it’s not even visible!I hope this review helps using it!

Like probably every other person who has purchased this elastic cord, I've been using it to make masks. I give it five stars for being exactly as it was represented on the website and because it was made in America. As for using it to make masks, I have to say the 1/8" elastic would be easier to work with because it's flat, but as the fabric store was out, and because I knew it originated in CHINA (which I find super irksome that that country is profiting because it's the reason I have to make masks to begin with), I was thrilled to find some made in the US. The finish is soft and fluffy, and it is round, which would make it comfortable behind the ears. However, what another reviewer said is true; that it will shrink. I was glad to know that ahead of time, and I planned accordingly when I made my masks. When I was ironing the ends of my cord segments to flatten them before I stitched it between the fabric, I discovered that it did shrink. I cut lengths of 7.5 inches, and it predictably shrank to 4.75 inches. It wasn't soft and fluffy after I ironed it, but it was similar in texture to the ear loops in store bought masks that I like. Incidentally, I ordered both white and black, and as is represented in the pictures, the black doesn't have the same fluffy finish as the white.For the manufacturer I have some requests. First, please make some elastic narrower than 3/16", and if it were flat, that would be even better. Second, I noticed all of the cool, nifty colors that you make, though I couldn't see how to order them through Amazon. If I have to wear a mask, it would be great to have a neat-looking one with snazzy ear loops. It would be nice if I could order a little less than the huge spools so I can afford to order a variety. And if it's in your power to make nose wires and cord locks I would be happy to buy them from you.

Like so many Americans, I am currently using this elastic for face masks. It is comfortable and extra stretchy. I am tying with a fishermen's knot for a personalized, flexible fit. I personally do not like elastic behind the ears (it is uncomfortable for any length of time...and think Yoda), but this is definitely more comfortable than a standard braided elastic. I am wearing a mask at work for 5-8 hours at a time. I prefer using a little more of the elastic to loop it through side casings and then slip it behind the neck and position at the crown of the head. The fishermen's knot permits customized fitting.This elastic is not only for face masks. It will be comfortable for elastic sleeves and other sewing uses.I only wish it was also available in black...and other colors.

I wasn't quite sure what I would get when I ordered this but I wanted something made in the US badly enough to give it a try and I'm glad I did. If you, like so many, are making your own masks, this makes great ear loops or ties around the back of the head. If you tie it, it stays tied until you untie it. You can stretch it just a bit when sewing it on the mask and it will gather the sides up. Don't do it too much, though, because the puckers get a little tighter after you wash and dry it. It has the texture of the inside of french terry material and is very soft against the skin. I'm also thinking it might make some great jewelry stringing if you have big-holed beads.....the possibilities!

I have some old N95 masks where the loops are brittle and sewed some of this on. Also good to connect to ear loops of other masks, much more comfortable when it’s behind the head. Included one of those little plastic things on a spring to adjust for size. Kind of like the things you see on chin straps for some hats. Saw a news story of a local firefighter doing the same thing to some old N95’s he found in the storeroom.