Are you looking to create the perfect mask? Check out these bias ties method instructions from Costume Shop Assistant Jason Gill for a safe and stylish mask.

Follow the below step-by-step instructions with the corresponding photos in the slideshow.

Materials (Per Mask):

• 9”x6” Cotton, for top of mask
• 9”x6” Flannel, for lining
• Two 3” strips of 1” Double Fold Bias Tape
  (or 1 ½” wide fabric strips) for side binding

• Two 46” strips of 1” Double Fold Bias Tape, for top binding and ties

 
1. Cut one layer of flannel and one layer of cotton. Place layers wrong side together lining up edges.  
​
2. Stitch ¼” from the edge all the way around, sewing the two layers together.  

3. Pleat the sides down to 3” in three ½” pleats.  

4. Make sure the pleats line up all the way across the mask.  

5. Stitch the pleats down along the ¼” stitching line.  

6. On the flannel side of the mask place the 3” lengths of bias tape along the sides lining up with the stitch line. Topstitch the bias down.  

7. Press the bias down on the opposite side of the mask.

8. Topstitch the bias down encasing the seam allowance.  

9. Repeat on the other pleated side of the mask. Make sure the bias is flush with the edge of the top and bottom of the mask.  

10. Using the 49” length of bias, center on the top edge of the mask, lining up with the ¼” stitching line. Leave tails of bias hanging off both edges. These tails will become the ties of the mask.  

11. Topstitch the bias along the top of the mask.   

12. Press ½” in at the end of the bias tails.  

13. Press the bias in half lengthwise.   

14. Edgestitch the bias together encasing the mask seam allowance.  

15. Make sure to topstitch the end of the ties. Repeat both steps 14 & 15 on the other edge of the mask.    

16. Trim all threads and check over for quality and sturdiness.

​17. Package masks in plastic bags if they will be distributed to others.  

OneAmerica extends support of IRT with additional two years of sponsorship
Advance gift to the IRT makes for more than 30 years of commitment to the arts

Indianapolis, Ind.— OneAmerica Financial Partners, the season sponsor of the Indiana Repertory Theatre for the past 25 years, has extended their planned support of the Theatre for an additional two years. The support includes pre-payment in advance of the extension period. This generous and impactful investment in the future of the arts in Indianapolis will now take the sponsorship through the 2026-2027 season.

In response to the current climate due to COVID-19, OneAmerica’s leadership and contribution to the sustainability of the IRT highlights the importance and value of good corporate citizenship. The nationwide company focuses on making a difference in their own community through volunteer opportunities and charitable giving, which help make the city an enriching place to call home, and the IRT is honored to be continually included in that.

“OneAmerica’s loyalty as our long-time season sponsor of 25 years has been elevated in these critical times by a wonderful extension to their gift, and provided a critical cash infusion in advance of the extension period,” Managing Director Suzanne Sweeney said. “Their investment in the IRT during this unpredictable moment for our art form as well as their commitment to being part of a bright future for the IRT is a true mark of their deep collaborative spirit.”

During each season, the IRT and OneAmerica come together to partner in intentional and meaningful ways. OneAmerica’s associates have access to attend special performances, receive access to behind-the-scenes experiences, and interact with artists, in addition to the company hosting training meetings and gatherings at the Theatre to provide a creative and engaging environment in the city both organizations call home.

“We can’t thank them enough for the enormous generosity of this gift and for all the years of their commitment to our support,” IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Janet Allen said. “This corporate partnership should serve as a model for how corporations can create deep affiliations to support the people and the culture of our community.”

“We recognize the challenges of the current unprecedented environment to the arts community, and OneAmerica is fully prepared to embrace additional support to ensure IRT’s creative impacts remain strong in our city,” said Scott Davison, OneAmerica chairman, president and CEO.  “We encourage other business leaders to also innovatively evaluate their options for additional support for non-profit partners who contribute to the foundation of our collective culture.”

To join OneAmerica in supporting the arts and the Indiana Repertory Theatre, please visit irtlive.com/support.

For more information contact Danielle M. Dove, Director of Marketing & Sales at ddove@irtlive.com or 317.916.4878.

###

ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.