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In the past few weeks Americans have become accustomed to empty shelves at the grocery store and pharmacy. Panic buying and hoarding have made it nearly impossible to find hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, toilet paper, and, of course, face masks. But making your own cotton face mask is super simple using stuff you already have at home. Here is my favorite idea for a DIY no-sew face mask that anyone can make in minutes.
Even as most of us are deep into our self isolation journey, we must occasionally venture out to the grocery store. As of April 3, 2020, the CDC is now recommending that folks wear a cloth face covering like this one in public. Until now, the word to the general public was that we shouldn’t bother with wearing them. But as more is understood about the transmission of the novel Coronavirus, the more evidence there is that it might be a good idea.
What the Experts Say about DIY Face Masks
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. But this information is based on the best research I could find.
The tricky thing about this nasty bug is that infected folks are transmitting the virus about 48 hours before they feel ill. And many people with Coronavirus are asymptomatic! So the question of who is “sick” is not terribly clear. (Source)
Unless you have been under a rock for the last month, you are aware that PPE or personal protective equipment for our selfless frontline healthcare workers is in short supply. Part of the delay to advise the rest of us wear face masks is surely due to the need to reserve N95 and surgical masks for those who need them the most. But the good news is that even wearing a DIY cotton face mask does provide some level of protection. (Source)
The idea is this. If I am infected with the Coronavirus and don’t know it yet, my mask helps protect you. And your mask protects me. According to the New York Times, “places like Hong Kong and Taiwan that jumped to action early with social distancing and universal mask wearing have gotten their cases under much greater control.” I don’t know about you, but at this point I am willing to do whatever I can to help potentially slow this terrible disease so that we can all get back to our regularly scheduled program.
DIY No-Sew Face Mask Anyone Can Make in Minutes
This may seem like a big claim, but these face masks are shockingly simple to fashion using materials you already have- no need to run out to the store. There are many great tutorials out there for those with a bit more, ahem, sewing skill. But for the rest of us, give this a try if you must venture out!
No-Sew Bandana Face Mask
Materials:
- A bandana, tea towel, or a square of cotton fabric about 20” x 20”
- Two hair elastics or rubber bands
How to Make It:
- Lay the fabric square flat and fold the top down to the middle. Now fold the bottom edge up to meet the middle. Fold in half so that you have a long rectangle with four layers of fabric.
- Next, fold the rectangle into thirds by bringing in the left and right sides toward the middle.
- Using these folds as a guide, slip a rubber band or large hair elastic onto one end of the fabric and bring it to the fold.
- Repeat on the other end, bringing the band to the other “third” fold. These will create the ear straps.
- Adjust the placement of your rubber bands as needed to fit your face and tuck any overlapping fabric in the middle. The fabric mask should reach from the bridge of your nose down to under your chin.
How to Remove Your No-Sew Face Mask
Remember that when you take the mask off, it might be contaminated. So avoid touching the mask while you are wearing it. When you remove it, do so by the ear straps and drop it straight into the laundry. Then wash your hands! (The WHO has useful information about how to remove face masks properly.)
Masks are not a substitute for social distancing measures or hand washing! We should still do all that great stuff. But if we must go out, wearing a simple diy no-sew mask could help us protect each other a little more. And I am a firm believer that every little bit helps.
Be well friends.
DIY No-Sew Cloth Face Mask
If you must venture out during a global pandemic, wearing a cotton face mask can provide some level of protection while leaving the scarce medical masks for those who need them most. Making your own no-sew cotton face mask is super simple using stuff you already have at home!
Materials
- Bandana, tea towel, or other cloth fabric cut to approx. 20″ x 20″
- 2 hair elastics or rubber bands
Instructions
- Lay the fabric square flat and fold the top down to meet the middle. Now fold the bottom edge up to the middle. Fold in half so that you have a long rectangle with four layers of fabric.
- Next fold the rectangle into thirds by bringing in the left and right sides toward the middle.
- Using these folds as a guide, slip a rubber band or large hair elastic onto one end of the fabric and bring it to the fold. Repeat on the other end, bringing the band to the other “third” fold. These will create the ear straps.
- Adjust the placement of your rubber bands as needed to fit your face. The fabric mask should reach from the bridge of your nose down to under your chin.
Notes
Remember that when you take the mask off, it might be contaminated. So avoid touching the mask and when you remove it, drop it straight into the laundry. And wash your hands!
This so easy. I have past it on to family and friends. So easy and snug. Stay well and safe
So glad you found it useful! Stay safe!