Make a Face Mask to Protect Yourself from COVID-19
Face masks have a history of offering protection from deadly diseases and viruses. During a pandemic, face masks can save lives. As you do whatever you can to prevent contracting Covid-19, make sure you wear a mask. If you want to make a mask, that’s fine. Just make sure it’s thick enough to block light from shining through it, but not so thick that it restricts your breathing.
Before creating your face mask, have the sewing supplies you’ll need ready. You will need a needle, a pair of scissors, and a sewing machine if you are going to sew your face mask. You will also need two 6-inch pieces of elastic and matching thread. Have a small safety pin on hand. If you are not going to sew your mask, you will only need a pair of scissors and two rubber bands. A suitable fabric like quilters cotton will be required.
To create a sewn mask, cut two pieces of fabric that measure approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Place one over the other and hold the two pieces up to the light to see if the light shines through. If it does, cut a third piece of fabric that’s the same size. Layer the fabric pieces. Then, fold the long sides over ¼ inch and sew close to the edges. Fold the shorter sides over ½ inch and sew near the edges. Secure the safety pin to the end of one of the pieces of elastic. Feed it through the ½-inch hem and tie the ends in a knot. Feed the other piece of elastic through the ½-inch hem on the other side and tie the ends in a knot. When done, pull on the elastic so that it gathers both sides of the mask. Try the mask on and adjust it. When it fits your face securely, make a few stitches in each of the four corners to prevent the elastic from shifting.
If you don’t have a sewing machine, and you don’t know a thing about sewing, create a no-sew mask. Cut two fabric pieces so that they measure 20 inches long and 20 inches wide. Position the pieces of fabric on top of one another and fold in half. Then, fold the top edge down 1/3 of the way and fold the bottom edge up 1/3 of the way. Slide the rubber bands onto the mask, and position them so that there are 6 inches between them. Fold the ends of the mask towards the center and tuck one end into the other. To see diagrams of the mask-making process click here.
After making your mask, remember to wash it in hot soapy water after each use. Your mask should be able to offer protection for several months. Check it periodically to ensure that it is still in good shape. Discard it and make a new one if it isn’t.