Making a Fabric Face Mask: Sew and No-Sew Options
The CDC recently suggested that members of the public wear fabric face masks when maintaining social distancing is difficult. This includes shopping at the grocery store or working at an essential business.
To help keep you and your family safe and healthy, here are a few ways you can make reusable fabric face masks at home, whether or not you are able to sew.
How to Sew a Fabric Face Mask
You will need:
- Cotton fabric in your favorite pattern
- Rope Elastic, Beading Cord Elastic, or 1/8” Flat Elastic
Steps:
- Cut your fabric into a rectangle. For an adult, cut your fabric 10 inches long and 6 inches tall. For a child, cut your fabric 7.5 inches long and 5 inches tall.
- Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner and then stop. Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this.
- Sew the next corner, stop and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.
- Now sew across the top of the mask to the next corner. Again, put the elastic with the edge out.
- Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
- Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5 inches to 2 inches open. Stop and cut the thread. Turn your mask inside out.
- Pin 3 tucks on each side of your mask. Make sure the tucks are the same direction.
- Sew around the edge of the mask twice. Secure the elastic around each ear, covering your nose and mouth.
Want to watch a tutorial video? TFCU employees used the helpful tutorial from Deaconess to make their face masks.
How to Make a No-Sew T-Shirt Face Mask
You will need:
- Cotton t-shirt
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut 7 to 8 inches off the bottom of a cotton t-shirt.
- Leaving about ½ an inch on the top and bottom, cut out 6 to 7 inches of the fabric, making a U-shape. Cut the tie strings.
- Use the tie strings to secure your mask around your neck and over the top of your head, covering your nose and mouth.
Want to see a tutorial? Check out these infographics from the CDC
How to Make a No-Sew Bandana Face Mask
You will need:
- Cotton bandana (approximately 20 inches by 20 inches)
- Coffee filter
- Rubber bands or hair ties
- Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)
Steps:
- Cut off the bottom half of the coffee filter, leaving only the top ring.
- Fold the bandana in half, making a rectangle.
- Fold the filter in the center of the folded bandana. Fold the top third of the bandana down, and then fold the bottom third up.
- Place the rubber bands or hair ties about 6 inches apart around the bandana.
- Fold the sides in to the middle of the bandana and tuck the fabric into the rubber bands or hair ties.
- Secure the rubber bands or hair ties around each ear, covering your nose and mouth.
Want to see a tutorial? Check out these infographics from the CDC
Face Mask Tips
The key to wearing a face mask is ensuring that you wear it properly. Check out our tips below on how to wear and wash your mask.
Putting On Your Face Mask:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, before touching the mask.
- Make sure there are no tears or holes in either side of the mask.
- If your mask has ear loops, hold the mask by the ear loops and place a loop around each ear.
- Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin, then pull the top of the mask over your nose.
- Wash your mask before reusing it.
Cleaning and Reusing Your Face Mask:
- For best results, machine wash your mask and dry on low.
- For daily washing, hand wash with soap and hang dry overnight.
Remember, while fabric face masks are intended to add a layer of protection from airborne particles, they can’t eliminate all risks of catching or spreading virus or illness. Continue to practice social distancing and wash your hands regularly.