While spread of the virus has slowed considerable, the Covid-19 pandemic shows no signs of going away just yet. Therefore, social distancing and face masks will be here to stay for a least a while longer. Lots of us have struggled to get hold of face masks for various reasons. From online shipping delays to empty supermarket shelves, face coverings haven’t always been the easiest thing to get hold of. Not to mention the expense of buying multiple masks for the whole family! So, today we’re sharing 2 simple, easy ways to make your own face mask.
1. Use a Scarf or Bandana (No Sewing Required!)
This is perhaps the easiest way to make your own face mask. There’s no need to sew anything! All you’ll need is:
- 1 Scarf or bandana, around 50cm x 50cm. Tight-woven cotton is best.
- 2 elastic bands or hair ties.
Follow the steps below to make your mask. This kind of mask is very quick and easy to make. Then, once you’ve worn it, all you need to do is remove the elastics and throw the scarf in the wash. Let it dry completely before using again.
If you like, you could also insert a coffee filter or a piece of kitchen towel to act as a filter.
2. Sew Your Own (Hand-Sew or Machine)
The prospect of sewing your own mask might seem daunting, but it really is a simple process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Some tight-woven cotton fabric (around 50cm x 30cm)
- A needle and thread (if you’re sewing by hand) or a sewing machine
- 2 pieces of elastic (each around 15cm long)
- Optional: a piece of kitchen towel to act as a filter
Once you’ve gathered your materials, just follow these simple steps.
- Cut two equal rectangles from your fabric, each around 25cm x 15cm.
- Place them on top of each other.
- Take one of the long edges and fold it over by 0.6cm. Stitch all the way across.
- Fold the other long edge over. If you want to include a filter, only stitch 2.5cm across on each side to create a pocket. Otherwise, stitch all the way across.
- Fold each of the short edges over by around 1cm. Stitch all the way along the short edges, leaving enough of a gap to thread your elastic through.
- Thread one piece of elastic through the hem you’ve just created on each side. Tie the ends of each piece together.
- Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic. Try it on and adjust it to fit your face, before stitching the elastic in place.
Don’t Want to Make Your Own Face Mask?
If you don’t fancy making your own, there are lots of places to buy a face mask. Disposable masks are available in most supermarkets, although these aren’t the best choice for the environment. A washable, reusable mask is a much better option. These are also available in some supermarkets, as well as from online retailers like Amazon and Etsy.
The Need for Face Masks
As you likely know, face masks are a very important way to curb the spread of coronavirus. When we cough, sneeze, talk, and even breathe, we expel lots of tiny droplets from the nose and mouth. If a person is infected with coronavirus, these droplets can spread the infection to others around them. Therefore, whether you make your own face mask or not, it’s crucial for us all to wear masks if we are able, especially when we are in enclosed spaces with other people.
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