How to Make a Face Mask at Home

Designing and sewing your own face mask at home is a great way to protect yourself from  the spread of the Coronavirus. The Mayor of Los Angeles,  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (my new hero), the Surgeon General and the CDC have advised that people should start to wear face masks as an additional measure to slow the spread of the Corona Virus aka COVID-19.   Many cultures have no fear about wearing face masks, but here in the US, Americans have been slow to warm to the idea of wearing a mask. However, recent studies have revealed that the wearing of face masks can make a difference.  Wearing a face masks prevents the spread of respiratory droplets that can carry the virus.  With N-95 masks sold-out everywhere, and best used to protect, health care workers,  you can still protect yourself by making a low-cost mask using household items like fabric remnants or even a T-shirt.

Study Published in the United States National Library of Medicine

Recently my sister ( a health care worker) made a beautiful, hand sewn face mask using these materials:

• Two 10”x6” rectangles of fabric (for front and back)
• Two 6” pieces of elastic hair ties/bands
• Needle and thread
• A paper towel to insert between the two fabric pieces to act as an “air filter”
• Scissors

This homemade mask is easy to make, a new paper towel can be inserted after use and the fabric can be washed once the towel has been removed. I have even heard of some people use air conditioner filters to use as the filter insert between the fabric pieces.   Here’s how to make one of these simple DIY face masks to protect yourself and others.

Step 1: Stack the two rectangles of fabric on top of each other

Step 2: Fold over the sides of the rectangles hem 1/4 inches to “finish the edges.”  Leave the top open so you can insert the paper filter/towel/air filter ( whatever material you choose to use)

Face Mask Sewing Instructions (Source CDC website)

Step 3: Run hair ties/hair bands through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight.

Inserting hair bands on the side of the face mask

A side view of the two pieces of fabric with the hair bands threaded through the sides.

Step 4: Place a paper towel or some other type of air filter material between the two pieces of fabric

Inserting Paper Towel or Interfacing between the two fabric layers for form the face mask.

Step 5:   Fold over the top or whip stitch the top of the mask to enclose the insert inside.  Voila, you have a fashionable face mask.   Remember to wash your hands every time you put it on or take it of. 

A fashionable face mask make from fabric remnants

I love how this turned and the fabric (with the Poppy flower)  that was used to make this mask.

Additional Resources for Making a Face Mask

For additional information and guidance on how to make a face mask refer to these helpful resources:

• Mask4All Website Videos & Tutorials
• JOANN Fabrics: How to Make a Face Mask Video on YouTube
• The CDC website: How to Make a Face Cloth Covering
• The New York Times: How to Sew a Face Mask