How To: DIY Face Mask During Quarantine

The mandatory face mask law has given us the opportunity to be crafty.

Surgical mask shortages have occurred due to high demand, but don’t worry! Homemade masks capture 69.4% of COVID particles, meaning they’re effective at keeping you safe and healthy (smartairfilter.com).

The CDC website states, “The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.”

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

There are tons of ways to make a face mask yourself at home. You can use an old t-shirt, bandana, pillowcase, or any fabric that’s clean and about 10 inches wide. 

We decided to get crafty with Studio 637 shirts to show you how to easily make your own mask without sewing.

Step 1

Cut your fabric.

Start with a 10 inch piece of fabric for the face covering and two 1 inch strips for the straps.

Step 2

For the face portion, you’ll be using the part of the shirt with the graphic.

Separate the front and back of the shirt by cutting along the side seams of the shirt.

Step 3

Flip the fabric over so that the graphic is facing down.

Fold both sides in about 4 inches. This will go against your face, so fold it based on how you want your mask to fit.

Make several 1/4 inch cuts about 1 inch apart down both sides of the folds.

Step 4

Next, cut both of the 1 inch strips so that they make long strips instead of a loop.

Weave the strips in and out through the slits you cut along the fold.

Step 5

Place the mask over your mouth and nose, using the straps at the top to secure the mask on the back of your head and tie the bottom straps around your neck.

There you have it. Your mask is complete and ready to wear.

Here are some places you can purchase masks to support artists during the quarantine.

https://www.etsy.com/market/sale_face_mask

Here are some helpful videos for other ways to make a mask.