The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) now recommends that all Americans wear masks in public, but theres a problem: there aren't enough masks. Understandably, most of the medical-grade N95 masks available are intended for health care workers, but people at home can still find ways to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Many people have started making their own masks from fabrics they find around the house, and its incredibly easy to do.
The two DIY masks below are CDC-approved and can be completed in a few minutes. Don't worry if you don't have a sewing machine - the two versions were made without any complicated pattern cutting or sewing.
According to CDC guidance, cloth face coverings should:
It fits snugly but comfortably on the face.
Includes multiple layers of fabric.
Does not affect breathing.
Ability to be washed and machine dried without damage or deformation.
1. Seamless handkerchief mask
Materials:
Handkerchief or headscarf
Headband/Elastic Band
Coffee filter
Description:
1. Fold the handkerchief in half along the horizontal axis.
2. Place the coffee filter in the center of the handkerchief. Fold the top down and then the bottom up so that the coffee filter is in the middle of the fold.
3. Put the first headband on one-third of the edge of the handkerchief, and place the second headband on the other third of the edge. The two head ropes should be 6 inches apart.
4. Fold the left side toward the center, then fold the right side toward the center, andTuck in the left flap on the right side.
5. To put on the mask, just hang the headband on your ears.
2. Seam-free T-shirt masks
Materials:
Old T-shirt
Scissors
Description:
1. Prepare old T-shirts, preferably 100% cotton. Measure 7-8 inches from the bottom and cut along the sides of the t-shirt so that your mask has 2 layers.
2. In addition, cut a rectangle about 6 to 7 inches long from the cut cloth to get the rope used to fix the mask.
3.Tie a rope around your head and another rope around your neck.
