Easy Homemade Face Mask From Supplies You Already Have

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shortage in supplies worldwide and officials have urged the public not to buy face masks. The reason, in our opinion? — To keep those supplies available for the ones who really need them during this crisis: people who are already ill and healthcare workers fighting a daily battle. Rightfully so. But what about a homemade face mask?

Should you wear a mask?

Some have criticized that wearing a face mask won’t help, in an attempt to ensure that masks would remain available to the healthcare workers at the front line. While experts seem to agree that they can, in fact, help limit the spread of viruses into the air, they also stress that washing your hands regularly remains one of the most essential things you can do to help prevent the spread. Although experiments show that a homemade mask made from a t-shirt is only about 50% effective in protecting against viruses, it’s still 50% better than not wearing one. It also showed that a tea towel (dish towel) blocks nearly 80%!

How to make your own fabric face mask

There are a number of design templates available on the internet for sewing your own homemade face mask. Many suggest using 100% cotton t-shirts or pillowcases for the material and all you need is a sewing machine (or needle and thread, in a pinch) and some time bored in quarantine to make your own masks. Click here for our favorite template and full instructions. You can also download instructions for creating your own bias tape maker if you don’t have your own (via Scientific Seamstress).

Where can I buy Pre-Made face masks?

If you don’t have your own sewing machine and don’t know anyone who does, there are many designs available. Here are a few of our favorites:

Important Reminders:

1. Wash your hands before and after touching your mask with soap and water.
2. Avoid touching your face and eyes while adjusting your mask.
3. Wash face masks frequently in hot water with detergent and dry on the hot setting.