About a month ago, we posted The Best Household Materials to Make Your Own DIY Face Mask not knowing where things were headed. As some time has progressed, it's seemingly safe to say face masks and coverings are not going away any time soon.
According to the CDC, wearing a face mask in public settings where it’s difficult to maintain social distancing, like the grocery store, is highly recommended. The CDC has advised that using simple cloth face coverings can slow the spread of the virus as well as prevent transmitting it to others.
As mentioned in our previous article, the mixture of fit, filtration, and breathability led the Cambridge University study to conclude the 100% cotton t-shirt and the pillowcase to be the top two at-home protective mask materials. With that said, we put together a No Sew Face Mask Template to use with the recommended basic cotton t-shirt from your drawer. Following this simple step-by-step guide, learn how to make your own mask with materials right from your house.
Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide:
Gather your materials: 100% cotton t-shirt, scissors and straight or safety pins.
Print out the second page of this No-Sew Face Mask Template on a standard piece of 8.5” x 11” paper.
Cut out your pattern along the dotted lines, then pin your pattern to your shirt to hold it in place.
After the pins are secure, trace around the outside of the template. At this point, use your pins or a marker to note where you will place the ear slits. After you’ve finished tracing, remove the paper template.
Carefully cut the shirt along the drawn pattern. Trim two small slits on both ends of the mask fabric where you’ve marked your ear placement. Keep in mind that these slits do not need to be large. Since the fabric is slightly stretchy, you’ll be able to pull them over your ears.
To wear, pull your finished mask in place by tucking the ends over each ear!
If you’re wondering if your newly made mask is properly fitted, here’s a list from the CDC outlining how to wear a cloth face covering:
“Cloth face coverings should—
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape”
There have been suggestions regarding whether or not to add filters and what types work best. Per this article, The Best Materials For DIY Face Masks And Filters from The Huffington Post, Yang Wang, assistant professor of environmental engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, told The New York Times that the use of filters helps promote safe breathing and ensures that particles are removed properly. The article goes on to discuss which types of filters work effectively and which ones do not. Make sure to check this out before you pop in any additional household items into your masks!
Browse Other Face Mask Options
Looking to purchase face masks to keep yourself, your team, and those around you safe? We have you (and your face) covered. 😷We now offer blank masks in bulk or custom branded masks. Upload your artwork to get started or email team@realthread.com with any questions.
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