Face masks are in whether we like it or not in 2020 and with the global shortage of masks, we want to encourage you to use items from your home to make them! While you spring clean, you’re bound to find clothing and fabric that you no longer need and this is the perfect time to put those to use and make protective masks for you and your family members. Other ideas include making one-time use masks out of paper towels and cloth bags, which we will give you ideas for below.
Here are some guides for different masks you can make yourself depending on what supplies you have at home.
- To make a mask from scrap fabrics or old clothing you have, all you’ll need is a pattern, which you can find online, scissors, and a pencil. This is an easy way to make masks because the more scraps you have, the more you can make, and even distribute them to family members or donate them to local hospitals!
Check out the video below for a quick tutorial on how to DIY your masks at home:
- Making masks out of cloth bags is another great option if you’re already living minimally and don’t have too much scrap around. You can cut out a piece of the cloth bag, fold it into three parts, attach the elastic to the sides and voila!
Check out the video below for a tutorial on how to turn all those old cloth bags into masks:
- Afraid about not having elastic anywhere around to make your mask? All you will need for this version of a mask is your fabric, sewing pins, and scissors. Also, you will need pretty on point dimensions for each of the pieces of fabric.
Get your sewing machine and pattern making skills handy with this quick tutorial:
- Paper towel masks are wonderful for one-time use and what is great is that paper towels are easy to find at any market or grocery store. All you will need is a glue stick, paper towel, and a stapler for this one and trust us – it’s super easy! You will need elastic for this, but you can try and find old rubber bands to substitute in for elastic if you don’t have any handy.
Watch the video below for a quick demonstration on how to make your own disposable paper towel masks:
Still skeptical as to why you need the masks? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that DIY Masks should be made in times of crisis as a last resort and “should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.” And remember, any mask is better than no mask! Get to crafting!
During this lockdown we hope everyone is taking the required precautions.
Stay home and stay safe!
Team SFD
