No-Sew Pleated Face Mask

Anonymous

Sorry if this has been posted already but I think it's useful information now that they are saying to cover our faces if we go out. It's helpful to me because I hardly know which end of a needle to thread. Honestly!

No-Sew Pleated Face Mask with Handkerchief and Hair Tie

I wish you peace during these very uncertain times for us all. Stay safe and let's recognize our blessings even if they may feel distant right now.

buttonsmachine

Thanks for posting this!

ayr1016

thank you. I have shared on my FB

Anonymous

I made one earlier today with a larger piece of 100% cotton and it actually works great!

Anonymous

Terrific idea sharing on Facebook. So glad to hear that it works!

Rah2464

Thanks for posting! I am going to sew some face masks this weekend but this will do temporarily. I read somewhere that if you wanted to increase protection to insert a trimmed piece from a HEPA air filter. Sounds like an interesting idea but not sure how much that would impact how well you could breathe so if lung function lower maybe not a good idea.

When I checked out at the local supermarket yesterday (self check out and from a distance from the clerk) she indicated that she didn't sew and had no access to masks. I told her that the next time I went to the store in a week or two I would bring any extra I had made and give her she is frightened. Maybe I will print up these instructions in a simpler format and hand out as well. It is just so stressful for all the people working and stocking the grocery stores, not to mention our emergency services along with the healthcare workers. Heros all.

AliceBastable

And what if you don't have handkerchiefs or those hair things? And since I don't sew, I certainly don't have fabric laying around.

beeline

Maybe cut up an old shirt or t-shirt? Rubber bands would probably work instead of hair ties

Anonymous

Alice, I don't have any of those things either. I've read you can use tee shirts, scarves, etc. to make a mask. I ended up buying inexpensive, washable cotton face masks on Amazon (arriving May 22 - June 15!!). I have a partial box of basic face masks that I've had for a long time.

If they make wearing masks mandatory, the police could stop you if they find you out without one. Something would be better than nothing. I'm not yet convinced these non-professional types of masks are effective but everything is worth a try.

Anonymous

Alice - those instructions posted above also suggest using either the cut off top of a sock or cut up pantyhose/tights. Rubber bands would probably work too in a pinch - you just need something round and stretchy to go around the ends. Do you have an old 100% cotton t-shirt, skirt, bedsheet, clean kitchen towel or some other piece of clothing or house fabric you could cut up?

Frankly I don't give a rats ass who or what says I should or shouldn't wear a mask - I'll wear one anyway. It certainly won't hurt, just so long as it gets washed after I go out. And besides, there aren't any 'professional' masks available anywhere right now anyway.

Rah2464

I was going to suggest rubber bands in case you don't have hair ties (I don't). I have been scavenging around for old clothing or old scarves that I can cut up. Also lucked upon an N95 mask that I had been using to install insulation in the attic. Its dirty but I will use it. If there was a way to clean and sanitize it, would go to the cause for sure.

CeliaC

I am using fabric dinner napkins & cutting "elastics" from the tops of knee highs. Rubber bands can be ouchy.

bcincolorado

We did not have a banana but cut a T-shirt that size. We did have hair ties we had bought for grandkids we can't see so used those. It works fine but using a dinner napkin is a great idea too for another one since I have some of those I can pull out too if I need them.

AliceBastable

My hubby lucked into three good face masks left behind by renovation construction workers in his workplace. It looks like they gave each essential employee enough for their families' needs. I guess that sort of makes up for needlessly exposing them to germs. The building is closed to the public, but he still has to interact with other staff. Makes me nervous every time he leaves the house, which is currently three days a week.

Anonymous

Thanks for all the ideas!

CDC information about Homemade Cloth Face Coverings including step-by-step tutorials and information about proper care and use.

SummerAngel

I made a face covering with an old t-shirt based on the CDC instructions. It was super easy and worked well. A lot of local companies are making cloth masks, too. I ordered 3 from a local company and they're great.