The Easiest Way to Make Your Own No-Sew Cloth Face Mask
Last week, the CDC updated its recommendations to suggest that all Americans wear cloth face masks when they must leave home. As research around COVID-19 has evolved, it’s clear that people can and do transmit the virus before they develop symptoms. So keeping our faces covered, in addition to social distancing, is one more way to help slow down the spread. “In light of this new evidence,” their website reads, “CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
It’s critical that we reserve medical-grade masks for first responders on the frontline of the crisis, which is why the recommendation for others is to use a cloth mask. Lots of sites are offering cloth masks for sale (like this one or this one). But if you can’t wait for it to ship, or want to repurpose something you have at home, the CDC has a recommendation for an easy DIY no-sew option (check out their full directions here).
Supplies:
- Bandana (or another square-sized cloth); make sure to wash first
- Cone coffee filter (which helps to filter out microscopic particles)
- Rubber band (or hair ties)
- Scissors
Directions:
1. Cut off the bottom third of the coffee filter—the part that points downward into a triangle shape—so you’re left with the curved top.
2. Fold your bandana or cloth in half.
3. Place the coffee filter in the middle of the bandana, with the curved edge facing down (and the cut edge facing up). Then fold it in thirds like you’re folding a letter—fold the top down to the center, and the bottom up to the center.
4. Take rubber bands or hair ties, and slide them on the each end of the bandana. Place them about six inches apart from each other.
5. Fold the sides into the middle, and tuck one side into the other.
6. Then place the mask on your face and pull the rubber bands over your ears.
That’s it—easy peasy! If you’re having trouble following the directions, check out the video to see how it’s done. Make sure to wash your mask regularly, replacing the coffee filter each time. And remember that wearing a mask doesn’t replace social distancing efforts.