St. Stephen – We are hearing all kinds of stories about how we are experiencing a shortage of face masks in the midst of this pandemic crisis. But, just because it isn’t easy to buy masks, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make your own. You don’t even need to have any sewing skills to create a mask that will help to protect you against germs.
The best type of fabric to use when you make a mask is tightly woven, 100 percent cotton. If you have cotton bed sheets or even a bandana, you won’t even have to go out and buy any fabric. So, this project can be great for several reasons: you are protected by wearing a mask, you don’t have to spend any money, and you get to recycle or upcycle fabrics from items you are no longer using.
Today we are going to give you instructions on how to make your own mask. If you want to you can get really creative with this project. Just because you have to wear a mask, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it.
Use fabric paints or markers that won’t wash off to add designs and make customized masks for the whole family in just a few minutes. Kids can make these masks as well, so you might want to turn this into a project for the whole family, and then donate your extra masks to others who need them.
Materials
• 22 X 22 inch square piece of cotton fabric
• Unused coffee filter
• Elastic hair bands
Directions
1. Lay the bandana or fabric out flat, and place an opened, flat coffee filter in the center of the square.
2. Fold the top and bottom ends so they meet in the middle. If you want, use tailor’s chalk to mark a line so you know the exact center of the fabric.
3. Fold the top and bottom ends to meet in the middle again.
4. Loop elastic hair bands around each end of the folded fabric.
5. Fold the side pieces towards the center, and tuck one end inside the other to create a loop. Here you do have the option to do a bit of sewing if you want to make sure the ends don’t slip apart. You can also hot glue the ends together, or use a safety pin.
Now your mask is ready to wear. Simply place it over your nose and mouth, and loop the hair elastics around your ears to keep the mask on securely.
sarigreen@stcroixcourier.ca