Coronavirus: DIY No-Stitch Face Mask In 1 Minute

After my blog post on "Coronavirus: How To Make Face Mask At Home", the article received a huge traffic with emails asking for advice on how they can make masks without stitching. While most of you were excited with the little sewing project, I realize that at times like this, it is important to help people by sharing tutorials that anyone can easily take advantage of. Moreover, I understand that many of you may not have a sewing machine or a thread and needle or may not know how to use them (I don't either). Therefore, I decided to share the simplest, easiest and useful mask tutorial. No cutting or stitching is required. Yes, you read that right! Moreover, it takes one minute and just two items.

The final product

Instructions for making a  face mask with handkerchief and hair ties

Materials for making one mask: One Handkerchief or bandana (100% cotton and tightly weaved) and two hair-ties. An old handkerchief will do, as long as it is not torn. Then the entire purpose of making it airtight is gone. I would recommend using a bit worn-out (loose) hair ties so that they don't hurt your ears.

Step 1: Gather the materials.

Step 2: Place the handkerchief face down.

Step 3: Fold the top to the center. 

Step 4: Fold the bottom to the center.

Step 5: Flip over.

Step 6: Fold the top to the center.

Step 7: Fold the bottom to the center.

Step 8: Flip over.

Step 9: Thread the end of the handkerchief through the hair ties.

Step 10: Fold the sides of the handkerchief. Put it inside each other.

(Optional) You can also use a safety pin to secure the ends. 

Flip over and ta-da you have a pleated mask ready to wear!

Use and care 

Make sure you wash the mask after every use and keep the mask in a sanitary manner (such as inside a ziplock bag). 

Disclaimer: This mask is not meant to replace surgical/N95 face masks, but when you must go out, something to cover yourself is better than nothing. At the very least, it will remind you to not touch your face.

Optional steps - add a filter to your mask

I had some filter material (visit link for details) left over from my last DIY mask project. I added that in this mask. You can add the filter at step 2 and then continue with all the other steps as described in this post.

Step 2 (optional): Placing the filter at the center of the handkerchief.