Coronavirus: How To Make Face Mask At Home

Today, the CDC recommended that all Americans voluntarily wear cloth masks in public.  The first place I looked was at the local Safeway but, as expected, I didn't find any masks there. The next place was Amazon, however the masks there were either only for sale to  hospitals/Government agencies or had delivery dates set for late June. So, I decided to make one at home.

The final product!

I went through many DIY masks tutorials on Youtube but these had complicated instructions and require materials that are not readily available at home. One such material (in fact, the most important one) is the "FILTER" that is used inside the mask.Here is a link describing the different filter materials for making a DIY mask and their effectiveness.   

Most tutorials recommend using HEPA or MERV 13-14 filters since these eliminate 99.97% of any airborne particulate matter. These are used inside vacuum cleaners and air conditioners and are as effective as surgical masks. Unfortunately, these were unavailable on Amazon. Tea towels are another great filter material but I didn't have any of those. 

After some thought, I decided to use non-woven fabric bags as a filter. As a simple test, I wore these bags (yes, on the head, LOL) after cooking food to test whether the smell would penetrate this material. Happily, I couldn't smell anything and moreover, I was able to breathe without any trouble both of which I took to be encouraging signs. It is worth noting that any kind of mask is better than no mask. Even without a filter, a mask made just of fabric is better than going out without a mask. Final point, since these bags are washable I can reuse the mask and also be kind to Mother Nature. 

A few candidates for the filter (non-woven fabric bags)

A closer look at the material

So what all do you need for making a mask?

Fabric for the topmost layer: Use any breathable and washable cloth (100% cotton and tight weave)  that you have at home such as old bedsheets, pillow covers, handkerchiefs, dish/ tea towels/ napkins, scarf, old t-shirts. There is no need to buy anything new. You will need one such piece per mask.

Filter: Non-woven cloth bags as shown in the above photos.

Straps: You can use hair ribbons, shoes-laces, elastic, anything flexible and washable that you can use to tie the mask. 

Wire: Use twisty ties (with wire) or a wire clothes hanger, garden wire, paper clip, anything else that is stiff but also flexible enough to conform to the nose. If you don't have these wear sunglasses or your prescription glasses. That will hold the mask on to the bridge of your nose.

Material for sewing: Sewing machine or thread, needle, and scissors. If you don't have these, you can also use fabric glue or refer to my post on 'Coronavirus: DIY No-Stitch Face Mask In 1 Minute'.

Paper, pencil and a measuring scale.

Before starting this project make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds. Also, please wash the bag before using it.

Instructions for making the face mask

Since I don't have a sewing machine, it took me about 2 hours to make this mask- my mom helped me by stitching it. I am sure it won't take you more than 30 mins if you are using a sewing machine or fabric glue. 

Step 1: Gather the materials.

Step 2: Download the template below from ragmask.com or draw it yourself. This template is the best and can be made at home with minimal effort. It also seals the mask tightly to the face which enhances the  effectiveness.  

Step 3: Cut the fabric and the filter as per the size mentioned below. I decided to use two layers of the non-woven fabric for the filter.

Step 4: Fold the fabric in half over the filter.

Step 5: Stitch around all three sides leaving 2 inches at the bottom. It should look like a pocket. You can maintain about 3/16" (0.5 cm) width for the seam.

Step 6: Fold it again in half.

Step 7: Place the template over the fabric and mark.

Step 8: Stitch it.

Step 9: Cut the part that was just stitched. You can keep 3/16" (0.5 cm) of seam.

Step 10: Flip inside out.

Step 11: Insert the wire and center it over the nose bridge.

Step 12: Form wire to approximate the shape of the bridge of the nose. You can always adjust it later when you wear the mask. 

Step 13: Mark strap locations with the template.

Step 14: Stitch straps onto the inside face of the mask.

Your mask is ready to wear. Currently, I plan to make one for each of my family members. 

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: I am not a doctor and the mask that was made at home has not undergone any sort of rigorous testing. Given that masks are unavailable for purchase, I would much rather have a homemade mask than go out without any protection. These masks aren’t going to fully protect you from coronavirus, they can help prevent coronavirus transmission . You should still be practicing social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others in public and frequently washing your hands for 20 seconds each time.