How To Make A Mask With Fabric Without Sewing
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors recommend using a face mask to prevent the transmission of the virus. The CDC recommends that everyone use fabric face masks whenever they go out in public. The aim is to stop the transmission of COVID-19, especially in places with high transmission rates.
Face masks are designed to prevent users from accidentally transmitting the infection because not everyone shows viral symptoms. And, luckily, making a mask with the fabric without a sewing machine is relatively simple.
If you want a mask, but you don’t have a machine for sewing? Do not worry. Get ready to use an old-school technique needle and thread to make a face mask by using your fingers. Meanwhile, you can prepare a DIY face mask in less than a minute.
It’s a good alternative for anyone who can’t sew, probably couldn’t afford a mask, or wants to go out in public suddenly. Moreover, it’s a waste-free choice because you’ll be utilizing materials you already have at home.
The Best Fabric For Making Your DIY Face Masks
A tightly woven, 100% cotton cloth is ideal for making a handmade face mask. You may make this using a bandana or fabric from pillowcases, curtains, woven shirts, or whatever else you have around the house.
You may also use a T-shirt, While we do not suggest it as the fabric is knit (i.e., when it stretches, it can cause holes). Also, to maintain the mask snug on your face, you need something.
On your ears, you could put a knot or rubber ties, but shoelaces or ribbons on the back of your head could be a better option. Use a coffee filter inside the mask to prevent and protect particles. To make it stronger around your nose, add a metal item.
Materials For The DIY Face Mask
- Needle and thread
- Fabric (Bandana, tea towel, or any similar-sized square or rectangular cloth)
- Scissors
- Rubber bands or safety pins ( You may cut off an old sock or pair of taps tights if you don’t have one to produce two round elastic pieces.)
- Washable marker
- Nose stay (Optional)
- Coffee filter (As an optional addition, the CDC suggests this)
- Ironing board and iron
The Best Way To Making Face Mask Without A Sewing Machine
STEP 1: Get The Cloth Ready
When starting any sewing job, the first thing you should do is properly wash the fabric. Then iron it well on the ironing board. It will prevent the material from shrinking or deforming in the future.
Place the fabric, right side up, on a flat surface after you’ve done that. Fold the cloth in half, aligning the short edges with each other, and press to make a crease in the center.
STEP 2: Fold The Edges Of The Cloth
This project requires a lot of folding, so remain focused. It is not difficult, but it must be done correctly. Place the fabric with the open edge down. Fold one layer of that edge upward approximately a half-inch.
Repeat on the other side of the open edge layer. On an ironing board, press everything flat. Unfold the cloth so that the right sides are facing out and the long edges are on the sides.
STEP 3: Creating Box Pleats
Grab the bottom border of the cloth and fold it upwards to meet the crease in the center. Repeat the process. The cloth piece should be unfolded. Folding creases should now be used to separate the lower half of the cloth into four horizontal parts.
If the creases aren’t visible enough, mark them with a washable pen or sewist chalk. The next step is the most challenging. Pinch the lower crease and drag it with both hands upwards. It should be aligned with the first crease above it, and use your iron to press the fabric well.
Pinch the initial crease above the new fold and draw it down in the same manner. Align the top edge with the new fold’s top edge and press everything flat.
STEP 4: Pivot And Repeat
By pivoting the fabric piece, you may change the top and bottom borders. Repeat the previous procedure on the bottom side, which is still free of creases and folds.
STEP 5: Secure The Elastic By Pinning It In Place
One end of the elastic should be pinned to the fabric’s bottom left corner. Place the opposite end where the fabric’s left edge meets the middle crease. Pin in place, ensuring that the elastic forms a semicircle on the cloth.
On the right side, repeat the same procedure. Just act as though everything is reflected.
STEP 6: Fold The Face Mask
Fold the mask in half by grabbing the top edge of the cloth and pulling it down. Outwards should be the wrong sides. Align the edges, double-check the folds, then pin everything firmly.
STEP 7: Stitch The Face Mask Together By Hand
At the end of your needle’s thread, tie a knot. Using a backstitch, sew across one of the mask’s shorter edges. Make sure you also go through the ends of the elastic piece. Carry on with the same procedure on the mask’s opposite short edge.
STEP 8: Turn Right Side Out
All pins must be removed. Turn the entire mask inside out through the filter pocket on one of the long edges. Straighten everything out, double-check the corners, then iron the mask flat. Take the filter and place it in the opening on the mask’s top side.
STEP 9: Adding A Nose Stay (Optional)
In the most straightforward method possible, let me teach you how to connect a nose wire to your face mask. While you can stitch it in place by putting the wire beneath the top fold, I recommend you try this innovative no-sew approach to make your life a bit simpler.
Insert a piece of fusible tape in the center of the fold, somewhat larger than your nose stay but smaller than the fold. Fold the top fold back and place the nose wire on top of it. To fuse, press with a hot iron. That concludes our discussion. There’s no need to stitch!
That’s it; your no-sewing-machine face mask is complete!
You may also go to this tutorial for further guidance.
Conclusion
I hope it was enjoyable to learn how to construct a mask without using a sewing machine. Try to create some of these yourself.
But homemade face mask is not a substitute for a surgical mask or an N-95 respirator. Instead, these masks are designed to safeguard other individuals when you have to go out in public.
Always maintain good hygiene and follow correct mask-wearing procedures. When removing your facial covering, be cautious not to contact your eyes, nose, or mouth, and wash your hands promptly.