Today in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, the shortage of face masks is real and puts many people in danger. And while it is true that using these items cannot protect you 100%, it is definitely better than wearing nothing. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a guide that teaches you how to use them and even how to create homemade versions.
Through an official mini-site , the CDC recognized that wearing face masks and masks in public is a good safety measure to reduce the rate of spread of the coronavirus, both for those who are sick and for those who are healthy. Especially, it is advisable to use these items where human contact is unavoidable, such as supermarkets and pharmacies.
How should a face mask or mask be used?
According to the CDC, when donning these items you should consider the following:
- Must fit snugly but firmly on the face
- Must be secured with ties, hooks or garters
- Must include multiple layers of fabric
- Must allow unrestricted breathing
- Must be machine washable and dry without damage or loss of shape
How to make my own face mask or mask?
Now that you know the general recommendations, this is how you can make your own masks:
Sewn fabric mouth covers
- 2 x 10 “x 6” cotton rectangles
- 2 pieces of 6 “elastic (or rubber bands, string, fabric strips, or hair ties)
- Needle and thread
- Sewing machine
- Cut out 2 rectangles of 10 by 6 ” cotton fabric. Use well-woven cotton, such as quilted fabrics, cotton sheets, or fabric from a T-shirt. Put one rectangle over another, as you will sew the mask as if it were a single piece of fabric.
- Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric about ½ inch along the short sides and sew down.
- Pass a 6 ” length of elastic 1/8 inch wide through the widest hem on each side of the mask. These will be the earmuffs. Use a large needle or bobby pin to go through it. Tie the ends well.
If you don’t have elastic, you can use hair ties or elastic headbands. If you only have one cord, you can make the bows longer and tie the mask behind your head.
- Gently pull the elastic so that the knots are tucked into the hem. Gather the sides of the mask into the elastic and adjust it so that the mask fits your face. Then sew the elastic in place to keep it from moving.
T-shirt mask (no-sew method)
- Cut 7 ” of the shirt from the bottom, on both sides.
- On one side, make a 6 or 7 ” side cut, ensuring that there are top and bottom edges. Smooth, cut one of the sides.
- Position the mask, tying the edges in a knot on your neck and on the top of your head.
Handkerchief mask (no-sew method)
- Handkerchief (or square cotton fabric about 20 “x 20”
- Garters (or hair bands)
- Scissors (if cutting fabric)
- Fold the scarf in 2.
- Fold from top to bottom and from bottom to top.
- Place the rubber bands or ribbons 6 ” apart.
- Fold both sides towards the center and arrange.
- Put the mask on and hold it with the rubber bands on your ears.
Now that you have this guide, we hope you can create your own articles so that going outside is, at least, a little safer. Take care of yourself!…