Make your own face mask

Home & Living

Personalised face masks are about to become the new essential.

Face masks are set to become the norm globally, as the world starts to venture outside again. It’s important for us to consider using reusable cloth face masks for many reasons: it’s more cost-effective, more environmentally friendly but most importantly, it frees up stocks of medical-grade masks for health care professionals and other essential workers who need them the most. Cloth masks are for personal, non-medical use but still helps contain the spread of the virus. You can buy them, but making your own face masks can be very easy and fun. Plus you can select different colours and patterns that match your style, as they become staple wear in our fight to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Materials

1. Fabric (preferably 100 % cotton that's tightly woven)

2. elastic for ear loops (or flat shoelaces, or ribbon)

3. scissors

4. ruler

5. pins or clips

6. sewing machine or needle and thread

Instructions

1. Cut one cotton rectangle 21.5 cm wide and 40.6 cm long. Cut two 18 cm pieces of elastic or alternatively four 45cm long fabric ties (or ribbon or shoelaces)

2. Fold in half and sew along the top edge, leaving an 8 cm opening for the pocket

3. Sandwich the elastic or the fabric ties between the layers of the mask. Pin in place at the corners, and sew along each side.

4. Turn the mask right side out. Fold three evenly spaced 1.3 cm pleats. Pin in place and sew to secure.

Tips

1. Always wash your hands properly with soap and water before wearing.

2. Wash the mask after every use, or if you happen to have one with a filter, exchange it regularly.

3. Even when wearing a mask, keep a 1.5 m distance from others!