If you are like me and have been already making lots of face masks for front line workers, it’s hard to keep up with personal demand from friends and family…especially with the new CDC recommendations for everyone to wear some kind of face covering in public.  That got me thinking about all of the people who need masks all of a sudden but do not sew, have access to a sewing machine, know of places to get masks and/or do not have the means to buy them for their families.  That’s why I wanted to come up with a way to use household materials, like a plain t-shirt to make a mask for essential activity!

“CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.”

To Make the DIY Mask, these are the Materials Needed:

• (1) L-XXL Short Sleeve T-Shirt with a relaxed and roomy fit – I used a basic white Hanes shirt this this one, here.
• (2) Hair Elastics or Rubber Bands – I used Goody brand with no metal found here.

This tutorial utilizes the round tube of a short sleeve, giving you two layers of protection,  By using the sleeve hem across the nose bridge, the mask has a finish look and won’t curl over.  The  elastic ties bring the mask close to your face and doesn’t leave gaps like with other coverings.  Leaving the shoulder seam also helps the mask stay snug around your chin.  *Make sure to adjust the mask so both layers of the sleeve do cover BOTH the nose and the mouth.

Thanks to everyone who is wearing a mask and encouraging others to do the same.  Let’s make sure we flatten the curve!!!

Hugs and Stitches,

Cristy