Everybody’s Homemade Face Masks

In Australia in efforts to contain the spread of the corona virus we have been asked to keep our distance from another person of at least 1.5 metres. With the exception of healthcare workers, the majority of us are not required to wear face masks at the moment.

However, if you do need one or are thinking about acquiring a mask, have you considered using a handkerchief & hair ties or even a T-shirt? I’ve put together a quick list of face masks anyone can easily make at home if they need a mask. And, especially for anyone living in countries where there are many people living close to each other, I hope this information is useful.

Japanese Creations have designed 2 DIY face masks.

No Sew Face Mask

This mask is made from a handkerchief and hair ties. I have seen others have added an extra gauze insert inside the handkerchief to boost filtration abilities of the masks.

How to Sew a Simple Fabric Face Mask

For the more creative person. A sewing machine is a must :0) This link includes a pattern template

Reusable masks by Marlena-Hand Made

I've read multi-layers of fabric are better than a single one. So here are a few handsewn pleated Small, Medium & Large masks with gauze inserts.

And here are some useful ideas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA

Here is the link to other ways to make a mask including a mask made from a T-shirt :0)  This site recommends using a coffee filter insert for extra protection in a handmade mask. Other sites suggest fabrics to use other than cotton are silk and nylon or even a tea towel as the weave is finer.

One definite advantage to homemade masks is that they are washable (hot & soapy water) and reusable. If you make a face mask please feel free to share your handiwork with us. I am sure there will be some really fun and interesting masks. 

Here are some pretty Hello Kitty masks made by my friend who lives in Japan. They are so cute!

Just an update, in the past few days I've noticed a jump in the number of You Tube videos about making masks! Although medical advice states surgical masks are the best, I think making your own is at least taking some preventative steps. Of course, regular Tai Chi and Qigong practice to keep your immunity up is another important preventative measure we can all keep up. 

Stay Well Everybody.