How to Make a No-Sew Face Mask

As I’m sure you probably know, the CDC is now requesting that we wear cloth face coverings when we have to go out in public.

Some of you know how to sew and have undoubtedly already made face masks for yourselves, your family, and organizations that have expressed a need for them.

But for those of you who don’t sew, there’s another option. And the best thing about this no-sew face mask is that it uses items you probably already have laying around your home (no need to make an extra trip when we should all be staying home)!

Here’s how to make an easy DIY cloth face mask in less than 5 minutes (No sewing required).

Step 1: Gather your materials.

You’ll need a piece of square fabric and two hair ties or rubber bands.

I used a vintage cloth napkin, but you could also use a handkerchief or any other similarly-sized square of (preferably cotton) fabric.

If you don’t have any hair ties or elastic, just cut some of the elastic from the top of an old sock!

Step 2: Fold the top and bottom of your fabric square to the center.

Step 3: Flip it over.

Step 4: Fold the top and bottom towards the center (much like Step 2!)

Step 5: Flip it over again!

Step 6: Thread the ends of your fabric square through the hair ties/elastic

Step 7: Fold the sides inward, and tuck them into each other.

This would also be when you’d add a filter if you have one.

And that’s it! When you flip it over, you’ll see you have your very own pleated face mask!

You can see how the pleating allows it to fit snugly across your face.

PLEASE keep in mind that none of these fabric masks are medical grade and please don’t think you’re safe because you’re wearing one. Everything I’ve read or heard in the news says these are “better than nothing” to hopefully keep our own particles from spreading somewhat.

This was a really hard post for me to write. I never thought I’d be sharing a tutorial like this and it feels surreal as I’m writing it. Please share this tutorial with anyone you think might find it useful.

I hope you’re all staying safe at home as much as possible, and that you’re keeping busy with creative projects and refashions you’ll get to enjoy when this is all over.

Much love to you, friends.