How to Make a Mask Out of Fabric: DIY Face Mask Instructions

Wearing a face mask is one way we can all help slow the spread of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Wearing a face mask in public or community settings, especially in situations where you may be near other people, is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and many state and county health departments. Some cities also require you to wear face masks if you go out in public.

A face mask isn't intended to protect you, the wearer. Instead, the purpose of wearing a face covering, according to the CDC, is to protect the people around you. That's because you may have the disease, but aren't showing symptoms.

If you lack sewing skills or just want a quick way to make a face mask with materials at home, we’ve got you covered.

Surgical face masks and N95 respirators need to be used primarily by frontline healthcare workers. These masks protect healthcare workers who are caring for people diagnosed with COVID-19. The general public is encouraged to use cloth face masks which will prioritize and reserve the supply for these workers.

Making a cloth face mask is simple, and many patterns don't require professional sewing skills or even a sewing machine.

As long as you have the following, you’ll have everything you need to make your own face mask:

The two cloth face masks described below come from guidelines set by the CDC. Both masks only take a few minutes to make and don't require any sewing.

For extra protection with this method, add one to two extra layers of fabric, the same size as the mask, between your mouth and the mask.

How you handle a mask can be just as important as wearing one out in public.

Before putting on a mask, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, rub your hands together thoroughly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Wash your hands immediately after removing the mask.

Besides wearing a face mask, there are other important steps you can take to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2:

Taking appropriate steps to slow the spread of the new coronavirus is something we can all do.

Wearing a fabric face mask when out in public is one way you can help slow the spread of this virus. You can easily make one for yourself and others with just a few basic items. You don't even need to know how to sew.

Besides wearing a face mask when you need to go out, you can also help yourself and others stay safe by staying home as much as possible, following physical distancing guidelines, and washing your hands often.