5 Easy DIY Face Mask Tutorials
5 Easy DIY Face Mask Tutorials
Looking for easy DIY face mask tutorials? Check out these five video tutorials on how to make them with common household items, whether you can sew or not! This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
Our lives have been radically changed over the past few weeks as COVID-19 spreads throughout the world. To be honest, I was one of those people back in late February joking about others hoarding toilet paper and thinking wearing masks in public were simply overreacting. I completely dismissed the idea of this novel virus having an impact on our daily lives. It wasn’t until we were at The Players Championship in March when I heard the news of our local schools extending Spring Break, followed by reports of Walt Disney World closing, that I really started to be concerned.
Taking COVID-19 Seriously
As a mom of three young daughters (one who is only a couple months old), the impacts of COVID-19 have been very worrying. My husband’s job is considered essential so he continues to work. We are both concerned about him bringing something home to the rest of us. I, on the other hand, have only left our home a handful of times to go to the grocery store. I am very much an extrovert and hate staying at home, so I’ve actually looked forward to my weekly kid-free grocery trip. However, my latest trip was downright scary.
The store was set up for ‘social distancing’. They have markers to keep people in the check out lines at least 6 feet apart, plus controlled one-at-a-time entry. In addition, most shoppers had gloves, scarves or face masks on. While I definitely have taken precautions while shopping, using a LOT of hand sanitizer, avoiding my face, etc, seeing everyone else in face masks made me reconsider wearing one myself.
Should I wear a face mask?
Until now, most communication from officials about wearing face masks said it was unnecessary. Earlier this week, there was a new announcement from the CDC recommending wearing cloth face coverings in public settings. I know medical masks are in short supply, but still wanted to have something for my next grocery run. Thus, I took to YouTube and Pinterest to find tutorials to make my own. I tried several before I found one I love, but I’m sharing the best 5 Easy DIY Face Mask Tutorials.
Keep in mind, 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.
DIY FACE MASKS For All Ages (Washable + Re-Usable)
I love the shape of this mask because it fits so perfectly across the nose without being too close to the eyes. She even shares the free DIY Face Mask pattern to make it super easy to do yourself.
NO-SEW Face Masks for All Ages
This tutorial is by the same YouTuber, but provides a super easy to follow no-sew tutorial. Not everyone has a sewing machine or knows how to use one, so having a DIY no-sew face mask is important too!
DIY Face Mask with Ties, Fitted Nose and Filter Pocket
This next DIY face mask includes ties which are much more comfortable than elastic and provide a better fit. This specific tutorial also shows how to make a fitted nose and sew in a filter pocket.
DIY Face Mask by Paper Towels
If you aren’t a sewer and don’t have a stash of fabric laying around, it may be hard to find all the supplies you need in stores. This specific tutorial uses a paper towel, yup a PAPER TOWEL. I’m not sure how effective this is compared to fabric but as many people have pointed out, something is better than nothing. Here’s another tutorial from the same person on how to make a face mask with a cloth bag.
How to sew a simple pleated face mask
I also tried a few of the pleated face masks following the tutorial below. This video is really easy to follow for someone without a lot of sewing experience.
Important Tips for Making a DIY Face Mask
There are a few important things to keep in mind when creating a DIY face mask. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
What fabric can I use to make a face mask?
This study concludes that pillowcases and 100% cotton t-shirts are the best materials for DIY face masks. Why? The answer lies in breathability. How easy it is to breathe through your mask is an important factor that will affect how comfortable it is. And comfort isn’t merely a luxury. Comfort will influence how long you can wear your mask. Read more >>
How to safely remove a used face mask?
According to the CDC, individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. Nurses highly recommend doing two distinct colors on the front and back of homemade face masks. This helps discern which side is “out” to prevent confusion and the spread of germs.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.