Make A DIY Face Mask

Need to create a simple mask? Want to learn how to sew like a pro? Either way, by making your own DIY face mask you’ll be able to match it to your fave outfit or use leftover fabric to create your own matching scrunchie and more.

Wondering how to make a face mask? Here’s how you can create your own sustainable one with our four step-by-step guides:

Upcycling Socks: The No-Sew Mask

@ailbheconboy

Difficulty level: Easy

You'll need:

● Sock

● Scissors

● Ruler

● Filter

Step 1

Cut off both ends of the sock and then cut halfway down both sides, about 3/4 inch in from the edge. Twist the sock so that both holes are centered.

Step 2

Place your filter between the sock’s two layers and voilà!

Upcycling Clothes: The No-Sew T-shirt Mask

Difficulty level: Easy

You'll need:

● Unwanted t-shirt

● Scissors

● Ruler

● Filter

Step 1

Cut off one sleeve of the T-shirt, following the curved line of the shoulder: cut both the front and back. Then cut a 3/4 inch wide strip off the bottom of the tee, cutting both the front and back. Cut the strip at one end so it doubles in length, forming one long strand.

Step 2

Twist the cut-off sleeve until the curved seam is centered (this is where your nose will go!) and fold in the edges of the sleeve by about 1/3 inch.

Step 3

Work your way down the sleeves, making small cuts about 3/4 inch apart into the folded fabric. Then take one end of the long strip of fabric and weave it into the cutouts on the left. Take the other end and do the same on the right.

Step 4

Place the filter between the two layers of sleeves. Wrap the fabric around your mouth and pull the two strands to tighten. Tie securely and your mask is complete.

Pleated DIY Face Mask

Difficulty level: Intermediate

You'll need:

● Fabric of your choice

● Scissors

● Ruler

● Pen and paper

● Iron

● Sewing machine or needle and thread

● Pins

● Elastic or ribbons

● Filter

Step 1

Trace a piece of paper measuring 7.5 x 9.5 inches, and use it as a template to cut out your fabric. Create another template measuring 5 x 7 inches and use it to cut out two pieces of lining fabric.

Step 2

Create a 1/3 inch fold on the width of each piece of lining fabric, and iron to hold it before sewing in place.

Step 3

Place your fabric face up, and place your lining fabric on top with the facing 1/3 inch turned-up part towards the center. Repeat with the second piece of lining so that the two pieces are overlapping. Sew your main fabric and lining fabric together, allowing for a 1/3 inch seam.

Step 4

Use the iron to press the seams, bringing the lining fabric to the back so that the right side of the fabric becomes visible. Then starting at the top, start creating pleats by taking about 1.25 inch of fabric, pinching and folding and securing with pins. Once done, iron in place and sew to secure (make sure to sew both the fabric and the lining). Hide raw edges by creating 1/3 inch seams on each side.

Step 5

Take your elastic or equivalent and thread it through the side seams. Knot in place and hide the knots by twisting until they fit into the seam. The best masks for coronavirus are fitted with filters inside, so don’t forget to put one in before using.

Hair Tie Fashion COVID Mask

Difficulty level: Hard

You'll need:

• Fabric of your choice

• Scissors

• Ruler

• Pen and paper

• Iron

• Sewing machine or needle and thread

• Pins

Step 1

Create a paper pattern by downloading and following our guide

Step 2

Double-fold your fabric and use your paper pattern to cut out the same shapes (you should be left with four fabric pieces).

Step 3

Onto the work surface, place one piece of your fabric right side up. Then place another piece on top of this with wrong side facing up (two right faces are touching). Pin along curved edge and sew together. Repeat with the other two pieces. Use an iron to press out the seams.

Step 4

Lay one piece of fabric right side up, then place the other directly on top with the wrong side facing up. Pin along the curved edge and sew to secure. You should now have two side openings. Turn the fabric in on itself so that the right side is facing outwards.

Step 5

Cut a piece of spare fabric to measure about 23.5 inches x 4 inches; fold in half with the wrong side facing outwards. Pin and sew the length, leaving a 1/3 inch seam allowance so you can turn the fabric the right side out.

Step 6

Take the open seam from your hair tie and place it inside the open seam from the COVID mask. Fold and press with the iron. Then pin and sew to secure. Tidy edges by sewing around them. Now your mask and matching hair tie are ready to wear!