MAKING NO-SEW MASKS AT HOME
W ith the recommendation to wear masks in a public setting where social distancing is hard to maintain, comes the need to have your own face covering ready and available. While there are many local sellers of non- medical masks on PEI, another option is to make your own. As we adjust to the new normal, it can be helpful to have more than one mask available, for example in your car or in your bag, let’s say if yours is in the wash, or if you forgot it at home. Now, sewing can be a barrier to entry for some. The good news is I’ve found an easy, no-sew mask, with accessible materials that you can find at home – like that one shirt that never gets worn or that extra fabric you’ve been hanging on to for a future project.
Words and photos by Clara Deacon
covering your mouth and nose. If the mask is too large or too small, readjust the hair ties to be closer or further away from the center.
Step 1.
Variations on the no-sew mask
There are a number of variations that you can consider when making your own mask. The CDC recommends cotton fabric, generally speaking, with the Government of Canada adding the importance of tightly woven fabric. I’ve seen patterns using pillowcases, t-shirts, or even bandanas or handkerchiefs, that all follow the same process. The common recommendation for all DIY face coverings is to have at minimum two layers of fabric. Instead of hair ties, you could alternatively use elastic bands or even tie together skinny pieces of fabric to make your own ear loops. For added structure around your nose, I have also seen a small piece of pipe cleaner or twist tie stuck to the inside using double sided tape. The variations are endless, but the message stays the same: no- sew masks are a way for you to have a number of options that are customizable in terms of sizing, are easy to wash and reuse and help keep yourself and others safe. For more information on wearing non- medical masks or face coverings, visit the Government of Canada’s guidelines at canada.ca/covid19.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Materials: -
Cotton fabric
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2 hair ties
Step 4.
Step 1: Cut out a piece of fabric Cut out a 20” x 14” rectangular piece of cotton fabric. You can adjust the sizing by a few inches, but this is a helpful starting point. Step 2: Fold the top and bottom towards the center Placing the rectangle on a flat surface, fold in the top and bottom edges to meet at the centre. Step 3: Slide two hair elastics on each end Take two hair elastics and slide one on to each end of the rectangle, leaving them about 6” apart. Step 4: Fold in both sides Fold in the left and right ends of the rectangle towards the centre. The side that is facing you is now the inside of your mask. Step 5: Adjust the hair ties behind your ears Hold up your mask, and adjust the hair ties behind your ears, with the mask
Step 5.
Clara Deacon is a communications specialist from the South Shore of PEI. Outside of writing, she also enjoys dancing, knitting, cooking, and playing the piano.
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www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020
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