I thought I would pull together some helpful face mask tips for anyone looking for quick-start information on a face mask or covering for Coronavirus.
There is a whole host of information about masks and filters and safety and efficacy and…
Yep, it’s overwhelming and not always helpful.
So this post is meant to give you the quick scoop about what I have learned as well as provide some information on how to make quickie masks with both a no-sew face option and one that requires a sewing machine.
Face Mask Information & Insights
Leave the medical grade masks to the professionals when you can.
Yep, that’s right. There is no need to look for the N95s if you have no preexisting conditions, are appropriately social distancing, and are just looking for a mask to wear for your “essentials” trip.
The masks with the greatest level of filtering must go to the people on the front lines. (But, I am no a doctor, so if you’re worried, please consult with a medical professional.)
Plenty of materials on-hand can be used as a face mask filter.
When making your ‘in the public’ DIY face mask, go with the best filter material you have on-hand. You don’t need to make a separate trip for something additional.
There are a whole host of household materials that will work and you can learn more in this post or this article from Stanford Medicine.
The short version? A 100% cotton t-shirt filters 69% again 1-micron particles and a tea towel is 70% effective against the bacteria.
Touching Your Mask Is Touching Your Face
The masks entire purpose is to protect you and others from the virus but if you wear a mask and are constantly readjusting, or taking it off an on by touching the fabric, then it won’t be very effective.
When you take off the masks you want to pull the elastic from behind your ears or untie the ties without touching the front. Do not put it in a bag or your purse for later.
You should, instead, throw it into the wash (see below) immediately after use.
Wash Your Face Mask Often
Now, you don’t need to wash your face mask as often as you wash your hands.
After each use, though, you want to ‘sanitize’ it as best you can. Wash it in hot water and dry on hot as well. So yes, the fabric will mostly like fade quickly, and it will shrink and wrinkle. The efficacy, however, will remain the same.
Make A Face Mask or Face Covering
If you need a quick solution and don’t have time to sew a fabric face mask, make a face covering instead.
Here is a helpful “quickie face mask” tutorial for a no-sew neck gaiter.
DIY Face Covering: No-sew Neck Gaiter
Face Mask Fit: Add A Nose Wire Channel
Not all face masks have a nose wire. So, if you’re loving your face mask but wishing it had a wire, then this tutorial will solve your problem.
It’s a quick way to add a nose wire to your fabric face mask.
Fabric Face Mask: Sew a Mask in 15 Minutes
I also wanted to give a HUGE shout out to the awesome mother-daughter duo Mia & Hermine in the video below. They are not only cranking out masks at a clip pace but also making time to help others by showcasing their quickie method.
Share The Goods
If you are an organization in need of handmade items (not just face masks) please feel free to contact me and let me know more about your needs.
There are a lot of people with home studios who want to contribute and are looking for a variety of ways to volunteer.