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You don’t need a sewing machine or any sewing supplies to create a cloth face covering like a bandana mask. You can make a no-sew cloth face mask with two elastic bands and a bandana, or any piece of cotton fabric such as a large square cut out of an old shirt.
It takes less than a minute to make this DIY no-sew bandana mask.
The CDC, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer as well as other government officials across the world agree that we are all safer if people wear face masks when out in public.
Since it is crucial that medical supplies are reserved for frontline healthcare workers, the general public must use cloth masks or other DIY face masks.
There are many different options for homemade face coverings.
The Easiest DIY No-Sew Face Mask
If you need a mask immediately and you have limited supplies, this instant face mask tutorial has you covered!
All the supplies you need are two elastic bands, regular rubber bands or hair ties will work, and a bandana or large piece of fabric from an old dress shirt or t-shirt.
If you don’t have hairbands or elastic bands, or you want a softer alternative to wrap around your ears, you can cut sections of a tube sock to make soft, knit “elastic” bands.
If you are cutting your fabric from a shirt, cut a piece around 18″ x 18″ The size does not need to be exact at all.
How to Make a DIY Bandana Face Mask Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Open and lay your bandana or fabric on a flat surface. Then fold bandana in large folds, approximately five or six inches deep.
Place elastic bands on each end of folded bandana, with about an eight-inch space in the center, between the bands,
Turn ends in towards the center of the folded bandana and then place one end into the other, pocketing one end into the folds of the other.
Position elastic bands at the edges so they can wrap around your ears and hold the mask in place.
If You Can Sew, Make This DIY Face Mask
If you sew, we have a comprehensive DIY Cloth Face Mask Tutorial which includes a free downloadable face mask pattern and instructions. Hopefully, all you sewists out there will be able to sew masks for family, friends, and those in need.
For those who don’t sew but want to have a high quality, washable cloth face mask, there are many sewists, like myself, who are sewing extra masks for others.
You can reach out on social media to local sewists or look on Etsy to find sewists who are selling their handmade masks. Buying masks from home sewists is a wonderful way to support fellow moms so they can earn some extra grocery money, as well as to cover the costs of the fabric and supplies for the masks they are making to donate to the frontline workers.
There are also companies like TheraCalm, a small, family-owned Canadian business that normally makes weighted blankets and dental supplies but has now re-tooled part of their factory to help during this crisis by producing reusable, affordable cloth masks.
Written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at pinterest.com/5minutesformom
Rose Anthony says
I wanted to thank you for this GREAT mask pattern! I have a collection of bandannas just sitting around and this is a brilliant way to make use of them.
Janice says
Oh wonderful! I am so glad it is helpful!
April Lajara says
What kind of rubber bands did you use with the bandana?
Susan says
We just used regular rubber bands.
Nisa Stringfellow says
It works well. Stay safe
Mary says
Thank You for simplifying this so old folks who don’t sew can make a mask that will work. God Bless You and stay safe.
Sandra Padgett says
This is absolutely brilliant! Thank you! Found this on pinterest.
Janice says
Thank you Sandra – so glad you found us!
Kathy Wilson says
You are a GENIUS with this Bandana Mask Thank you !!!!
Janice says
Oh thank you Kathy – I am so glad it is helpful! I have just posted a new no-sew mask option that uses t-shirt fabric, scissors and a stapler — and it has a pocket for a filter. It is washable, reusable and comfortable! If you are looking for another no-sew option, you might want to check it out as well. 🙂
Martha Bryan Hinton says
I took your pattern and cut 12 1/2″ x 8″ oblong.
1. I folded one end down 2 times, first fold I added my pipe cleaner. Then folded it again pinned in place.
2. I took the bottom up to the top and placed under the pinned section. (place pins in place so the pipe cleaner or wire will not move.
Top stich, proceed as what your idea. This very simple to do. I do like yours too. Martha
Martha Bryan Hinton says
Can try 12″ x 8 too. That is my next step.
Janice says
That works for sure! Wonderful – thanks so much for sharing!
Karen Gonsalves says
Absolutely grateful for this post. I am 75 yrs old , locked down iny home without transportation.When I am unable to obtain a ride out, I have no masks. This is something I can do myself.
Susan says
We are happy to help… and we are so sad to hear that you are locked down without transportation. Janice lives with our 80 year old mother and neither of them are leaving the house. I’m so thankful I live two blocks away and can bring them food and supplies. I’ve never been so thankful that we decided to live so close together. These are such difficult times!
Janice says
So glad this is helpful for you, Karen! I hope you are doing well and staying healthy!