Safety First: DIY Masks to Protect Yourself and Others

There are countless techniques and methods used to construct face masks that are popping up everywhere on the internet. We love that everyone wants to help in their own way, which is why we’ve created our own mask DIY.

If you haven’t heard, currently there is a massive shortage of face masks for medical professionals, individuals of the public and people who are immunocompromised. To combat this problem, people from all over the world are getting creative and sewing face masks. Whether you’re making a face mask for yourself, your grandparents or you’re making a bunch of masks to donate—keep on reading to learn our tips and tricks.

1. Why should I be wearing a mask?

Hey you! Yes, you. We all have a part to play in flattening the curve and looking out for our communities right now. A face mask can protect other people from you. When you’re talking, coughing or sneezing, we all spread some germs. This is why doctors always encourage you to cough or sneeze into your elbow—to prevent germs from reaching others around you. COVID-19 is nothing like the common cold, and it can be seriously harmful. Even if you’re not feeling sick yet, you might be infectious. To keep the risk small and to do your part in protecting others, we encourage you to make a face mask at home! Wear it to the grocery store, to walk your dog. You can even make it fashionable and share your best social distancing look on Instagram. Let’s make #ootdistancing a thing!

2. Mouth and nose

Prioritize covering your mouth and nose, both should completely disappear under your mask. Whether you’re a master seamstress or just tie a bandana over your face, anything is better than exposing yourself and others to germs.

3. Handwashing and other delights

Our homemade masks don’t meet medical standards. Wearing face protection is also quite useless if you’re not standing the required distance (approximately 5—6 feet between yourself and others). Washing your hands is another extremely effective safety measure. You should always wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.

4. Which mask is right for you?

A) The Drosten

All of Germany admires Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten, the virologist of the Berlin Charité. The current poster boy of science (Drosten himself suffers a lot from it) also has an idea for DIY mouth protection. This is an excellent no-sew option, but will still satisfy your crafting needs. This method is also recommended by people in Hong Kong.

Pro: It’s easy to do and can be disposed of after use.
Con: If it becomes extremely popular, paper towels might be sold out everywhere.

B) The Pro

For this method, you need the right fabric, an iron and a sewing machine.
Pro: The instructions come in several languages and support sewing in large numbers for other mask wearers.
Con: It’s designed for sewing experts.

C) The Beginner

Old T-shirts are excellent for the production of face masks. This works with a sewing needle
or without.
Pro: Super easy production and the material is available for everyone at home.
Con: You might lose all of your favorite college T-shirts.

D) The Pragmatic

So, you don’t want to sew, cut, tear, glue or give away one of your T-shirts? Then try a simple cotton bandana. As long as it fits properly and is clean.
Pro: You just tie it around your nose and mouth. You can also design it yourself. This is also
the most sustainable choice.
Con: You’ll need several of them to be able to wash them often after use.

No matter which mask method you choose, it’s important to protect yourself and others. This means, your mask must meet certain requirements. It must fit tightly when worn. If you choose a bandana, your reusable face mask should be washed on hot with detergent after use. You should always remove your mask by the straps or the ends of your scarf. The more face masks you can make and distribute, the better. We’re looking forward to your ideas and wish you and your loved ones all the best. Stay healthy!