How To Make A Cloth Mask Cover

WARNING: the masks that are being created are not sterile and not intended to be respiratory protection. The masks being sewn are to be placed by medical staff over their N95 respirator mask in an effort to extend the useful life of the N95 respirator in a time when there is a severe worldwide shortage. No one should use these masks to protect themselves or others from respiratory particles.

What you will need:-

Cotton fabric – finely woven cotton fabric.

For each mask you will need 2 pieces of fabric 8” x 11”.

Ties (Elastic or Ribbon):

Elastic* - beading cord elastic will work or you may also us 1/8” flat elastic (anything else is too wide and causes sores behind the ears) - Cut the elastic 8” long and tie a knot at each end (a double knot if the elastic is very thin). You will need 2 pieces for each mask.

Ribbon or Fabric Ties – you will need 4 ties (each 16” long for each mask. Attach one in each corner.)

How to make a mask:-

1. Place the two pieces of fabric together with right sides facing

2. Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop.

3. If using elastic – insert one piece of elastic between the 2 pieces of fabric, making sure the knot is sticking out at the corner. Continue sewing, making sure the needle goes through the elastic.

If using ribbons or other ties you can either insert them in a similar way to the elastic or you can skip this step and stitch them to the outside of the mask as a final step.

4. Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner making sure the knot is sticking out. Sew through the elastic.

5. Continue sewing to the next corner. Insert the other piece of elastic with the knot sticking out. Stitch over the elastic securely (sew back and forth a few times to make sure the elastic is secure. Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.