How to Make a Face Mask?

You can make a face mask with some recycled clothing and simple materials. The important thing is to use a resistant fabric that prevents moisture from penetrating the protective barrier.

The most iconic image of the Covid-19 pandemic has been that of the face mask. Many people were already using them in the streets, supermarkets, banks, and other places, but since April 8th, it has been mandatory to wear them on public or private transport as a measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus that causes this disease.

Failure to comply with this rule carries monetary penalties of up to $2.5 million (between half and one thousand UTM, depending on the severity) and imprisonment. This health measure is in addition to frequent handwashing with soap, social distancing, and voluntary or mandatory quarantine.

The high demand for face masks from hospitals and the general public has led to shortages of this essential item. However, it is possible to make them at home with readily available materials. There are many ways to make them, and countless tutorials are available online, but there are a few things to keep in mind beforehand.

Among the requirements is that the fabric be sufficiently durable and moisture-resistant. It could be a cotton T-shirt, a hand towel, a handkerchief, or a non-woven fabric bag. One way to test the fabric’s permeability is to unfold it and apply a spray (disinfectant or air freshener) to one side only, noting whether or not the spray penetrates the material. It will be suitable if the spray droplets do not pass through. 

Suggestions from the Ministry of Health for the manufacture of face masks

1. Before putting on a mask, it is recommended to wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol solution.
2. Make sure the mask covers your mouth and nose, without leaving any unprotected spaces.
3. Avoid touching the mask while wearing it. If you do touch it, it is recommended to wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. When removing the mask, avoid touching the front. Dispose of the mask immediately in a sealed container. Then wash your hands with soap and water.

How to make a face mask in less than ten minutes?

The following video tutorial shows you how to make a face mask using non-woven fabric (TNT) from a reusable bag. This eco-friendly material, made with fused fibers, is water-repellent, temperature-resistant, washable, and non-abrasive to the touch. 

In addition to the fabric, you will need elastic, a needle, pins, thread, scissors, a letter-size sheet of paper for the pattern, and a pencil. If you don’t have elastic, you can make four strips from the same non-woven fabric to use as ties for the mask.