Although a DIY face mask for sickness prevention is not as effective as a purchased and medically-approved mask, the CDC states that cloth face coverings can help slow the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 coronavirus. What's more, a project by the University of Hong Kong offers evidence specially designed DIY masks may be 80% to 90% as effective as medically-approved masks. If you don't have access to a mask and need one to care for your loved one or to prevent a patient from spreading the illness, it is worth knowing how to make your own face mask.

Making a Cloth Face Covering

The CDC recommends people wear a cloth face covering or simple mask to slow the spread of disease. You can use this simple pattern to make your own cloth face mask. You don't need a lot of sewing experience, since this project is easy for beginners. Print this simple cloth face mask pattern by clicking on the image. This guide to Adobe printables will help if you get confused.

Things You'll Need

In addition to the printable pattern, you'll need the following tools and supplies to make a cloth mask:

Two pieces of tightly woven cotton fabric, each at least nine by six inches
One yard of seam binding
Pins
Scissors
Thread
Fabric pencil or marker
Sewing machine or hand sewing needle

What to Do

Start by printing the pattern.
Cut out two pieces of fabric using the pattern.
Use a fabric pencil to mark the spots where you will gather the fabric.
Placing the right sides together, sew along one long edge of the rectangle, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Sew along the other long side, again leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
You now have a fabric tube. Turn it right side out and use your fingers to flatten the seams.
On one short side, sew through both layers to gather where you marked.
Repeat with the other side. Adjust the gathers to fit the person who will wear the mask or simply make the gathered section about two and a half inches long.
Cut the yard of seam binding in half to make two 18-inch sections.
Center one side of the mask on the seam binding, wrapping the binding around the gathered edge of the mask. Pin in place.
Sew all the way down the open edge of the seam binding to create the ties of the mask and finish the gathered edge.
Repeat with the other side. The mask is ready to wear.

Variation for a Child-Sized Mask

To make a smaller version, simply size the pattern down. You can measure the child or just make the pattern a bit smaller. For instance, instead of a six-inch by nine-inch rectangle, a child's mask will require a 5.5-inch by seven-inch rectangle of fabric.

Paper DIY Face Masks May Be Effective

The WHO maintains that a face mask does not protect the general public from infectious diseases like coronovirus or the flu. Masks help those who are caring for sick people, and they can prevent the spread of illness if worn by the people who are sick. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, the Hong Kong Consumer Council, and other groups worked together to analyze the effectiveness of surgical masks available for purchase and create a plan for making your own face masks in times of shortage. Lab testing revealed that the masks were 80% to 90% as effective as purchased surgical masks at filtering out aerosol and droplets. While these masks are not as effective as ones you can buy, the research team did some rigorous testing and determined an effective mask needed three layers:

Outer layer - This layer must be water resistent to keep out droplets. A plastic file folder works well.
Middle layer - This layer must provide filtration. Using an electron microscope, the team analyzed paper towel and determined it was similar in structure to a purchased mask.
Inner layer - This layer needs to absorb water vapor from the breath of the person wearing the mask. A three-ply or four-ply facial tissue works well.

How to Make Your Own Face Mask From Paper

Using the Hong Kong researchers' work, you can make your own face mask for germs. Remember, this is not helpful unless you are sick or caring for someone who is sick. Each mask uses items that are readily available and unlikely to be in short supply during emergencies. These masks are affordable and easy to make on your own.

Things You'll Need

Gather the following supplies to make a DIY paper face mask:

Clear plastic file folder
Two sheets of paper towels
One facial tissue
Two binder clips
Hole punch
One plastic-coated wire or twist tie
Glasses or safety goggles
Rubber bands or elastic cord
Two-inch-wide masking tape or painter's tape
Scissors

Making the DIY Face Mask

Start by washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Clean your work surface and tools and disinfect with bleach.
Put one square of paper towel on your work surface. Place a second square of paper towel over the first one, turning it 90 degrees so any patterns or perforations do not overlap.
Unfold a piece of Kleenex or other facial tissue and place this on top of the two layers of paper towel.
Holding all three layers together, cut the stack in half using the sterilized scissors. You now have two rectangular stacks. Set one aside.
Tear a small piece of masking tape and apply it to one shorter side of the rectangle of paper towel and tissue, allowing one inch to extend beyond the edge of the paper. Wrap this around the stack and adhere it to the other side. This seals one edge. Repeat with the other short edge.
Use the hole punch to make four holes. You will punch through the masking tape edges near each corner.
Turn the mask so the paper towel side is up.
Place a twist tie or plastic-coated wire along one long edge of the mask. Apply a piece of masking tape lengthwise over the wire to tape it to the mask. Allow the edge of the tape to hang over the edge of the paper towel so you can wrap it around the other side to seal it.
Tie four pieces of elastic cord or four rubber bands through the holes you punched in the corners of the mask. Set the mask aside.
Cut the plastic file folder so it is only one layer. Wrap the plastic around the glasses or safety goggles and use binder clips on each of the ear pieces to attach it.

How to Wear the DIY Face Mask

To put on the mask, arrange it with the tissue side over your nose and mouth.
Loop the rubber bands over your ears, adjusting the bands as needed to get a good fit.
Pinch the twist tie or wire to fit the mask tightly over the bridge of your nose.
Put on the glasses with the file folder face shield.

Making a Child's Face Mask for Germs

You can make a child-sized version of this mask by making some minor modifications. You'll need a tape measure to help.

Choose child-sized goggles or glasses instead of adult-sized ones.
Cut the plastic file folder to fit the goggles.
Measure the child from ear to ear and cut the paper towel face mask down to the appropriate size.
Tie the rubber bands to a smaller size to fit over the child's ears.

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Emergency Substitutions for Tools and Supplies

During emergencies and other events, it may be difficult to find everything you need. How do you make a face mask if you don't have all the supplies? While you can't replicate the filtering ability of the paper towel, you can use some items to substitute for other supplies. Keep in mind, these substitutions may reduce the effectiveness of the mask.

Substitutions for File Folders

The researchers who devised this mask design chose the file folder because it is usually easy-to-find, is see-through, and is water resistant. In testing with a florescent solution to simulate a cough, the file folder was excellent at protecting the person wearing it as a face shield. However, if you can't find a file folder, try one of these ideas instead:

Cut down the plastic viewing window from product packaging. Apply tape to the edges of the plastic so it is not sharp.
Make a shield out of overlapping strips of transparent packaging tape. Ensure each strip is well sealed to the adjacent ones.
Cut down a plastic envelope or document holder instead.

Substitutions for the Facial Tissue

The research team chose facial tissues because they were absorbent. However, if you don't have facial tissues handy, try one of these ideas:

Fold several sheets of toilet paper to the appropriate size.
Use a paper napkin, cutting it to fit the size of the mask.
Try a thin piece of soft fabric that has been disinfected.

Substitutions for Glasses

What if you don't wear glasses or have a pair of goggles handy? These substitutions can help you make the mask anyway:

Find an old pair of sunglasses and knock the lenses out. You only need the glasses frame to make the mask.
Use a visor or hat with a bill, trimming the bill down as needed.
Try a headband or other accessory that fits your head.

Caring For and Disposing of Your Mask

Whether you choose to make your own face mask or buy one, the WHO suggest you keep these tips in mind when using it and disposing of it:

Wash your hands before putting on the mask.
When wearing the mask, make sure it covers your mouth and nose completely. Avoid any gaps if possible.
Do not touch the mask after you have put it on.
When the inner portion of the mask becomes damp, throw it away and replace it with a new one.
The only portion of the DIY face mask you can reuse is the plastic face shield. For that, sterilize it with alcohol or a bleach solution before using it again.
Avoid touching the front of the mask when you take it off. Instead, remove it by the elastic loops.
Throw the mask away after use. Wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer after touching it.

Stay Calm and Be Creative

There may be times when you don't have face masks on hand, but knowing how to make your own can help you handle an emergency situation. While a DIY face mask isn't quite as effective as a purchased option, it's better than nothing. Staying calm and being creative can help you better care for those who need your help while protecting your own health at the same time.