DIY Cloth Face Masks

 

The current pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on our lives at CERN and around the world. In support of the continued efforts to stop the spread of the virus, here are some ideas for creating your own effective, cheap and eco-friendly cloth face masks with materials you have at home!

 

masksFacemasks and the Environment

We may be in a sanitary crisis, but we also continue to be in an environmental crisis as well due to climate change. While disposable facemasks are an important tool in the fight against coronavirus, they are also a major source of pollution, and are already showing up on beaches and in the environment. Cloth masks are a non-polluting
alternative that prevent the spread of the virus while protecting the environment.

Image Credit: Reuters

 

Why should I wear a mask in public?

According to guidelines by the WHO and CDC, while medical masks should be prioritized for health care workers, wearing a cloth mask in public is something simple you can do to protect yourself and others in public. Cloth masks made from materials found at home are also less wasteful than their disposable counterparts, and help make sure that enough medical masks are available for health care workers.

 

How do I use cloth face coverings?

In order to maximize the effectiveness of cloth face coverings, the WHO and CDC recommend the following:

  • Children under the age of 2 and people who have trouble breathing or can’t remove the mask without assistance should NOT use a mask
  • Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
  • Your mask should fit snugly around your face, allowing you to breathe easily. It should cover your mouth and nose without any gaps at the sides.
  • Avoid touching the mask while wearing it. If you do, wash your hands.
  • Remove the mask using the ear/head straps, without touching the front of the mask
  • Wash your mask after use, especially if wet, with your regular laundry detergent and warm water and let dry completely before reuse.
  • Use your cloth mask in combination with good social distancing

 

What materials should I use to make my own cloth mask?

  • Your mask should be at least 2 layers of fabric
  • Tightly woven cotton is the recommended fabric choice. Some good sources include:
    • Cotton napkins
    • Cotton sheets or pillowcases
    • Quilting fabric
    • Bandana 
    • T-Shirt fabric
  • The straps can be made from any material that pulls the mask snugly to your face. These can be made from:
    • Hair ties
    • Sturdy yarn
    • Cotton strips
    • Rubber bands/elastic
    •  

How do I make a cloth face mask?

            These recommendations are adapted from the CDC website.

  • No-Sew Version

You will need:

    • Bandana, old t-shirt, pillowcase, or other square cotton cloth (cut approximately 20x20in or 60x60cm)
    • Rubber bands (or hair ties)
    • Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)

            Instructions:

 
 

 

 

  • Sewn Versions

There are many tutorials available online that show how to sew your own facemask. Most require the following materials:

  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
  • Pins
  • Tightly woven cotton fabric, from pillowcases, sheets, bandanas, or T-Shirts

Some good versions are:

Happy Sewing!

 

All of us here at the CERN Eco-Actions Club wish you health and safety during these trying times. If you have any questions about making your mask or how to get involved, please email us at @ Eco.Actions@cern.ch