With the latest recommendation to wear masks when we go out and about, there has been a need to acquire a mask. As you know, most of us just go to the store and purchase one. A few weeks ago I posted a tutorial on how to sew a DIY face mask. However, not everyone knows how to sew or has access to a sewing machine.
I have been getting a lot of requests for “no-sew” masks, so I started doing some research and experimenting. I tried folding the bandanna thing and several other ways, but I had a hard time finding a method that was easy to understand and that wasn’t bulky and awkward to wear.
One of my customers, Suzette Gardner, clued me in on a technique she was using to make masks out of upcycled t-shirts. Now we’re talking. This is my territory. You all know how I love using upcycled t-shirts! So I gave it a whirl and loved how the knit felt on your face and how quick they were to make.
So here you have it, a tutorial on how to make a DIY no sew face mask, using an upcycled t-shirt that you can make in only 5 minutes. If the shirt is long-sleeved, you can make two more masks using the sleeves! I’ll walk you through that at the end of the post.
Materials and Items Needed
- Upcycled T-Shirt (the larger the better)
- If you have a long sleeve shirt, you can make a mask with each sleeve.
- The t-shirt needs to be at least 16 inches wide. Cotton t-shirts are the best.
- Rotary Cutter and Ruler (optional)
- Scissors
- Flannel Scrap (for the additional filter, optional) Cut to approximately 4 x 6 inches
DIY No Sew Face Mask Instructions
Trim off the hem of the shirt.
Cut two, 1 inch strips the width of the shirt
Cut off the seams on both sides
Take the strips and pull the fabric to CURL the fabric for the mask ties.
They need to be at least 16 inches long, more if you have the fabric
Measure from the bottom of the shirt and cut
- 8 inches for an ADULT MASK
- 7 inches for TEEN
- 6 inches for CHILD
Take one of those pieces and place the wrong side of the fabric facing up.
If you want more layers you can double the fabric.
Place the ties vertically 4 inches from the edge.
Fold the sides over the strap so the tie is against the fold.
They should overlap in the center, making the width of the mask around 8 inches for adults, 7 teens,s and 6 for children.
Take the ends of the ties and make a knot as close to the end as you can.
This will be the top of the mask.
Take the mask and place it over your nose rim.
Hold it in place while you pull the bottom ties to cinch in the mask.
Keep adjusting and pulling the ties until you get the fit that you like.
Tuck in the fabric that may be sticking out.
Want additional filter capabilities?
Cut a piece of flannel about 4×6 inches and place inside before folding the mask.
No Sew Face Mask using the t-shirt sleeves
Cut off sleeve and measure 16 inches.
Follow the same folding instructions as before.
Slightly gather the wider side and tuck into the sleeve opening.
The sleeve version will give more layers and more filterability.
I love how these masks feel when you have them on! So comfortable!
BAM! This will only take you 5 minutes or less.
No excuses now. Get you and your loved ones a mask made.
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Take care of yourselves, my friends. Keep smiling and finding the good in your day.
Jan Howell
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Jan Howell
Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.
