If you’re hoping to make an effective DIY face mask from home, the good news is you probably have the best materials for the job in your cupboards already.
A new study has found that denim and canvas are the best materials for making DIY masks. So, think old jeans and all those tote bags that you never use.
The study, by the Smart Air organization, found that canvas and denim are best for blocking germs, after they tested more than 30 different materials for their effectiveness in filtering coronavirus-sized microparticles, as well as their breathability.
The researchers discovered that denim and canvas are the fabrics best-suited to blocking out the germs while still being breathable enough for consistent wear. So, how can you make your own?
One mum who is a stitching extraordinaire has shared her simple guide for making simple face masks using jeans and canvas bags.
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Pritpal Kaur, from Harlington, loves to stitch. She has been experimenting with different household items so that if people in her community were in need of masks she could make some to give back and help others.
Here are Pritpal’s super simple step-by-step guides:
How to make a DIY face mask using a pair of jeans or a tote bag
Cut a rectangle of fabric (denim or canvas) 9 inches long (23cm) x 6 Inches (15cm) wide.
Mark the ties (elastic to put around ears) 0.6 inches (1.5cm) on the rectangle.
The elastic ties should be 17cm /7 inches.
Stitch down the sides on the longer side first, then insert the elastic and fold in the edge of fabric and stitch it all the way down the sides.
You’ll see the fold in the fabric – this needs to be stitched.
You can then put in the pleats on the side through pinning it and stitch these too so it looks like the below.
If you don’t have elastic to use for the ear straps, you can use two surplus strips of denim of canvas.
Just make sure they are robust enough that they won’t snap.
Et voila. A simple face mask made out of the most protective material you can find at home.
Do you have any clever hacks for making masks?
Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.