Are Homemade Cloth Masks Effective?

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. 

Cloth masks can be fashioned from fabrics and can be a decent alternative to medical masks if you don’t have access to them.

What Do I Need to Consider in a Homemade Mask?

First, the mask should have a snug fit. They should be secured with ties or elastic ear loops and should have multiple layers of fabrics to stop contaminated aerosol from penetrating it. More importantly, the mask shouldn’t restrict breathing and should be able to be laundered or machine-dried without damaging it.

While homemade masks are not as effective as surgical or N95 masks, they can help in slowing the spread of infection. Are you looking to make your own masks? Here’s how you can start.

Step 1:

Cut both fabric and interfacing to 12 x 9 inches

Step 2:

Iron interfacing to fabric

Step 3:

Fold fabric in half with interacting on the outside

Step 8:

Create three pleats by folding them and sew around the entire perimeter of the mask to hold them in place, and then close the 2-inch gap

Lastly, be sure to test out your new mask to see if it’s breathable. 

With homemade masks, you can help slow the infection, considering you’re using the right fabrics.

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