Although we are all confined to the safety of our homes, some activities, such as grocery shopping, require us to step out of the house. In a time where we fear the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is strongly advised for us to use masks outside. So, what are we to do if all the masks have been sold out to the medical professionals who need them the most? What are we left with? We can make use of the time that we have now that we’re in quarantine to do something productive, if we’re bored: we can make our own masks.
The materials used to make masks can be found at home, and the masks are relatively simple to make, if you can sew! After some research to identify the materials that are suitable for masks, professionals claim that cotton materials-- like cotton pillowcases and tea towels-- are good to use. This is because they don’t let a relatively high percentage of particles through them while still being breathable. Leftover batik cloth is also a good material to use. To check what other materials are suitable, just pass a bright light through the cloth-- if the light passes through, try to look for something else to use. Other things you will need are elastic bands, thread, pins, a ruler, a pencil and a pair of scissors.
The first step is to cut your cloth of length 35 cm by 20 cm. Next, after setting it in a portrait position, fold it in half. Mark 4 cm at the end of both sides, approximately one centimeter from the top, as shown in the image. Then, sew the 4 cm mark. Bring the sewed part of the cloth downwards a little, fold back the flap as pictured and iron it down. Cut your elastic band so that you have a pair of two 17 cm bands. Insert the end of one band to the top and the other to the bottom of the cloth, then pin it with needles. Do the same with the other side of the cloth. Afterwards, sew the right and left sides closed. Open it inside out from the filter hole (the filter hole is the hole in the middle that is left from sewing the 4 cm marks). Make pleats by folding it, as shown by the picture, and pin with needles. Lastly, sew the right and left sides.
Before using the mask, remember to wash it regularly. After washing, iron the mask. Professionals highly recommend having a filter inside your masks, such as cut outs of vacuum cleaner bags. However, if you don’t have vacuum cleaner bags, dried wet wipes, coffee filters, paper towels and tissues are still better than nothing! You should remember to change the filter regularly, preferable once a week.
In times like these, it is very important to stay vigilant and cautious. Everyone must make sure to use masks, as enforced by the Indonesian government and WHO (World Health Organisation), as of the 5th of April. Using masks will benefit us, as well as the people around us. Let’s all do our part and try to prevent further spread of the virus by staying home and wearing masks. For more information on making masks, feel free to check out our instagram and dm us (@maskeraaid).
The materials used to make masks can be found at home, and the masks are relatively simple to make, if you can sew! After some research to identify the materials that are suitable for masks, professionals claim that cotton materials-- like cotton pillowcases and tea towels-- are good to use. This is because they don’t let a relatively high percentage of particles through them while still being breathable. Leftover batik cloth is also a good material to use. To check what other materials are suitable, just pass a bright light through the cloth-- if the light passes through, try to look for something else to use. Other things you will need are elastic bands, thread, pins, a ruler, a pencil and a pair of scissors.
The first step is to cut your cloth of length 35 cm by 20 cm. Next, after setting it in a portrait position, fold it in half. Mark 4 cm at the end of both sides, approximately one centimeter from the top, as shown in the image. Then, sew the 4 cm mark. Bring the sewed part of the cloth downwards a little, fold back the flap as pictured and iron it down. Cut your elastic band so that you have a pair of two 17 cm bands. Insert the end of one band to the top and the other to the bottom of the cloth, then pin it with needles. Do the same with the other side of the cloth. Afterwards, sew the right and left sides closed. Open it inside out from the filter hole (the filter hole is the hole in the middle that is left from sewing the 4 cm marks). Make pleats by folding it, as shown by the picture, and pin with needles. Lastly, sew the right and left sides.
Before using the mask, remember to wash it regularly. After washing, iron the mask. Professionals highly recommend having a filter inside your masks, such as cut outs of vacuum cleaner bags. However, if you don’t have vacuum cleaner bags, dried wet wipes, coffee filters, paper towels and tissues are still better than nothing! You should remember to change the filter regularly, preferable once a week.
In times like these, it is very important to stay vigilant and cautious. Everyone must make sure to use masks, as enforced by the Indonesian government and WHO (World Health Organisation), as of the 5th of April. Using masks will benefit us, as well as the people around us. Let’s all do our part and try to prevent further spread of the virus by staying home and wearing masks. For more information on making masks, feel free to check out our instagram and dm us (@maskeraaid).