Adjustable No-Sew Mask

This is a simple and easy mask you can make with a cotton shirt. It includes adjustable straps and no sewing is required.

Supplies

• Cotton T-Shirt
• Sharp Scissors
• Bobby or Safety Pin
• Hot Glue (optional)

Step 1: Begin Laying Your T-Shirt on a Flat Surface

Cut a 6in x 8in square, starting at the bottom of the shirt

Step 2: Your Mask Pieces

After you have cut out the square, use the remainder of the fabric to cut two long strips of fabric that are approximately 10-12in. Once you have cut the square you should notice that the side with the bottom hem now has a hollow tunnel running horizontally

Step 3: Pull

Next, take the two long strips of fabric and pull on them to stretch them out

Step 4: Securing the Second Side of the Mask

There are two methods of securing the second side of the mask

1. If you have glue, fold the fabric 1in. down and glue the raw edge to the fabric
2. If you don't have glue, cut small holes down the fabric, leaving at least ½ in. between the holes

Step 5: Finishing the Mask

Finally, secure the previously made fabric strips to either a bobby or safety pin and thread through the other side of the mask

1. If you glued the side of mask, it will need to be thread through the tunnel
2. If you cut holes, simply thread the strip through the holes as shown in the second picture
   

About the Creator:
Hi, I’m Haritha and I’m a student assistant at EXLAB! I like to think of myself as a pretty thrifty maker because I focus on upcycling. Upcycling is a creative way to help the environment and make something cool, I hope you enjoy my instructables!

Comments

[Dwargh]

Hi Haritha! Well done! Looks nice! ;)

[OculumForamen]

What a great idea! I used to make objects out of old clothes so this is another one I can save for future use, all that needs to happen is to double up the shirt fabric and it's done! Thank you for sharing!!!!

[joelmc0626]

Great idea, Haritha. I thought that masks should be two layers to be effective, though.

[ThorleifB]

Hi Harita. Great construction idea. And easy to follow.
The official description from the medical specialists (Here in Denmark) however says, 2-3 layers.! If 3 are used, the middle one should be tightly wowen, or preferable fiber mesh (Like the filter squares for wacuum cleaners.)
Checkout our my country statistics here https://www.sst.dk/en/English/Corona-eng/COVID-19-... The Patient chart is 2/3 down.
The primary thing here in Denmark is: Keep distance, and wash hands (or use hand alcohol) - this has helped us to fight. We only use masks in tight public transports.

[shalnachywyt]

Should the glue being used be fabric glue or could regular superglue or hot glue be used? Also, I remember seeing something that suggested at least two layers of fabric should be used and that one layer of fabric isn't really enough.

[kated]

Easy and comfy design .. but aren't 2 layers most effective? Best look at the research to date (e.g. CDC). If you're going to use a mask, make it the best one. Masks are not about your 5th Ammendment, they are about caring for each other. Keep safe America.

[NotACat]

Not sure how you got a 6×8" square but this does look rather clever, well done!

[herojig]

Love this idea. But I'm not very bright and I just turned 64 today. Is the picture on the left the finished product, using one of the two techniques as shown in the picture on the right? Im a glue gun enthusiast and have lots of old tees, that's all I know.

[Tweetysvoice]

Happy birthday!
Step 5 shows two types of finished masks, depending on how you are able to finish the other side without the tshirts' original edge. Hope that helps!

[JonM55]

On one side she took advantage of the pocket/tunnel left by cutting the piece of the shirt where it had a sewed hem. She created the other pocket/tunnel by hemming with hot glue, or alternately, a series of holes.