If you have a really sharp pair of scissors, you can use those. Otherwise, use fabric shears to cut your shirt. You may find it easier to cut the shirt if you have someone pull the shirt in opposite directions to pull the fabric taut while you cut. You can mark your cuts on each side with a marker or fabric pen if you’d like, but the cut doesn’t need to be perfectly straight.
The 2 thinner strips of fabric are used to tie the shirt. The thicker portion of the mask is the part that goes on your face. If you’re struggling to visualize this, just imagine you’re cutting a small rectangle out of 1 side of the larger piece of fabric.
Cutting the straps makes it easier to tie the mask as tight as you need it to be.
Always wash your mask after each use. You can wash it by hand or in a washing machine with cold water. [6] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source When you put the mask on or take it off, do not touch the large piece of fabric touching your face. This will transfer any germs or bacteria from your hands to the mask and vice versa. Always use the straps to put the mask on or take it off. [7] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source Before putting the mask on, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do the same after you take the mask off.
This style of face cover won’t offer much protection for others since there will be gaps at the bottom of the mask, but it’s easily the quickest option if you need a quick mask. It’s also a great option if you have a good hat but can’t find your scarf, since it will cover everything below your nose and keep you warm.
if you want a really baggy face mask, start the cut 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) under the armpit. You now have a single loop of fabric. It doesn’t matter which sleeve you use. They’re symmetrical, so the mask will be the same either way. Since you’re already making 1 mask, you might as well make a backup with the other sleeve if you think it may come in handy later!
Balaclava is a Russian term for a type of head covering where only your eyes are exposed. It’s a little different from a ski mask, where there’s an opening for your mouth. [13] X Research source If you use a long-sleeved shirt, you will have 2 pieces of sleeve hanging down from the back by the time you’re done. If you don’t want anything hanging off of your mask, use a short-sleeved shirt. This is one of the few mask designs that doesn’t involve cutting anything. You will be able to re-wear your shirt after you do this.
If the collar is tight on your head, you don’t need to slide the sides over your ears.
If you find it hard to tie the sleeves because you don’t have enough fabric to work with, get a bigger T-shirt. This style of mask won’t offer as much protection from dangerous viruses since it will tend to come loose the longer you wear it. Wash your shirt after wearing it as a balaclava. Even if you are just wearing it as a costume, there may be bacteria or germs built up on the fabric.
