This Simple 7-Step DIY Face Mask Combines Safety — And Sustainability | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

This Simple 7-Step DIY Face Mask Combines Safety — And Sustainability

Instead of studying like I intended on doing today, I made a face mask for some reason and thought I'd share how I did.

116667
This Simple 7-Step DIY Face Mask Combines Safety — And Sustainability

If you were looking for a simple way to make a mask, I am happy to share how I personally make them. I have a pretty small face in general, so I prefer having my homemade ones so they fit better. This is also a great alternative to just throwing away any clothes! Before starting, you will need to make sure you have fabric, thread, a needle, and pins; if you have a sewing machine, you obviously could use that instead of hand sewing it.

Here we go!

Step 1

The first thing I did was cut one of my shirts I didn't want anymore into a long rectangle with a width that would be unique to my (small) face.


Step 2

Next, I box pleat the fabric which will look like this.

Note: Do not be worried about extra length of the fabric because you can fix that later.

Front of the maskMe


Back of the maskAlso me


To make these pleats, first draw out these lines on your fabric. The lines are about 1 1/2 inches each, but I personally eyeballed it and it still turned out good in my opinion.

Box pleat patternMe again


Step 3

Use pins so the fabric is 'set and ready to sew.'
On the pattern above, the folds with the Xs on them mean they will not be folded, the "under arrow" folds will be the folds directly under the arrows, and the arrows are going to be put together like this.

How to pin the pleats togetherYours truly


I personally pin it like this, but you can pin it however you're most comfortable.

The fabric pinnedThe girl with the short attention span


Step 4

Now you're going to sew both sides, and take out the pins as you go along. There's many different ways to sew things, so you do you.

one of the sides all sewn upStill me


Step 5

Now I'm going to cut the excess fabric from the bottom of the mask if you have any.

Pretty badly cut off bottom, but I'm going to re-trim it in a hot minute.Avianna Raupach



Step 6

Iron the mask. You can do this step either at the end or now -- doesn't matter.

Pretend I have an iron and ironed this Me + clip art


Step 7

Cut strips of fabric for the ear loops and sew the loops on each side; there you go!


FinishedAvianna Raupach


Remember, it's easier to breath with a mask on than with a ventilator. Please continue to wear masks, stay home if you feel sick, and keep practice social distancing.

Report this Content
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190543
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15082
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457997
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26705
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments