DIY Face Masks
MAKE YOUR OWN FACE MASK WITH FLOUR SACK KITCHEN TOWELS
100% cotton tea towels can be utilized as a quality fabric for constructing a homemade cloth face mask. While any cloth can help stop large droplets from getting in or out, avoid knit fabrics (e.g. jersey T-shirts) because the material stretches and creates holes. The best fabric for homemade masks is a tightly woven, 100% cotton fabric. According to a 2013 Cambridge study, dish towel material is 82 percent as effective as a surgical mask.
Where do I buy flour sack towels?
Our selection of flour sack tea towels are perfect for homemade masks! With no minimum quantity, you can choose from a variety of sizes. We recommend our Premium towels with a 130 thread count as the best material for mask making. It is a breathable 100% cotton flat weave. Our Premium 20” x 20” size (folded in half) can make one mask. For bulk discount towels, add at least 12 or 50+ to your cart for an average savings of 30-60%!
It is recommended to pre-wash in hot water and high heat dry to allow shrinkage before constructing so the mask will keep its shape through multiple uses and washes.
Cloth face coverings should—
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
CDC recommended DIY homemade cloth mask (with no-sew options)
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Craft Basics Premium Flour Sack Towel – 20″ x 20″
As low as $0.99 Add to cart -
Craft Basics Premium Flour Sack Towel – 22″ x 36″
As low as $1.59 Add to cart -
Craft Basics Premium Flour Sack Towel – 28″ x 29″
As low as $1.50 Add to cart -
Craft Basics Premium Flour Sack Towel – 29″ x 36″
As low as $1.87 Add to cart -
Craft Basics Premium Natural Flour Sack Towel – 20″ x 20″
As low as $0.99 Add to cart -
Craft Basics Premium Natural Flour Sack Towel – 22″ x 36″
As low as $1.59 Add to cart -
Craft Basics Premium Natural Flour Sack Towel – 28″ x 29″
As low as $1.50 Add to cart
Face Covering Informational Guides
According to GoodHouseKeeping.com, “on top of a sewing machine and fabric, you’ll need a nonwoven filter fabric to help block out particles and a metal piece (like a paper clip) to make it fit snugly around the nose.”
Two great sewing guides for cloth masks:
Printable free mask template by Amanda Perna, fashion designer and Project Runway alum
Lists of places accepting donated fabric masks:
- list of health care facilities by The Sewing and Craft Alliance
- lists of hospitals by state by The U.C. Berkeley School of Public Health
- “Uses and Considerations for Different Face Coverings”: Learn the differences between types of face coverings and how they should be used.
- “How to Use a Face Covering”: It’s important to understand how to properly wear, remove, and clean homemade cloth face covering in order to help keep yourself and others safe.
- “Homemade Cloth Face Covering FAQs, Assembly Guide, and Patterns”: If you would like to make a homemade cloth face covering, this PDF provides answers to commonly asked questions and patterns for making cloth face coverings in different sizes. Please do not sew a pipe cleaner or aluminum strip into the face covering as it causes safety concerns and damages other coverings when laundering.
Source: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/covid19-coronavirus/homemade-cloth-face-coverings/