There’s no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives. From social isolation to business closures, our lives have been turned upside down. But we must keep our spirits high and look towards the future with optimism.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn't be careful. In fact, from the get-go, I’ve been covering my nose and mouth with a mask when going dow the stairs in my building (I live on the fourth floor and stopped using the elevator) to get the mail in the lobby or to go out for an invigorating walk. However, I did not have to wait for the CDC’s recommendation to do so, since this always seemed like the logical step to take with no downside. Because the virus can survive suspended in air, masks are a good way to block respiratory droplets from entering via our nose and/or mouth as well as preventing the spread to others. Plus they serve as a reminder to not touch your face in situations when your hands may have come in contact with the virus.
Now that the CDC’s recommendation to wear a cloth mask (not the N-95 masks as they are in short supply) in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to implement is “official”, many more people are in need of masks.
Make Your Own No-Sew Cloth Mask
It’s really easy to make your own no-sew cloth mask, and today I’m sharing with you a video along with instructions that show you the steps to do just that.
Materials:
- Square piece of fabric at least 20 inches by 20 inches.
- Two hair elastics or rubber bands.
Instructions:
- Place the fabric, scarf, or handkerchief facedown on a flat surface.
- Fold the top half down to the middle point, then fold the bottom half up to the middle as well.
- Flip over, then fold the new top half down to the middle point followed by the bottom half up.
- Flip it over once again.
- Loop a hair elastic over each end.
- Fold the sides in toward the middle, overlapping one side with the other.
- Finally, flip it over. To wear, simply loop the hair elastics over each ear and make sure the mask covers both your mouth and nose.
Please note that it's important that you wash your cloth masks regularly with hot water and soap or detergent.
What This Means To You
Unfortunately, there's still much we don't know about the novel coronavirus, but we do know that we can take steps to prevent it. Make sure you’re taking immune-boosting supplements, such as Vitamin C and zinc, preparing healthy meals, and getting enough sleep.
I hope today’s article will help you protect yourself and your loved ones when leaving your house. Please be careful, and do everything you can to stay healthy and optimistic!
I have got a few face masks and wanted to make some. All the instructions that I found required cutting and sewing. This is so cool – no cutting nor sewing! Thanks so much!
It’s my pleasure, Kalawaty!
Dear Vivian.
Your reassuring statement that you will continue your personal generous and excellent information flow in addition to your alternative channel – Facebook.
Personally i am not a big fan of Facebook and prefer your direct blog/ messages on email channels.
I have followed you from early on ( 2003? Or 2005?)
A couple of times I have bought your series of books when they were still available in old fashioned print and treasure them.
I found you on the web when I was desperately trying to avoid osteopenia medicines and looking for alternative solutions in my early 60-s. My admiration for and absorption of what you were teaching has saved me from a proposed hip replacement in the 2000-s and I am still active without one in 2020.
In addition, your teachings about acidity and ph balance and anti acid food etc. also helped chase away my husband’s prostate cancer diagnosis without ( wait and see) medical treatment but with regular checkups at Dana-Farber cancer center in Brookline MA. My husband was declared cancer free in Spring of 2018.
I am glad you founded Save our bones institute to carry on your work on a greater scale – but the personal touch in your sharing knowledge is hardly replaceable – it is unique.
I truly believe we are what we eat and that healthy organic (biologique) food fruits and vegetables and plant based omegas is what enables a stronger immune system to defend our bodies and that is the essential basis for our continued health in perilous times.
Thank you and carry on!
Grateful follower
GUNILLA KETTIS
Gunilla, what you wrote almost brought me to tears! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting such inspirational and positive words. I’m so glad you and your husband are healthy. Rest assured that I will continue sending emails and writing articles. I thank you for being a part of the Saver community for all these years!
Thank you, Ita.
You’re very welcome, Ita 🙂
I have hearing aids which are consistently pulled off by the hair bands.
Can anyone offer a solution? I will probably have to resort to sewing ties of which I am capable.
Thanks
Jo, I think your idea is what would work best. Stay healthy and active!
If you can wear a stretch fabric headband, sew a button on each side near where your ear would be.. Then wrap the elastic around the button instead of your ear.
Helpful idea!!! Excellent for those who don’t have sewing machine or hot glue gun. I like the idea of folding diagonally if fabric is thick. Hard to breathe.i liked reminder to take vitamin c & zinc or elderberry, & eating healthy & getting restful sleep. Thanks for all you do Vivian💕 Very much appreciated.
You’re very welcome, Corliss!
You place the elastic about a third of the way in from both ends. Then fold the ends to the middle and put one end into the fold of the other. It does keep it secure but I find it a bit thick for breathing so I started playing around with it. You could fold the fabric or bandanna diagonally in half and about a third of the way in add the elastic on each side point and then tie a knot to hold the elastic in place. Slip the elastic over the ears. You may need to make adjustments on the placement of the elastic to make it fit. If no hair elastics, try rubber bands.
Good tips, Ann. Thank you!
I don’t understand how folding both ends of the fabric over keeps it from opening up once you put the elastic over your ears. What could you use to keep it secure?
Susan, the elastic bands hold the folded parts of the cloth in place. Also, when you put on the mask, the part of the cloth that’s folded is against your face. That’s what keeps it from opening up. Check out the video again, especially after minute 1:25. I hope this helps!