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Here’s A Simple Guide On How To Make A Face Mask From Old T-Shirts Without A Sewing Machine
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Here’s A Simple Guide On How To Make A Face Mask From Old T-Shirts Without A Sewing Machine

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When coronavirus broke out, many of us were told that wearing a mask was not necessary unless you had tested positive for COVID-19 or were sick with any other disease. However, as cases of coronavirus-positive people have skyrocketed in the past few weeks, the U.S. Center for Disease Control now says that everyone should be wearing masks when going out of their house.

However, masks have proved to be a scarcity even for medics themselves, so how and where the hell are you supposed to get them? Well, if you’ve got some skills and a sewing machine, this shouldn’t be a problem. But what about those who don’t have one? Well, this woman comes to the rescue with an easy and informative DIY guide on how to make protective masks by using your old t-shirts!

More info: Twitter

This woman has shared her DIY guide on how to make face masks without a sewing machine

Image credits: lee_gsc

Needless to say, people loved the guide and the tips, with the original tweet amassing more than 3 thousand likes. The tutorial for the face mask is fairly simple and easy to follow, so scroll down below to read it.

Image credits: lee_gsc

“The CDC is now recommending masks in public settings like grocery stores and pharmacies,” Lee starts off her series of tweets. “The president says nah. So without further ado, here’s ‘how to make a mask from a t-shirt (without a sewing machine!)’—by my mom, who is smarter and much prettier than the president.”

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To make one, she suggests using old t-shirts

Image credits: lee_gsc

Image credits: lee_gsc

First, you should cut the t-shirt as pictured below

Image credits: lee_gsc

Image credits: lee_gsc

Image credits: lee_gsc

Then, sew the parts of the mask together

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Image credits: lee_gsc

The shared method is quick and easy

Image credits: lee_gsc

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Image credits: lee_gsc

While the mask itself is easily adjustable

Image credits: lee_gsc

Image credits: lee_gsc

For those who want an even quicker method to make a mask, there is a popular one including a handkerchief and a hair tie. This option requires no sewing at all—just take a handkerchief and fold it a few times. Then, slip the hair ties over each end, fold those edges in toward the center of the mask, and loop the hair ties over your ears. Voila, you now have made yourself a simple and slightly uncomfortable face mask!

Here’s what people had to say about the tutorial

Image credits: BlandaKathy

Image credits: GeorgeAnthonyO1

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Image credits: MelyssaPare

Here’s the link to Kate Hudson’s tutorial.

Image credits: OTRrob50

Image credits: IM_A_LIBRARIAN

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Neringa Utaraitė

Neringa Utaraitė

Author, Community member

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Neringa is a proud writer at Bored Panda who used to study English and French linguistics. Although she has many different interests, she's particularly drawn to covering stories about pop culture as well as history. While not at the office, this Panda enjoys creepy movies, poetry, photography and learning how to play the piano.

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Neringa Utaraitė

Neringa Utaraitė

Author, Community member

Neringa is a proud writer at Bored Panda who used to study English and French linguistics. Although she has many different interests, she's particularly drawn to covering stories about pop culture as well as history. While not at the office, this Panda enjoys creepy movies, poetry, photography and learning how to play the piano.

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lovemeorlovemylove avatar
Fulllength
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just FYI any homemade masks will NOT prevent you from breathing in droplets contaminated with corona virus in air. Only certified N95 masks professionally fitted to your face have the capacity to do so. Other masks leave too many gaps in between the mask and your skin, and the porous materials will allow very small particles to enter right through your homemade masks. These masks may only help to reduce your expired droplets onto other objects and people.

craiglee avatar
Craig Lee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah people don't seem to understand that these masks are to help prevent infected people from spreading the virus. It's not going to help you from contracting the virus if you don't have it.

Load More Replies...
joebloe_1 avatar
Joe Bloe
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

DO NOT FOLLOW THIS MORONIC ADVICE. I am a researcher at the Doherty institute Institute in Melbourne, Australia and can absolutely 100% confirm that this WILL NOT WORK.

sonellevandermerwe avatar
Sonelle van der Merwe
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, here's one that looks less stupid, no needle and thread required. Works like a charm: http://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie

carenanicolethompson avatar
Carena Maletta
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fulllenth is right, however if you want people to stay away - wear a mask. At the poll and at the grocery store I was like Moses parting the red sea with my homemade mask. But dont get too comfortable and be aware of cross contamination. Also, dont touch your face!

s_y_rogers avatar
BabyBooby
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why all the negative stuff...serioisly, arent we dealing with enough without SPREADING more fear anxiety and ugliness? Everybody has their own EXPERT opinion when NOBODY really knows ANYTHING other than people are filling the graves. Some people have to go out at some point and covering the face with something may be much better than nothing at all...just wish our EXPERTS had said this sooner. So yall dont make people feel worse for their efforts.....and think about the isolation and distancing and seperation and division that began in this world long before the virus started....ponder that. Everyone stay safe. 🤗

lovemeorlovemylove avatar
Fulllength
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's one thing to say something is negative. But it's a whole different thing to clear the misconception about how things work. Know your facts!

Load More Replies...
kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or.......you could live in a country with a competent government, paid attention to what was coming, and had real masks available.

spankyraven avatar
Claire
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would have to be very careful in who's shirt you used. Some people have excessive body odour that remains after repeated washing. The armpit section of the t-shirt is right up against your nose.

kyleo_2 avatar
Kyle O
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you CAN find a mask, yeah you should wear it, but you and other filthy ANIMALS are took everything on the shelf, internet, etc., WHERE do I gonna find a Fu@King things to cover my f@*King FACE!!!!!! Even, I'm using a tree leaf to wipe my a*s. So why don't you guys just shut the F@*K up and enjoy what you see. No one force you to do it or wear it! Use your that little thing inside your head; At least you can use it when you clean your home. Whatever!!!!!

samtgodfrey3 avatar
Sam T Godfrey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a clever idea and a good use for old shirts! I've been using bandannas which are uncomfortable and make me look like a little kid playing Jesse James... I think I'll try to make a few myself! By the way, what's your Mom doing Saturday night?

emelierosberg avatar
1337
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wearing masks does not help you not get the virus. I don't see the point with wearing a mask as a normal person going out. If you are not contaminated.

gfstaylor avatar
GFSTaylor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These kinds of masks help a bit as a short-term measure - a single shopping trip - but that's all they're good for. They won't filter out the small droplets that can carry infection. Large droplets will settle in the fabric, so you end up with a soup of other people's germs in the fabric right against your face. Then the viruses stay just there until you remove the mask.

julie-moularde avatar
Julie Julie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Breaking news. Masks don't protect you. The only reason to wear a mask is if you are sick so you can protect others. But here's the crazy wild idea: if you're sick just stay the f**k home. And leave masks for those who need it (medical staff). Trump is such an idiot. I pity this country of yours under his leadership.

dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The latest CDC info and other medical intel begs to differ. And the following link shows why wearing a mask is a good idea to help avoid catching something. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2azcn7MqOU

Load More Replies...
lovemeorlovemylove avatar
Fulllength
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just FYI any homemade masks will NOT prevent you from breathing in droplets contaminated with corona virus in air. Only certified N95 masks professionally fitted to your face have the capacity to do so. Other masks leave too many gaps in between the mask and your skin, and the porous materials will allow very small particles to enter right through your homemade masks. These masks may only help to reduce your expired droplets onto other objects and people.

craiglee avatar
Craig Lee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah people don't seem to understand that these masks are to help prevent infected people from spreading the virus. It's not going to help you from contracting the virus if you don't have it.

Load More Replies...
joebloe_1 avatar
Joe Bloe
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

DO NOT FOLLOW THIS MORONIC ADVICE. I am a researcher at the Doherty institute Institute in Melbourne, Australia and can absolutely 100% confirm that this WILL NOT WORK.

sonellevandermerwe avatar
Sonelle van der Merwe
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, here's one that looks less stupid, no needle and thread required. Works like a charm: http://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie

carenanicolethompson avatar
Carena Maletta
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fulllenth is right, however if you want people to stay away - wear a mask. At the poll and at the grocery store I was like Moses parting the red sea with my homemade mask. But dont get too comfortable and be aware of cross contamination. Also, dont touch your face!

s_y_rogers avatar
BabyBooby
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why all the negative stuff...serioisly, arent we dealing with enough without SPREADING more fear anxiety and ugliness? Everybody has their own EXPERT opinion when NOBODY really knows ANYTHING other than people are filling the graves. Some people have to go out at some point and covering the face with something may be much better than nothing at all...just wish our EXPERTS had said this sooner. So yall dont make people feel worse for their efforts.....and think about the isolation and distancing and seperation and division that began in this world long before the virus started....ponder that. Everyone stay safe. 🤗

lovemeorlovemylove avatar
Fulllength
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's one thing to say something is negative. But it's a whole different thing to clear the misconception about how things work. Know your facts!

Load More Replies...
kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or.......you could live in a country with a competent government, paid attention to what was coming, and had real masks available.

spankyraven avatar
Claire
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would have to be very careful in who's shirt you used. Some people have excessive body odour that remains after repeated washing. The armpit section of the t-shirt is right up against your nose.

kyleo_2 avatar
Kyle O
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you CAN find a mask, yeah you should wear it, but you and other filthy ANIMALS are took everything on the shelf, internet, etc., WHERE do I gonna find a Fu@King things to cover my f@*King FACE!!!!!! Even, I'm using a tree leaf to wipe my a*s. So why don't you guys just shut the F@*K up and enjoy what you see. No one force you to do it or wear it! Use your that little thing inside your head; At least you can use it when you clean your home. Whatever!!!!!

samtgodfrey3 avatar
Sam T Godfrey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a clever idea and a good use for old shirts! I've been using bandannas which are uncomfortable and make me look like a little kid playing Jesse James... I think I'll try to make a few myself! By the way, what's your Mom doing Saturday night?

emelierosberg avatar
1337
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wearing masks does not help you not get the virus. I don't see the point with wearing a mask as a normal person going out. If you are not contaminated.

gfstaylor avatar
GFSTaylor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These kinds of masks help a bit as a short-term measure - a single shopping trip - but that's all they're good for. They won't filter out the small droplets that can carry infection. Large droplets will settle in the fabric, so you end up with a soup of other people's germs in the fabric right against your face. Then the viruses stay just there until you remove the mask.

julie-moularde avatar
Julie Julie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Breaking news. Masks don't protect you. The only reason to wear a mask is if you are sick so you can protect others. But here's the crazy wild idea: if you're sick just stay the f**k home. And leave masks for those who need it (medical staff). Trump is such an idiot. I pity this country of yours under his leadership.

dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The latest CDC info and other medical intel begs to differ. And the following link shows why wearing a mask is a good idea to help avoid catching something. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2azcn7MqOU

Load More Replies...
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