I researched a few methods for creating DIY face masks and the simple bandana fold was (I felt) the easiest and most effective. The materials are easily accessible and the folds are so simple a Kindergartener could do it. But I found the rubber bands around the ears to be painful and impractical. It just falls off my face. So I set out to improve it.
The secret is all in the ribbon.
When I was on the high school swim team I quickly learned that goggles with two straps are vastly superior to goggles with one strap. They stay on better when you dive in, and they are more comfortable, doubling the contact surface area on the back of your head. So it made sense to me that if I could add two straps to the bandana mask, this would make it MUCH more wearable.
In this video I demonstrate how to tie a single length of ribbon to create two straps. Simply fold the ribbon in half and grab the loop created at the midpoint, slipping it through one of the rubber-bands. Thread both ends of the ribbon through the loop and pull tight. Next, tie both ends of the ribbon to the other elastic, leaving enough slack to create straps that will go around your head. Let the elastic do the work to hold it on… if it isn’t snug, take out the knot and tie it again a little tighter. Simple!
Please take your time to research what kind of mask you should be wearing based on your situation, and how to use it properly.
No-Sew Bandana Mask (with Straps):
– a bandana or other piece of 100% cotton fabric (T-shirt, curtain, dish towel…)
– two rubber-bands or hair ties
– a length of ribbon or string
Upgrade your bandana mask!
For extra protection, you may want to insert a filter between the layers of the scarf fabric, or a piece of folded paper towel. As it is, the scarf mask should be 8 layers of cotton, which is already double or quadruple the layers of most hand-sewn masks.
For a better seal around the nose, add a piece of wire at the nose bridge, such as a pipe cleaner or twist-tie. Play around with it a bit to figure out the best placement (top, center, in the fold).
Remember mask safety!
Once you put on your mask, consider it “dirty”. If you touch it while wearing it, wash your hands. When you take it off, toss it in a bag or directly into the wash. And wash your hands!
Hope this helps!
Amanda J. Wan 