How to Make Fabric Face Masks (No Sewing Machine Required)

- 100% cotton fabric (quilting cotton or woven cotton)

- Scissors or rotary cutter

- Iron-on adhesive (hem tape or fusible web)

- Elastic bands (1/4 inch or 1/8 inch width)

- Measuring tape or ruler

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric

1. Wash and iron your cotton fabric to remove any wrinkles and creases.

2. Cut the fabric into two identical rectangles. The size of the rectangles will depend on your desired mask size. For an adult mask, cut two rectangles that measure approximately 9 inches x 6 inches.

Step 2: Attach the Iron-on Adhesive

1. Place one of the fabric rectangles flat on a table.

2. Cut a piece of iron-on adhesive (hem tape or fusible web) that is the same length as one of the short edges of the fabric rectangle.

3. Place the iron-on adhesive along one of the short edges of the fabric rectangle, wrong side up.

4. Cover the iron-on adhesive with a pressing cloth or parchment paper.

5. Using a hot iron, press down firmly on the pressing cloth or parchment paper for about 15 seconds. This will adhere the iron-on adhesive to the fabric.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the other short edge of the fabric rectangle.

Step 3: Fold and Press the Fabric

1. Fold one of the fabric rectangles in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.

2. Press the folded edge flat.

3. Unfold the fabric rectangle.

4. Fold each of the long edges of the fabric rectangle into the center crease, so that they meet in the middle.

5. Press the folded edges flat.

6. Fold the fabric rectangle in half again, lengthwise, so that the pressed edges are on the inside.

7. Press the folded edge flat.

Step 4: Create the Mask Pocket

1. Fold the top and bottom edges of the mask inward by approximately 1/4 inch.

2. Press the folded edges flat.

3. This will create a pocket for inserting the elastic bands.

Step 5: Attach the Elastic Bands

1. Cut two pieces of elastic elastic band, each about 7 inches long.

2. Thread one end of an elastic band through one of the pockets created in Step 4.

3. Pull the elastic band through the pocket until the center of the elastic band is at the center of the mask.

4. Knot the ends of the elastic band together.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other side of the mask.

Step 6: Make the Mask 3-D

1. To give the mask a 3D shape, make two pleats on each side of the mask. To do this, gently pull on the fabric on one side of the mask, towards the center, while holding the other side of the mask in place.

2. Repeat on the other side of the mask.

Step 7: Wear Your Mask!

Your fabric face mask is now ready to wear! Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you've created a simple, yet effective, way to help protect yourself and others from the spread of germs.