Homemade Face Mask Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make a CDC-compliant homemade face mask.

Supplies Needed

• Cotton fabric. A tightly woven cotton for the front layer and preferably a softer cotton (such as flannel) for the back layer.
• Rope elastic. Beading cord elastic will work too. You may also use 1/8 inches flat elastic.

Instructions (duration: 15-20 minutes)

1. Cut the fabric 9-by-6 inches for an adult mask or 7.5-5 inches for a child mask. Place any fabric design horizontally.
2. Cut the elastic 7 inches long and tie a knot at each end (do not knot the ends of the flat).
3. Put right sides of the fabric together.
4. Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner and stop. Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this.
5. Sew to the next corner, stop and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.
6. Sew across that top of the mask to the next corner. Again, put an elastic with the edge out.
7. Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
8. Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5 inches to 2 inches open. Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out.
9. Pin three tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are in the same direction.
10. Sew around the edge of the mask twice.

When masks are completed, please drop them off curbside to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) on Wednesday or Friday from 10 am to noon at AAMC’s Belcher Pavilion Circle, located at 2000 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401.

Adapted from instructions by Deaconess Hospital.