How to Make a "No Sew" Face Mask

Co-authored by Megan Connolly and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: April 6, 2025 References

Although medical-grade N95 masks provide better protection, cloth masks are helpful for situations where social distancing is not possible or when you don’t have access to a surgical mask. By using a few household items, you can put together a mask to protect you or your loved ones in just a couple of minutes. Warning: Cloth masks are ineffective in preventing the spread of more infectious variants of COVID-19, like Delta and Omicron. Medical-grade masks are necessary to limit the spread and risk of infection from the current dominant variants of the coronavirus. ^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Quick and Easy Bandanna Mask

Fold two edges to the center.

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Place the bands approximately 5 inches (13 cm) in from the ends.
Tuck both ends gently into the center.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a T-Shirt Mask

1
Cut a 7 inches (18 cm) wide strip from the bottom of a t-shirt. Your goal is to create a 7 inches (18 cm) wide and approximately 30 inches (76 cm) long rectangle of knitted material. ^{[2]
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- You can get rid of the top part of the shirt since you won’t need it to make your mask.
Then, fold the bottom long edge of the rectangle up toward the middle so both edges meet. ^{[3]
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Make sure they meet each other in the middle and that the folds are mostly even. They don’t have to be perfect, but they shouldn’t overlap. ^{[4]
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4
Place 2 hair ties about 2 in (5.1 cm) inwards from each side. Slide a hair tie over each end of the rectangle you folded and make sure they are about 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Leave enough cloth on the ends of your mask after the hair ties so you can fold it over to keep them steady. ^{[5]
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- If you don’t have hair ties, you can use rubber bands or sturdy string.
Grab the ends of the cloth on either side of the hair ties and bring them in toward the center. This stretch of fabric will be enough to keep the hair ties in place so the mask doesn’t unfold while you’re wearing it. ^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing and Washing Your Mask

Try not to touch your eyes, mouth, or nose as you put on your mask. Make sure it covers your mouth and nose fully and sits tucked under your chin. ^{[7]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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2
Wear your mask in places you can't stay 6 ft (1.8 m) away from others. If you need to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, it may be hard to stay 6 feet (1.8 m) away from other customers. Put on your cloth mask to help prevent spreading or breathing in the virus. ^{[8]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Some regions recommend you wear a cloth mask whenever you are out in public, even if you can socially distance yourself. Check with your state or county guidelines to see when and where you should be wearing your mask.
When you get home, remove your face mask by the hair ties and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Wash your hands as soon as you take off your mask for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. ^{[9]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Tip: Soap breaks down COVID-19 and prevents it from infecting you or your family. Wash your hands anytime you come into contact with a public surface, like a door handle or a shopping cart.
4
Wash your mask in the washing machine after every use. ^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- The warm water and soap are enough to kill any viruses that may have interacted with the outside of your mask.
- If you are using a bandana with a coffee filter in it, cut and use a new filter each time you put on your mask.
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Tips

For best filtration, use a tightly woven material with multiple layers. "Knit" type fabrics, such as tee-shirts, are not as good for this purpose as a cotton fabric with a 300 or higher thread count per inch.

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Warnings

As of April 2020, the CDC has recommended that everyone keep a social distance of 6 feet (1.8 m) away from each other whenever possible. ^{[11]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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How to Make a "No Sew" Face Mask

Steps

Making a Quick and Easy Bandanna Mask

Making a T-Shirt Mask

Wearing and Washing Your Mask

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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