The Government of Canada is recommending citizens to leave medical-grade face masks for medical staff and to make homemade masks instead.

As more and more people begin to make makes from home, those who are not as familiar with a needle and thread can get behind the health precaution.

Masks can be made with sewing machines, a pair of scissors or even just using folding techniques. 

Here are three ways to make a mask:

T-shirt Method:

What you need:

  • A t-shirt
  • Pair of scissors

Step One: Cut a t-shirt across the bottom, seven to eight inches wide.

Step Two: Starting from the fold, cut a rectangle six to seven inches wide in the middle, leaving approximately half an inch on the top and bottom.

Step Three: Cut the strings on top in half

Step Four: Cover mouth, ties strings around the back

lastics and gather material

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Mask Care

  • once a mask is damp or soiled, place directly in the washing machine
  • wash each mask in hot water and dry fully before reuse
  • do not touch the mask while being worn
  • do not share masks
  • wash hands before and after wearing masks

The Government of Canada warns that homemade masks are not as effective as medical masks against contracting COVID-19, saying there is no evidence that it helps the wearer from contracting COVID-19. They do say, however, that homemade masks can help prevent the spread of the virus to others.