How to make face masks at home: A step-by-step guide

The Health Ministry recently released a manual on how to make a mask at home, in an official document issued by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. To make a mask, you will need a clean cotton cloth. This cloth can be an old cotton vest or t-shirt. Wash the fabric in boiling water for five minutes and dry it well. Cut four cotton strips from the cloth for tying and piping: two pieces at 1.5”x 5” and two pieces at 1.5”x 40”. (Source: Getty Images)

You also need a pair of scissors to cut the cloth. For an adult mask, cut the cloth into 9 inch x 7 inch size, and into 7 inch x 5 inch size for a child. (Source: Getty Images)

The mask can be made with or without a sewing machine. (Source: Getty Images)

If you are making a mask using a sewing machine, take the cut cotton cloth and attach the 1.5x5” strip on one end of the fabric, to be used for piping. (Source: MoHFW)

Make three downward facing pleats on the cloth, with each fold of approximately of 1.5” size. (Source: MoHFW)

Now turn the pleated cloth to the other side and make pleats on that side as well. The height of the pleated cloth will be reduced from 9" to 5". (Source: MoHFW)

Secure the pleats with piping while ensuring they remain downward facing. (Source: MoHFW)

Attach the 40" strips, to be used for tying, at the top and bottom of the mask. (Source: MoHFW)

Fold the strips thrice and stitch, as shown in the picture. (Source: MoHFW)

When you put on the mask, make sure it fits around your nose and mouth perfectly, without leaving any gap. The side facing you should show the pleats facing downwards. Never reverse the mask for reuse. Wash it thoroughly after every use and then put it on. (Source: MoHFW)

If you do not have sewing machine, you can make it using just a cotton men's handkerchief and two rubber bands. First, fold the handkerchief from one side to little above the middle of the cloth. (Source: MoHFW)

Now, fold the cloth from the other side such that it goes over the first fold. (Source: MoHFW)

Now fold the cloth evenly form the middle. (Source: MoHFW)

Take the two rubber bands and tie them on either side of the folded cloth. Make sure the cloth area between the two rubber bands is big enough to cover your mouth. Take the edges of the cloth on either side of the rubber band and fold. Take one fold and insert into the other. To wear the mask, wrap each rubber band around your ear. (Source: MoHFW)