I know the “to wear a diy cotton mask or not to wear a cotton mask” debate rages on despite the Health Minister promoting its use. Quite frankly I don’t feel like adding my two cents to the debate because like many of you I am suffering from lockdown fatigue. I do have a simple how-to if you are keen, though… And you can make it without leaving the house for supplies.

I made these mommy and me diy cotton masks when it became evident that I’d have to leave the house for the first time before lockdown to take Aidy to the Dr. My sewing machine has been acting up and I only had the supplies in my house, so simple was super important.

What I used

• Tightly woven cotton fabric (no reason you can’t cut up a skirt or t-shirt you have no intention of ever wearing again)
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• Elastic band (you can use hair ties for this)

What I did

Cut material into rectangles. Mine was 30cm by 20cm and Aidan’s 25 cm by 15cm

• Fold the rough edges in and iron down
• Fold material in half

• Fold the material like I’m illustrating with this paper (it was hard to show with my patterned material)
• Stick the elastic in both sides and pin down

• Hand sew everything into place (sorry for the bad sewing I was in a hurry to get to the Dr with Aidy)
• That’s it! All done
• This version leaves a pocket to place the filter of your choice.. Some people suggest kitchen towel or coffee filters (I’m no doctor so can’t vouch for this)

This is a great DIY and is super simple… Comment if anything is unclear

Cotton masks are currently being recommended by the government however they are only of the things we should be doing… This includes the following

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the corner of your arm, and safely throw away the tissue
• Keep a distance of 1,5m from others
• If you are ill, stay at home, or arrange for clinical assessment

For more information on the use of cloth masks check out this official government link