Governor Wolf asked today in his state address that everyone wear face masks when leaving their homes. He made this request during the Friday afternoon daily coronavirus briefing. He also asked people to reserve N95 and surgical masks for health care workers and urged residents to use a cloth or a homemade mask.
I figured I’d do some quick research and find a roundup of the best FREE face mask patterns and cheap face masks available for purchase. So here it is!
10 FREE Cloth Face Mask Patterns
There are many DIY face mask patterns available for FREE, but here are the Top 10 Face Mask Patterns and Instructions I found helpful and interesting, starting first with the specific instructions provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
- Department of Health instructions for homemade cloth mask.
- Make a fabric face mask with fabric ties.
- The Turban Project.
- Here’s a simple picture-by-picture tutorial, very easy for beginner sewers.
- This simple design can include filters.
- Here’s a pattern for all you Cricut lovers!
- How to sew a face mask with no sewing machine (YouTube video).
- How to sew a bias tape surgical mask with flexible nose.
- Here’s a DIY pattern and video for a face mask from a Grandma.
- Check out this really nice FREE Printable on How to Sew a Face Mask.
No-Sew Face Masks
11. This video is awesome for non-sewers. She shows you how to use a handkerchief and two rubber bands to make a face mask!
12. And this is another no-sew option. It takes a little longer because you need to hot glue fabric and cut it, but when it is done, it is pretty neat. If you’re not a sewer, this would be a simple one for you to make!
3 Affordable Face Shields
Some of us might not be interested in sewing our own cloth mask, so I’ve found a few affordable cloth mask options for the rest of us. These are FREE, but you pay shipping. However if you buy multiple masks, the price comes down to less than $6 each.
13. American Woods Face Shield – as low as $6 each
14. Midnight Camo Face Shield – as low as $6 each
15. Tactical Black Face Shield – as low as $6 each
Cloth Mask Instructions from PA Department of Health
Cloth masks should be washed after each use. Do not wear damp or when wet from spit or mucus. When a person can’t perform social distancing, scarves and bandanas can be used if necessary. All general public should wear a homemade mask, cloth mask or a paper mask.
My mask protects you, your mask protects me.
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) April 3, 2020
Homemade masks protect everyone else from droplets created by the wearer. It's important that as many people as possible wear masks when leaving home.
You DON'T need a surgical mask or N95—save those for front line responders. pic.twitter.com/NznRa9FSsG
