The CDC recommends 2 layers of tightly woven, 100% cotton or other all- natural fibers. Silk works better, but cotton is affordable. Polyester fibers reduce breathability, so do your best to avoid them. You have to be able to breathe through the fabric! Ideally, the outer layer should be made of percale (a linen bed sheet or pillowcase) and the inner layer of flannel (the soft, fuzzy sheets.) However, any mask is better than no mask at all. Use what you have or what you can get.

The fabric you're using should block most light when you hold it up to a bright light or sunny window. You should not be able to discern shapes through the fabric, but some light is okay. If you don't have flannel, an old, soft cotton tee shirt is also a good option. You don't have to run to the fabric shop for materials!

I made several styles of face masks in one day, and I'll share two with you; my two favorite patterns. One pattern uses less material (smaller pieces) but requires more skill to make. Either one can be sewn by hand or machine. If you choose glue for the seams, please be sure that the glue you are using will not produce harmful fumes that can damage your eyes.

(Cyanoacrylate (super glue or crazy glue) should NOT be used, as the fumes persist even a week after the glue dries, and is harmful to the eyes.) Whatever glue you use should also be able to survive multiple washes in the laundry.

You can use whatever you prefer for the ties; I prefer ear-loops, as it uses less materials than the ones that tie behind the head, and are easier to take off again without touching potentially contaminated areas (the front or sides of the mask.) In order to untie from behind, you have to raise your arms above your head, which means you risk accidentally brushing the side of the mask with your upper arm.

Get creative! I used some leftover clothesline I had for ear loops, and reclaimed elastic from the bed sheets I was using (they had holes or rips in them; so were in the ragbag.) Other sources of elastic can be hairbands, the tops of old socks, rubber bands from the desk, or strips of ace bandages.; whatever is designed to be stretchy.

You can use whatever you have on hand for the ear loops; clean shoelaces, ribbon, elastic, or even strips of cloth folded and sewed together to make a tie.