10 Easy Steps to Making a Mask for Yourself or Others

To be clear, at time of publication, the CDC is not recommending that individuals wear masks and these masks are NOT a replacement for an N95 mask. However, they are re-considering the need for the general public to wear masks at essential places like the grocery store, medical offices, and anywhere other than home.

We spoke with our friends at Huntsville Hospital Foundation and they confirmed they are accepting homemade masks donations from the community:

“The health system has approved the wearing of clean, homemade masks in hospital environments that do not require PPE, and the Foundation will serve as the hub for these gifts. This PDF includes one mask pattern that can be useful.”

Once complete, masks can be delivered to Huntsville Hospital Occupational Health Group (OHG) locations in Huntsville, Madison & Decatur, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Huntsville: HH Med Mall, 1963 Memorial Parkway SW #24, 35801; (256) 265-7000
Madison: Meadow Green Center, 9238 Madison BLVD, Bldg 1, St 200, Madison, 35758; (256) 265-3285
Decatur: Decatur West Campus, 1615 Kathy Lane SW , Decatur, AL 35603; (256) 973-4325

Don’t DIY alone! These two local Facebook Groups can answer questions and be a great resource for mask-makers:
North Alabama Mask Makers
Madison Mask Makers

CAN’T SEW? Here’s an easy solution just using a handkerchief and some hair ties. (This mask is strictly for personal use and not accepted as donations at hospitals.)

How to Make a Mask

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Step 1

Cut two pieces of cotton fabric in the following dimensions: Adult - 9.5” x 6.5” Child - 7.5” x 5 “ Mark one piece of fabric one inch from each corner on the short sides as shown.

Step 2

Cut two 6” pieces of elastic (adult) and machine tack to marked fabric. For the kid sizes you can use 4-5” elastic based on sizing. I also make these with ties. You will need 4 strips of 12-14” bias tape. Tack each piece on the mark as shown with the elastic. I machine tack for extra reinforcement but you can pin it - whatever is easiest!

Step 3

Pin the other fabric face down to the tacked fabric.

Step 4

Sew it up leaving a hole at the top or bottom of a long side so that you can turn it. I used a little less than a 1/2” seam allowance.

Step 5

Turn it right side out and poke out the corners.

Step 6

Iron it out flat.

Step 7

Iron the first pleat.

Step 8

Iron the second pleat. You can pin the pleats but I don’t. I just hit it with steam from the iron.

Step 9

Sew along the edges making sure to close the hole.

Step 10

You’re done!!! Congratulations you’ve helped the cause!!!

Rocket City Mom

Rocket City Mom is a website about raising children in and around Huntsville, Alabama. Started in late 2010 by a local mom and newcomer to Huntsville, Rocket City Mom has grown into a thriving community of local parents and now boasts a staff of four, thirteen regular contributors, and tens of thousands of Tennessee Valley readers making it the #1 Parenting Resource in North Alabama.