Mask up! Make your own face mask

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Many of our amazing supporters have been in touch to ask if they can help to make reusable face masks for Kiwis struggling with incurable breast cancer and Covid-19.

For women with incurable breast cancer, living with a compromised immune system, struggling with the hidden costs of cancer, and already carrying a heavy load of anxiety and fear, you can imagine the enormous toll the current Covid situation is taking on them.

We have spoken with many women with incurable breast cancer who don’t have face masks. They have told me they simply can’t afford to buy one.

They would truly appreciate having a reusable face make and we would love your support to provide these masks. We need around 3,500 face coverings.

We also need help to cover the cost of delivering the masks and donations to provide specialist advice on mask usage, as well as managing anxiety at this difficult time.

To organise delivery or with any questions, please email us on [email protected]

To make a reusable face mask you will need:

  • a sewing machine
  • two 25cm x 25 cm squares of cotton fabric
  • two  20 cm pieces of elastic (or sting or cloth strips)
  • needle and thread scissors

Cut out two 25cm x 25 cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.

Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side.

Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.

Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.

Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.

You could also check out these two great videos from Spotlight or visit their website for more advice and to download their free pattern. 

For more advice on the best material to us, watch this video below from the WHO: