Canada's Public Health Agency Has Instructions On How To Make Your Own 3-Layer Mask

Most people have gotten used to wearing masks almost everywhere at this point. However, the latest recommendation from Canada's chief public health officer is to wear a three-layered face mask for added safety. So what can you do if you don't actually have one of those?

Stay calm, because this doesn't necessarily mean that you need to spend money on a new mask. You can actually make your own, and Canada's public health agency has some easy instructions (complete with visual aids). There are three ways to do it, and only one of them actually involves any sort of sewing on your part.

Editor's Choice: Best Countries In The World Ranking Puts Canada As 2nd Best

How can you sew your own mask?

Those who are handy with a needle and thread can throw together their own three-layer mask in a fairly easy manner.

Start with two rectangular fabric squares of equal size, and cut a piece of filter-appropriate material to the same dimensions.

Layer all three together, and fold each side over. Then, sew each of these sides shut (which is easy with a sewing machine, but can also be done by hand).

Then, run a piece of elastic material (like a hair tie) through each of the shorter sides, and tie them off.

Just like that, you have yourself a homemade mask. It takes a bit of work, but the result is worth it.

What if you can't sew?

Let's say you're the kind of person who is more likely to prick their finger than be able to thread a needle. There is a fairly simple alternative method for making a mask, and all you need is a t-shirt and a pair of scissors.

Start by cutting off just the lower part of the t-shirt, then making two horizontal cuts about one centimetre from the edge at the top and bottom.

Follow that by making a vertical cut to remove a portion of the middle area, then cut the top and bottom parts to make the tie strings. 

Lay the material on a flat surface and fold the middle parts over one another so that you have three layers of fabric.

Wear this mask by tying the strings behind your head and neck for a nice, firm fit.

What if you don't want to ruin a t-shirt?

So maybe you're really attached to all of your t-shirts and you're not exactly in the mood for sewing. No need to worry, because there is a third option.

All you need for this is a fabric square (thick enough that you can't see light through it), a piece of filter material, and two hair elastics.

Start by folding your fabric square in half, then placing the filter material in the middle. Fold the top and bottom parts of the fabric over the filter.

Next, run the fabric through your hair ties, and finish off by folding it over the ties so they meet in the middle of the mask. 

Cover image used for illustrative purposes only.