As the demand for face masks has been going through the roof in Japan, DIY face masks are trending on social media with instagrammers and vloggers sharing ideas on how to make alternatives to surgical masks.



After we introduced a template and tutorial on how to sew a face mask last week, the article has received a huge traffic with comments asking for advice. Most of our regulars were seasoned crafters to whom a little sewing project would be a breeze, but we came to realize that at times like these, we can help more people by sharing tutorials that anyone can easily take advantage of.

This week, we are sharing the simplest, easiest and useful mask tutorial. No cutting or sewing is required. (Yes, it's true!)



This mask is not meant to replace surgical face masks, but when you must go out, something to cover yourself is better than nothing, and at the very least, it will remind you to not touch your face.

How to make a No-Sew Pleated Face Mask with Handkerchief and Hair Tie



Materials:

- Handkerchief (A regular cotton handkerchief of 18" x 18" is used in this tutorial.)

- 2 hair ties





1. Place the handkerchief face down.

2. Fold the top to the center.

3. Fold the bottom to the center.

4. Flip over.

5. Fold the top to the center.

6. Fold the bottom to the center.

7. Flip over.

8. Thread the ends of the handkerchief through the hair ties.

9. Fold the sides of the handkerchief.

10. Flip over. You have a pleated face mask!

Wash the mask after each use & you'll always have a clean mask.

💡 If you have tights that have a hole or a strain, make elastic bands from them. Very soft and stretchy, they are actually more comfortable than regular hair ties. Don't worry, the tights will curl into themselves that nobody would notice you were wearing old tights on your face!

💡Elastic bands from a sock are also comfy and can be good alternatives. However, they tend to shed.

Watch the tutorial on YouTube.