Activity Corner
Make your own mask -- without a sewing machine
D. Indumathi, The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai

One of the most important things to keep yourself and others safe, is to wear a mask when you go outside. Instead of adding to the mountains of garbage by using disposable masks, here is a step-by-step way to make your own re-usable mask. It doesn't need a sewing machine although if you have one, it makes the process faster. The few stitches used to make the mask are given at the bottom, so here is the time to learn how to stitch as well.
Make two for yourself: one is hanging out to dry in the sun while you are using the other one. Gift them to your friends. Have fun.
Step 1. Cut out a piece of cardboard in the shape shown. This is for a typical teenager. Otherwise measure from the middle of your nose to below your chin and add 4 cm. Use that instead of 15 cm height. Curve the right edge more if you have a big nose!
Step 2. Take two pieces of clean cotton cloth. Cotton works best because it is natural and you can breathe through it. The material must not be too thin. Both can be the same or the inner one can be more absorbent to absorb your sweat (even a piece of old T-shirt will do). Hold them up to your nose and breathe through both pieces. If you can breathe easily, perhaps you can add a thinner third layer in between. Cut out two pieces of each material according to the cardboard shape. If you are adding the thin material in between, stitch it along with any one set.
Step 3: Put the matching pieces, with their right side facing, and stitch the curved edge (see the pointing finger) using back stitch (see how to make this stitch below), about 3/4 cm from the edge.
Step 4: Open out the pieces: you can already see the mask shape. Use running stitch (see below) to flatten the seam (this means, when you open the pieces, a small edge will be sticking out. Flatten it down, and stitch it down to the main mask so it doesn't poke you when you wear it).
Step 5: Put the two pieces right sides facing each other. Stitch them together at the top and bottom using back stitch, 3/4 cm from the edge (leave the sides open). Pull the mask inside-out through the side so it is now right side up.
Step 6. Oversew the side edges (see below) so they are neat, and fold them over on the back side by 3/4 cm. Attach two pieces of thin elastic securely to the edges by stitching in and out several times. Stitch the top end first and try it on to find the right length for a firm fit.
Stitches Needed
Running stitch: This is the easiest stitch. Simply insert the needle in and out a few times in the fabric and pull the thread through. This is used to hold a seam in place.
Back stitch: This gives a stronger stitch. The needle is inserted at the point of the previous stitch and comes out just beyond the thread position.
Oversewing stitch: This is used to neaten the edges. Simply insert the needle under and over the edge.
Adapted from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmR2P4-b2Uc