A simple trip to the grocery store or pharmacy used to be no big deal. We’d jump in the car, maybe look for a cute cart designed for kids (the ones that look like cars or firetrucks) or use our cart hack to let the kiddos sit inside the cart itself while we were shopping.

That is not the case in the day and age of the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has changed life as we know it. First of all, we’re staying home to flatten the curve, and when we do brave a trip to the grocery store, only one person goes, and the kiddos stay home with the other parent.

Until recently, healthy individuals were told it wasn’t necessary to wear gloves or face masks while shopping as long as we practiced social distancing, but now, that’s not necessarily the case. Although most face masks won’t protect you from all germs, they do offer some level of protection, and “some” is better than “nothing.” If you happen to cough or sneeze, for example, you won’t accidentally spread water droplets from your spit on a cart, door or shelf.

If you happen to have store-bought masks at home, that’s wonderful. You probably don’t need to keep reading this article. If you’re having trouble finding store-bought masks, or if you would like to make masks to donate to anyone who doesn’t happen to have one, than keep reading.

It turns out that it’s surprisingly simple to make your own face mask. It doesn’t even matter if you know how to sew. You can actually turn a bandana, scarf or other piece of fabric into a face mask without sewing anything at all! Try the no-sew DIY face mask tutorial in the video below.

If you do know how to sew, that’s wonderful. We’ve found an easy-to-follow tutorial that will show you step-by-step how to sew your own face mask. We suggest using some cotton fabric, like denim from an old pair of jeans. Just make sure the fabric is thick enough that you can’t see through it when you hold 2 layers together.

One great thing about a fabric face mask is that you can easily wash it between uses. This is highly recommended. Another benefit is that you can use fabric in your favorite color or even a fun pattern. Perhaps using fabric you like might make it more appealing to wear the face mask. Hey, face masks are the COVID-19 style trend, right?

If you happen to have extra time, you could make some extra face masks for anyone you know who needs a face mask. You might be surprised how many requests you get. (Or, you can share this article with your friends so they can learn how to make their own masks.)

Do you wear a face mask when you go out in public? Are you going to make your own face mask? Will you sew the mask or use the no-sew method?