Ms. Nancy's Nook : Comfy-Fit Mask Ear Extender DIY

Since wearing masks is a reality these days while dealing with COVID-19, let's make the masks comfortable! I've done my share of handmade masks in different sizes for family and friends, and everyone loved choosing their fabrics. What was troublesome for a couple was the way the masks pulled on their ears. I came up with a way to remedy that, so check out my ear-extender DIY. Cost = $0.00! Also included are tips for a mask strap or lanyard.

After making masks, I needed a remedy to make the masks more comfortable for my husband and one of my sons. I thought of elastic, but I was afraid it would be too tight and uncomfortable.

Then the "Lightbulb" moment! T-shirt fabric! I have used strips of t-shirt for other projects and it is very soft. I thought it was worth a try.

Since I used a t-shirt from my "Donate Pile", this cost $0.00!

Directions:

Use sharp scissors to cut the hem off of a t-shirt.

Cut the t-shirt in crosswise strips, about an inch wide.

T-shirt crosswise strip

Cut a strip through the center, making it one long strip. Pull on both ends. The t-shirt strip will curl around itself, creating a stretchy t-shirt cord.

Stretchy t-shirt cord

Try the mask on. Have someone insert the t-shirt cord through both pieces of the ear elastic. Tie the ends into an overhand knot, and check to make sure it is comfortable. Tie a second tight knot over the first knot.

The t-shirt cord and elastic on the mask should now stretch to put the mask on and off comfortably.

Special thanks to son Jeff
for being my "Mask Model"!

Cut the ends of the t-shirt cord about 3/4" from the knot, and you are done!

Ms. Nancy's Notes:

You can also make a a strap or "lanyard" for your mask. Just cut a 1" piece of t-shirt and make a t-shirt cord like above. Cut to desired length. Tie one end of the cord onto the bottom of each ear elastic close to the mask. Now your mask can easily hang around your neck when you are not wearing it.