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How to Make Surgeon's Mask

Whether you need to dress as a surgeon for a theater production or you want to play doctor on Halloween, a surgical mask is the accessory that "makes the outfit." Surgical masks are available at medical and hospital supply shops -- and occasionally consumer drug stores -- for a few dollars each. But a few items from the fabric store will enable you to make a convincing substitute.

Things You'll Need

  • Light blue or white cotton fabric, cut into a rectangle 8 inches by 6 inches
  • Fray Check or clear nail polish
  • 2 white shoelaces
  • Scissors
  • Straight pins
  • Sewing needle
  • Light blue thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the cotton rectangle on a flat surface.

    • 2

      Coat the edges in FrayCheck or clear nail polish to prevent the edges from fraying. Allow to dry.

    • 3

      Cut each shoelace in half. You will then have 4 lengths of lace.

    • 4

      Arrange the rectangle so the long sides are horizontal.

    • 5

      Pin one end of a shoelace to the top right-hand corner, pin another shoelace to the top left-hand corner, and pin a third to the bottom left-hand corner. Finally, pin the last shoelace to the bottom right-hand corner.

    • 6

      Thread the sewing needle with a length of blue thread. Knot the end.

    • 7

      Sew the top right-hand corner shoelace into place. Knot the end, clip the excess thread and remove the pin.

    • 8

      Repeat Step 6 and 7 for the other three shoelaces.

    • 9

      Hold the rectangle over your nose and mouth, and tie the top laces and bottom laces together to secure them.

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