The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone to wear cloth masks when leaving the home. But what if you don’t have a suitable bandanna or a face mask?

Fear not. We’re here to show you how to make your own mask using a piece of cloth and common ties found around the house.

DIY masks are a good alternative to surgical masks with no sewing required.

Homemade masks are not meant to replace surgical masks – which should be reserved for medical workers – but when you have to go out, something to cover your face is better than nothing.

First, you will need a handkerchief, cut-up T-shirt or dish towel. The recommended size is 18 inches by 18 inches. Next, you will need hair ties, ribbon or cut-up tights or pantyhose – anything that can wrap comfortably behind the ears.

Emily Hayes is a graduate student at American University in Washington, D.C., and an intern for The Durango Herald.