YOU'VE probably heard by now that wearing face coverings in Scotland's public places could become mandatory in the future. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed this was under consideration in her daily briefing yesterday, but stressed there is no timescale on when the wearing of one might enforced across the country. 

Ms Sturgeon was keen to emphasise medical face masks should be prioritised for frontline workers and instead has encouraged Scots to make their own face coverings from home. 

Whether you are handy with a Singer or just want a quick fix, there are so many ways you can make sure you are protected. 

Here's our guide to different types and step-by-step instructions on how to make them.

What do I need to make a face covering? 

There are many different materials you can use to protect yourself and stop the spread of Covid-19 to those around you. 

This ranges from bandanas, to t-shirts, fabrics, to string. The important thing is you should be able to find most of these items in your home already. 

Think of this as a good chance to finally find a use for that t-shirt in the back of the cupboard you've been meaning to take to a charity shop for as long as you can remember. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: You don't need to be an expert in sewing machines to make your own face covering You don't need to be an expert in sewing machines to make your own face covering

We'll show you how to make some coverings in the next section, but here are some of the items you will need to make one: 

  • Elastic band or hair ties 
  • Bandana 
  • Handkerchief
  • T-shirt 
  • Scissors 
  • Kitchen towel
  • Pins 
  • Needle and thread 

What are the different types of home-made face coverings and how can I make one? 

The UK government advises washing your hands or using hand sanitiser before putting on and after taking off face coverings.

You should also:

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times
  • Store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them
  • Wash a face covering regularly - it can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent

The one with the bandana

Okay. Not many of us will have a spare bandana sitting around but if you do they are an easy way to make an effective covering. 

For this you'll need: Elastic ties or hairpins, and your bandana. That's it. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Step one: Lay the cloth out flat 

Step two: Fold in half

Step three: Fold top third down, fold bottom up to meet it

Step four: Thread through two elastic bands 

Step five: Fold each side to the middle and tuck into the folds 

The one with the t-shirt 

Have a look in your cupboard. We'd bet you have at least one old t-shirt which either doesn't fit or looked more at home in a Wham video than 2020.

We'll, now is the perfect time to say goodbye and recyle your old shirt for good. 

Here's what you'll need: An old t-shirt, scissors, kitchen towel, pins 

Step one: Draw pattern across arms and body of t-shirt

Step two: Cut along patterns so you have two layers from front and back of t-shirt 

Step three: Pin one side 

Steph four: Inset non-woven fabric material such as a paper towel 

Step five: Pin other side 

Steph six: Tie at back so it is tight across the nose and tight under the chin 

The one that needs sewing 

This is one for the wannabe sewing bees. Dust off that Singer and have a go and you'll have an effective face covering in no time. 

Here's what you'll need: A sewing machine, needle and thread, scissors, elastic, towel, fabric  

Step one: Cut two cloth rectangles 25cmx15cm

Step two: Place on top of each other, lengthways

Step three: Fold over the top of the fabric 0.6cm and stitch all the way across

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Step four: Fold the bottom up and stitch 2.5cm inwards from the edge of either side - this will create a filter pocket 

Step five: Folder the shorter sides inwards about 1cm and stitch - leaving a gap to thread elastic 

Step six: Thread a 15cm piece of elastic through the hem on one side and tie the ends. Repeat on the other side

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Step seven: Put kitchen paper inside as filter 

Visit here for more guidance from the UK Government. 

We have also used information from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)