It has been nearly a year since we began practicing kendo while wearing masks and shields as a measure to prevent infection with the new coronavirus.

Although I've gotten used to it, the season is once again heading towards summer, and I can't deny that it still feels suffocating.

So why not make your own kendo mask that is a little cooler and not stuffy to breathe?

For those who say, "Handmade? I'm not good at sewing with a sewing machine..." we have come up with a simple mask that doesn't require sewing; all you have to do is cut it out and iron it .

(1) Type 1

"material"

Cooling towels (not ones that are only a few centimeters wide, but ones that are around 30cm wide)

I bought this at Yuzawaya, but I think it's sold at 100 yen shops and various other stores.

Front side

back side

*Sports towels were not yet in stock in early spring, but from around the end of May, they started to arrive at Daiso.

Washable mask (one with adjustable ear straps is more convenient)

Since sizes vary from person to person, it is better to choose one with adjustable ear straps, as you can adjust it after it is finished.

Hemming tape (iron-on)

I think it would be easier to use something that can be glued just by ironing without getting it wet.

Adhesive backing

"tool"

scissors

iron

ironing board

candle

Since cooling towels are made from synthetic fibers, the edges can be melted with heat without sewing.

How to make it

1. Cut the cooling towel 20 cm from the edge. Also, cut off both top corners by 3 cm from the top.

② Light a candle and heat the edges of the cooling towel to melt them and finish the edges. This way, the edges will not fray even if you do not sew them.

The upper part of the candle flame is hotter, so it is easy for it to melt or burn. Make sure to heat it near the base of the flame. Be careful not to get burned!

③ Cut the elastic on both sides of the washable mask about 5 mm from the edge.

④ Place the cooling towel backside up, place ③ on the edge of the corner, fold it back about 1 cm, and lightly press with an iron.

⑤ Cut the hemming tape to the appropriate length and place it over the folded edge. At this point, cut it a little larger than the exact length and adjust it later to get a neater finish.

⑥ Use an iron to attach the hemming tape to the cooling towel. Refer to the instructions for the tape for instructions on how to attach it.

⑦ Cut off the excess part of the hemming tape. If the edge is loose, you can use an iron to seal it in place.

⑧ Do the same on the other side and it's done!

Front side

back side

(2) Type 2

It is a mesh mask.

"material"

Daiso arm covers

The tubular mask has a double layer of fabric to help prevent droplets from spreading. One side is made of a coarser mesh, so if you place that side over your mouth, it will be easier to breathe.

Rubber for masks

Hemming tape (iron-on)

I think it would be easier to use something that can be glued just by ironing without getting it wet.

"tool"

scissors

iron

ironing board

candle

These arm covers are also made of synthetic fibers, so we use heat to melt the cut edges.

How to make it

① Cut the arm cover to a length of about 11 cm using scissors.

*Cut off the rubber part at the end.

② Heat the cut ends with a candle flame. This will melt and harden the ends, so you won't need to trim them.

③ Prepare four pieces of 1cm wide hemming tape.

④ Prepare two pieces of elastic for the mask (a small one measuring 24cm and a large one measuring 27cm).

⑤ Turn the arm covers inside out, place 1cm of elastic on the top edge, place the hemming tape on top of that, and adhere with an iron.

⑥ Similarly, attach the elastic to the bottom edge with hemming tape, being careful not to twist the elastic.

⑦ Repeat on the other end, attaching the elastic with hemming tape.

⑧ Turn it over and it's done.

Front side

Back side (the side that touches the mouth)

How it is worn on the face

From the side

How the mask is worn The mask part is small so it does not touch the inner ring.

Here are two types of masks that are easy to make.

These masks are breathable, but we believe it is necessary to use a shield at the same time to prevent infection.