Fabric mask posts are abundant right now. The novel coronavirus pandemic has everyone with a sewing machine busily making masks. Even those without sewing machines are taking up needle and thread. There’s several websites and social media groups focused on just that one thing: making fabric masks to donate to those who need them.

But what happens when you run out of elastic? Well, you can certainly use fabric ties to tie the mask on. As a matter of fact, most medical facilities have been requesting that the masks the home sewing brigades are creating be equipped with fabric ties instead of elastic ear loops. Because medical facilities do wash and sanitize the masks, the fabric ties hold up better in the wash than elastic does. That makes total sense. After all, the fabric masks are reusable, not meant to be discarded. So making sure they can withstand the heat and bleach used in the industrial laundries is crucial.