The CDC is now recommending that Americans wear cloth masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Surgical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for medical professionals, but even hospitals are running low. In typical awesome human form, people have been banding together to make these masks and deliver them to anyone in need. I even have a few friends who have been sewing and donating cloth masks and it gave me an inkling to pull out my old sewing machine, even if we have never really gotten along.
Many of us are wondering what we can do to stay safe and help others do the same. We wanted to share some resources with the MSA community if you would like to get involved and help!
Masks for Humanity
Image via Masks for Humanity.
Masks for Humanity is the hub that connects people who need handmade face masks with people making handmade face masks.
There is a national shortage of N95 and surgical masks, and the CDC is recommending scarves and bandanas. We want to protect the people taking care of us.
Here is a space to ask for crafted masks and a place to find out how to help. Please share this project widely. The more people who know, the more people we can help.
Find requests for masks and other handmade equipment, groups that are organizing locally, patterns, and other incredible community resources for COVID-19.
Wow, what a resource! This site is the place to find local mask-making groups, get DIY instructions, or request masks for your organization if need be.
Here is a link to their HUB Google doc that is an ever-growing source of requests, mask patterns, and mask requests.
Seeing how quickly people are mobilizing on this large scale was really inspiring to me.
DIY Mask Tutorials
Image via Bluprint.
Multiple DIY Mask Patterns from Bluprint
This link has info on making a no-sew mask, a pleated mask that doesn't require elastic, and an overhead mask.
Image via See Kate Sew.
Elastic-Free Mask with a Filter Pocket from See Kate Sew
This mask is a little more involved, but has a hand filter pocket sewn right in! The instructions are super easy to follow and very step-by-step.
Image via Little Stitch Studio.
Little Stitch Studio Mask Pattern and Tutorial
This is a great basic mask tutorial if you hand sew comfortably or are comfortable on your sewing machine. You'll need fabric and elastic.
Image via Cynthia Rowley.
Cynthia Rowley's #flattenthecurve Scuba Mask
Made of neoprene scuba material, this is a stretch mask, meaning it is likely to have a great fit for most anyone! This is perfect if you have neoprene at your disposal. You will also need velcro!
Image via Japanese Creations.
Japanese Creations New-Sew Face Mask
This is a no-sew mask you can make with a handkerchief/scarf and hair elastics!
Have you been making masks from home? What are your favorite patterns and resources?
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