Why Make Masks

We're responding to a massive need for masks and other PPE for area health care workers and many other vulnerable populations in our area.
As you know, King, Pearce and Snohomish Counties are very much in need of this equipment. Find lots of good links here that have been sent to us and we continue the push for our health care system.

Links we recommend for making masks

From the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

From Missouri Star Quilt Co.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-domaindev-st_emea&hsimp=yhs-st_emea&hspart=domaindev&p=Missouri+Star+making+masks#id=0&vid=c4ee029792ed80165ccdd2493e64ff34&action=click

From Cindy at The Fabric Patch in Euphrata.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnSL3J7J0_E&t=617s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8HNYKvlaN8.

To make the BEST DIY face mask, and what to use if you can’t find supplies. - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fySsaOojEVM. Make your own facemark.

This is from her video, she credits craft passion for it...you can get it there..

https://media.rainpos.com/220/face_mask_pattern_1.pdf

Link and Video on how to make the masks:
https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2020/03/18/coronavirus-deaconess-ask-public-provide-medical-face-masks/2865273001/?fbclid=IwAR2IBxplFaGhIHflkN0MDjHM0BClfx2PPX50Pmuz2txcVFGwX-N_2G97QY8

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1139/2550/files/How-to-Make-an-Adult-Surgical-Mask-with-Ties-3-26-20-_2.pdf?v=1585608342

Please give pattern credit to Dana Willard.

In addition, ties are best because the elastic does bother health care professionals, especially when they are used constantly. Twill tape, bias tape, double gold, grosgrain ribbon are the easiest to use, to save time.

Can't tolerate the elastic? Wear a headband and add a button to attach the elastic? Some people are allergic to latex and find that they prefer ties.

From Sally: The masks I made were copied from one of those paper ones. I used two 10in x 8 inches pieces of fabric. I used 100% cotton on the top and flannel on the inside. I used twisty ties and sewed them on the inside of the top to bend around the nose. I left about four inches at the bottom to

insert filters. I used air filters purchased at Home Depot. A friend used HEPA vacuum filters to insert. I used ¼ elastic cut in 7 inch pieces. The first one took me about 45 mins. I went into mass production mode and cut that time down to about 15 mins each.

Use T Shirts and Jersey's to make masks with ties. See Jan's notes:

OK so I hated stitching over those thick pleats and sewing in the elastic. So this morning discovered the answer!!! God is so very good!

1. Cut 2- 6x9 pieces of hot washed and dried cotton. Iron on 5x5 piece of interfacing to back of one piece. IF none, add a third layer. Go to sewing machine and sew along the LONG top and bottom edges only. Turn right side out.

2. Press down those two seams (ends are still open!)

3. Pleat by pressing to middle of long end and then top and bottom edges into center. Open up and pleat in about 1/2 inch. You should have three horizontal pleats.

4. Using teeshirt material or jersey, cut a 1 inch by 30 inch strip for each side tie (can be an old teeshirt, but just make sure you cut on the stretchy way!) In the center of the 30 inch strip (knits are usually 60 inches wide so two per cut if using new fabric. Not sure of size of teeshirt, but you need 25 to 20 inches maximum per side., but maybe use a bit less, up to you).

5. Find the center and VERY gently pull to determine which way the knit will roll when stretched. Press about 4 inches in the center toward the roll. Use this as a casing for your pleats!

6. Back to sewing machine and attach over your pleated sides this knit fabric by stitching down twice to secure.

7. Done except to gently pull the four ends of the ties so they roll. That is it!!!!

Amazing!!!!

Thanks for helping save lives!

You can use knit cotton T-Shirts cut on the cross-grain in 1" strips to use as cord for making face masks. Washable, wears well is just the stretch and comfortable.Cut your T-Shirt up in 1" strips and give it a tug and wallaaa - you have cording!

Why Filters?

Non woven interfacing is the key. It provides that impermeable barrier for our masks. Small particles such as Covid-19 cannot pass through this barrier. Use cotton or flannel for the two outer pieces, but use a layer of non woven for the inside. Also you can make a nose piece from just about anything. Floral wire, twisty ties, pipe cleaners, aluminum baking pans. Makes for a better fit around the nose.

Filters are the Barriers between us and Covid-19

Everyone uses a mask, washes daily, or apply a new mask.

The best design I have seen so far is in this link for an NPR article:

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/826996154/coronavirus-faqs-is-a-homemade-mask-effective-and-whats-the-best-way-to-wear-one

Link to mask pattern:

https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/content/dam/internet/kp/comms/import/uploads/2020/03/02_COVID_Mask-Instructions_v9.pdf. The extra pleat helps shape it over the nose. I’m going to add a placket on top for a nose wire also.