Hailey Tran
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a worldwide shortage of essential medical supplies, including ventilators and face masks. In response, people have taken to social media to ask for and offer guidance on making homemade masks for healthcare workers. While homemade masks are not as effective as N95 masks, they are still useful in situations where hospitals are running out of masks. Fabric masks can be washed and reused, which is beneficial as healthcare workers need to change their masks several times during their shifts. Those with sewing machines can join this movement, with companies like JOANN stores donating precut fabric and sewing machines for mask-making.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Denim, cotton fabric, elastic straps, cloth ties, 3D-printed plastic, valves, components, hair bands, double-sided tape, filters, tightly woven 100% cotton fabric, bed sheets, heavyweight shirts |
| Who can make masks | People with sewing machines, crafters, fashion designers, seamstresses, construction companies |
| Where to get materials | JOANN stores, O'Brien Construction, UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids, Iowa, St. Luke's, Facebook groups, YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, fashion studios, cotton sheet brands |
| Where to donate masks | Any JOANN store, local hospitals, local hospitals in your area, MasksForHeroes |
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What You'll Learn
Sewing non-surgical masks from denim or cotton fabric
Materials and Preparation:
Before beginning, ensure you have the necessary materials, such as cotton or denim fabric, elastic bands or fabric ties, and any desired additions like wire ribbon or pipe cleaners for a better nose fit. It is important to launder the fabric in hot water prior to sewing to prevent shrinkage. If using cotton, opt for tightly woven fabric, and consider adding a lightweight interfacing, coffee filter, or vacuum bag between the layers for improved filtration while maintaining breathability.
Sewing Process:
There are various patterns available online for sewing non-surgical masks, including shaped or pleated styles. You can follow a printable pattern or one of the many helpful video tutorials created by hospitals, healthcare organizations, and individuals. These videos offer additional tips, such as how to make cloth ties, address elastic band shortages, and create a nose piece for a better fit.
Donating the Masks:
Once you've sewn your non-surgical masks, they can be donated to hospitals and medical clinics. Organizations like JOANN and St. Luke's have specifically called for donations to support healthcare workers. Remember to follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the hospitals or organizations receiving the donations.
It is important to note that these fabric masks are not meant to replace manufactured masks, but they can play a crucial role in addressing supply shortages and protecting healthcare workers and the community during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Using cloth ties or elastic straps
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shortage of essential medical supplies, including face masks. Homemade masks are not hospital-approved, but they are still useful and are being worn on top of N95 masks to help them last longer. The best fabric for homemade masks is a tightly woven, 100% cotton fabric. Things like denim, bed sheets, and heavyweight shirts are all good options. Knit fabrics, such as jersey T-shirts, should be avoided as they create holes when stretched, which viruses can penetrate. It is important to prewash fabrics using hot water to kill germs and to pre-shrink the material so it doesn't change shape after being washed.
When making a mask, you can use cloth ties or elastic straps for the ear loops. Cloth ties can be made using the same fabric as the mask. Cut long strips of fabric and sew them together so they are around 40-60cm long. You will need four strips in total, two for each side. Alternatively, you can use elastic straps. These can be more comfortable and easier to adjust, but they are not always as durable as cloth ties. Cut the elastic so that it is the same length as the cloth option, and then sew each end to the corners of the mask.
If you are using cloth ties, you can either tie the ends together at the back of your head or tie them together at the top of your head, allowing for a bow or knot to form at the top. This option may be more secure as it removes any pressure from the ears. If you are using elastic straps, simply hook the elastic over each ear.
Before donating your masks, check with local hospitals to see if they can accept your homemade masks and what their policies are for dropping them off. Some hospitals won't accept donations directly, but there may be other healthcare workers or facilities in need, such as nursing homes, urgent care centres, veterinarians, and firefighters.
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Using patterns for surgical and close-fitting styles
When making a face mask for hospital workers, it is important to follow a pattern that ensures a good fit, filtration, and safety. The mask should fit "snugly but comfortably" to the face, have multiple layers of fabric, and allow for unrestricted breathing. Here are some tips and patterns for creating surgical and close-fitting face masks:
Using Patterns for Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are loose-fitting, disposable masks that act as a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants. They are often made with a layer of non-woven polyester fabric, which is effective in filtering viruses and bacteria. This fabric is commonly used in protective gowns and reusable promotional bags. To create a surgical-style pleated mask, follow these steps:
- Use densely woven 100% cotton or cotton-poly blends for the mask fabric. Pre-shrink the fabric by washing and drying it on high heat before you begin.
- Include a pocket for an extra filter to improve filtration. Autoclave fabric, a washable material used for sterilisation, is effective for this purpose.
- Ensure a snug fit by using elastic bands or ties. Check the tutorial for the specific type of elastic required.
Using Patterns for Close-Fitting Masks
Close-fitting masks, such as the N95 respirator, are designed to achieve a very close facial fit and efficient filtration of airborne particles. To create a close-fitting mask, consider the following:
- Use patterns that allow for a tight fit, such as the Deaconess Hospital pattern, which includes a nose bridge for a better seal.
- Incorporate a band of metal or wire at the nose bridge to improve the fit and prevent glasses from fogging.
- Utilise materials such as tightly woven cotton, natural silk, or polyester chiffon with a bit of spandex for effective filtration.
- Ensure the mask has multiple layers of fabric, as recommended by the CDC, and allow for unrestricted breathing.
- Consider adding ties or wider elastic bands that go around the head for a more secure fit.
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Making masks with filter pockets
Materials
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need fabric, elastic, and a filter. For the fabric, tightly-woven cotton is a good option, as it can be sterilized and reused. Look for quilting fabric, T-shirt fabric, or high thread-count fabric from pillowcases or sheets. If you don't have elastic, you can use household items like rubber bands, hair ties, string, or shoelaces. Coffee filters are a readily available option for filters, but you can also use products like HEPA vacuum bags or air conditioning filters (just make sure they don't contain fiberglass).
Cutting and Sewing
Now, it's time to cut and sew your fabric. Cut two pieces of fabric to the desired size, leaving a gap in the centre of one piece for the filter opening. Place the pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the edges, securing the fabric with pins or clips to avoid making holes. Leave a gap in the centre, which will be the pocket opening for the filter. Use an iron to press the seam flat, and then add topstitching to both sides of the seam to hold it in place.
Adding the Filter Pocket
Create a pocket for the filter by folding the fabric. Make sure the gap you left in the centre is at the top of the mask. This will be the filter pocket opening. You can add a pipe cleaner or wire along the top edge of the pocket to create a nose piece for a better fit. Secure the nose piece by sewing over your previous stitch.
Finishing Touches
Now, add some pleats to the mask for a comfortable fit. Create three evenly spaced 1/2" pleats, pinning them in place and ironing them flat. Sew along the sides to secure the pleats. Remember, the pleats should open downwards when worn to prevent particles from collecting in the folds. Finally, add elastic bands to the sides of the mask, or use fabric ties for a comfortable fit.
Care and Use
Once your mask is complete, it's important to care for it properly. Remove and dispose of the filter before washing the mask. Wash your hands thoroughly before putting on and taking off the mask, and avoid touching your face while wearing it. Cloth masks should be washed and dried after each use or if they become wet. Remember, these masks are not a substitute for medical-grade masks, but they can provide additional protection.
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Donating masks to hospitals and medical clinics
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shortage of essential medical supplies, including ventilators and face masks, worldwide. Many hospitals and healthcare workers are in dire need of personal protective equipment (PPE).
To address this issue, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to sew non-surgical fabric face masks to donate to hospitals and medical clinics. These masks are not intended to replace manufactured masks but can be washed and reused, which is beneficial as healthcare workers need to change their masks several times during their shifts.
If you want to donate masks to hospitals and medical clinics, you can reach out to your local clinics, hospitals, and care facilities to inquire about their needs and how you can help. You can also contact organizations such as Harbor Freight Tools, which is donating its entire supply of N95 masks, face shields, and Nitrile gloves to hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms in the communities served by its stores.
Additionally, some hospitals in the Bay Area are accepting donations of masks and other protective equipment from the public. These include Kaiser Permanente's San Francisco Medical Center, Seton Medical Center in Daly City, Stanford Medicine, Sutter Health in Sacramento, and UCSF. You can contact these hospitals directly to make arrangements for donating unused masks and other supplies.
It is important to note that homemade masks may not be permitted for use in hospitals, and they should follow CDC guidelines for mask usage. However, in times of critical supply shortages, hospitals may accept these donations to support their medical community.
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Frequently asked questions
The best fabric for homemade masks is a tightly woven, 100% cotton fabric. Things like denim, bed sheets, and heavyweight shirts are all good options. Avoid knit fabrics (e.g. jersey T-shirts) because they create holes when they stretch, which the virus could get through. Make sure to prewash fabrics using hot water to kill germs and to pre-shrink the material so it doesn't change shape after hospital workers wash it.
JOANN stores are donating pre-cut fabric to anyone who wants to make masks. All 860 stores will be offering materials and sewing machines in their classrooms, following social distancing recommendations. You can also call the store to have the supplies brought out to your car.
Check with local hospitals in your area to see if they can use your homemade masks and what their policies are for dropping them off. MasksForHeroes uses an Instagram account to post PPE requests from healthcare workers. You can also donate any unused face mask supplies to O'Brien Construction, which will deliver them to local hospitals.
