Cloth Face Masks - What You Need and How To Make Them.

What do you do when there's a high-grade mask shortage in your area? You make your own! Fabric face masks can really come in handy when there is a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). I'll show you what you need to get started making cloth face masks and show you the resources I used to create mine.

I posted on my personal Facebook page and on Instagram that I was sewing face masks for our local healthcare workers and I got a huge response with people asking questions about how to make them and what they'd need to get started. I decided to write this post to lead them in the right direction. Then, my favorite brand, Tieks by Gavrieli, started stitching, sourcing, and distributing masks to their local healthcare systems. To encourage others to do the same, they launched the #SewTogether initiative. The idea is simple: sew masks, save lives, get Tieks. Sew and donate 25 masks and you're eligible for a $50 Tieks Gift Card. Sew and donate 50 or more masks and you can earn a $100 Tieks Gift Card.

This campaign has been a huge success so far and I'm so proud to be a part of it! Over 260,000 masks have already been sewn and donated to more than 1,500 medical facilities across all 50 states!

Image courtesy of Tieks by Gavrieli

Here's how it works:

Step 1: Make your masks. There is a real need for simple masks for healthcare providers treating non-COVID-19 patients so that the high-grade masks that are in scarce supply can be used by those treating COVID-19 patients. These homemade masks can be sewn by hand or machine but should be double-layered ad made with pre-washed cotton. Just check below to see some of the patterns I've tested. Also, be sure to contact your local healthcare facilities if you'll be donating locally to see which type of masks they're accepting.

Once you’ve completed your masks, take a photo of all the masks laid out next to a piece of paper that includes your full name, the date, and the number of masks you made. Tieks will use that photo to verify your donation. Be sure your name and number of masks are clear or they'll need additional photos.

Step 2: Donate your masks. You can either donate your masks locally or send them to the Tieks distribution center and they'll distribute the masks on your behalf in the greater Los Angeles area.

You can mail them to:
Tieks by Gavrieli
Shipping and Receiving
5731 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230

When donating the masks, take a second photo that verifies your donation, whether that’s a selfie of you in front of the hospital where you’re dropping off, or a photo of the package that shows the shipping label clearly. If someone is dropping off your masks on your behalf, please submit a photo of them holding your masks in front of the facility OR a socially distant selfie of the hand-off.

Step 3: Submit your donation verification and receive your gift card. Once you've made and donated your masks (and have the photos requested above), head over to Tieks.com/sewtogether and submit your information. You'll need to include your name, email, the recipient facility, and the donation amount. You'll also be asked to upload the photos of your masks and the donation. Then, once your information is verified, Tieks will email you a Tieks Gift Card Code within 2-3 business days.

Why Cloth Face Masks?

It might seem old-fashioned or a bit antiquated, but cloth face masks can and should be used by healthcare providers and those just wishing to protect themselves when the widely-used, high-grade surgical masks become unavailable. In fact, the CDC has said, "In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients as a last resort." Although they are to be used as a last resort, as a nurse practitioner who has practiced in acute care settings, I know that I would absolutely wear a cloth face mask if my hospital ran out of masks. There's no doubt in my mind that I'd have a few of these on hand in case of that scenario.

There are many Etsy shops or seamstresses who can easily create cloth face masks for you, but they may be overrun in times of crisis. That's why it's a good idea to be able to make your own. I'm a novice sewer but it only took me about 15 minutes to make my first fabric face mask and I'm down to about 6 minutes per mask now when I have all the materials pre-cut.

What you'll need to make cloth face masks

• Sewing machine - I prefer this one with a table attachment so you have more stability for projects and an automatic threader (it's a GAME CHANGER), but this one is definitely sufficient for this project.
• Outer fabric - use tightly woven 100% cotton for the outer layer (and what I mean by that is that if you hold it up to the light, you wouldn't see a lot of light shining through). I used "fat quarters" for my masks. A fat quarter is a pre-cut piece of fabric measuring 18" x 22" each. For the masks that I made, I could get 6 masks out of each fat quarter. You can also use bulk roll fabric from your local craft or sewing store.
• Flannel - you'll need flannel for the inner layer of the mask (or you can use a second layer of 100% tightly woven cotton, just make sure you use a different print/color than so the wearer can tell which side has been put against his or her face). You can use any color or print you'd like. You can get this by the yard at your local fabric shop (JOANN, Hobby Lobby, or even Walmart in some areas).
• Thread and pins - pretty self-explanatory, but you'll need coordinating thread for your choice of fabric.
• Elastic - (Depending on which model of mask you make - see below) You can use beaded elastic or flat elastic. I prefer the feel of the flat elastic, but be sure to use the thinnest you can find (⅜" or less). ¼" flat elastic is ideal. If elastic is in short supply, feel free to get creative and use headband elastic if you can find that. Depending on the mask you make, you'll need about 14" total per mask.
• Scissors or a cutting mat and rotary cutter - If you're going to make a lot of masks or if you're going to take up sewing on a regular basis, I highly recommend getting a self-healing cutting mat and a rotary cutter. These items will make your life a lot easier.

These fabric face masks are made from the Deaconess pattern below.

How to make cloth face masks

There are several free cloth mask patterns out there and I tried a handful before deciding on one that I liked best. I'm going to link you to the top three that I tried and tell you what I did or did not like about it.

• Deaconess face mask pattern: This pattern is by far the easiest out of those I tried and would be ideal for beginners since it's mostly straight lines. For this design, you'll need the elastic I mentioned above.
• Fu Face Mask - This mask requires more sewing skill for curves lines and seams and you have to create a good bit of ribbon (or bias tape) for each mask (no elastic for this design). This mask comes in three sizes and the ribbons mean that you can get a more customized fit, but it does require more time. There is also a video tutorial to show you how to make these. I made the largest size for myself and it was too big and I had to alter it a bit once it was done. I think this would be a great mask for personal use, but I was making them for the masses so I opted for the Deaconess mask.
• Mimi G Style face mask - This is similar to the Fu Face Mask but she uses elastic instead of ribbon ties. She provides a link to a paper patter for you too. If you're new to sewing she's also got some tutorials on her YouTube channel to get you started. Again, this is a great mask, but since wanted to make as many masks as possible I decided on the Deaconess pattern.

There are countless patterns and opinions on making DIY cloth face masks but I know that our nation's healthcare workers will appreciate having these masks if their employers run out of PPE. These are also great for the elderly, the immunocompromised and just about anyone else who wants to protect themselves or their family members.

Don't forget to submit your donation to earn a Tieks by Gavrieli Gift Card!

Tieks is giving a $100 Tieks Gift Card to anyone who stitches and donates 50 or more masks, and a $50 Gift Card for 25 masks. For details on how to claim your gift card visit tieks.com/sewtogether. Let's all  #sewTOGETHER while we’re #separatedTOGETHER.