Masks for Community
Join our Community Sewing Brigade
Our mask supply is depleting fast, but with your help, we can ensure our caregivers on the front line stay protected!
According to the CDC, as a last resort healthcare providers may use homemade masks to care for COVID-19 patients in settings where FDA-cleared surgical face masks are not available.
That’s where you come in.
If you have the know-how and materials, join us in this fun and potentially lifesaving activity. Just download and print the pattern below and follow these simple instructions to create a homemade mask.
Don’t worry if you’re short on materials! We have kits available to pick up.
If you have questions, call Tiffany Stephens at 360.567.3515 or email tiffany.stephens@chhh.org.
What you will need
- Pattern (click here for a printable PDF)
- Tightly woven and prewashed 100 % cotton fabric (avoid metallic prints)
- Lightweight iron on interfacing
- Fabric ties or flat elastic (1/8″ or 1/4″)
Steps
- Cut two pieces from 100% cotton (avoid metallic prints) and one piece of very lightweight iron-on interfacing.
- Adhere the interfacing to the opposite side of one of the mask pieces.
- Iron press the folds into submission on the interfaced piece before you start sewing.
- Iron press on each fold line, all the way across the mask.
- Fold the crease towards the bottom of the mask.
- Use a hem gauge to press a 1/2” tuck all the way across. Do the same to the next fold, and finally the third fold line. You should have three folds 1/2” deep across the face of the mask. The side edge will measure approximately 3.5” with the folds in place.
- Use a full 1/4” seam allowance. For those of you who quilt, this could be 1mm wider than your usual quilting seam allowance. Please check, it will make a difference in the fit.
- Sew the nose dart in each mask piece.
- Place the right sides together.
- Sew across the top edges. Then, sew across the bottom edge leaving a 2″ opening to turn your mask in a later step.
- Cut two pieces 6″ long of 1/8″ or 1/4″ elastic.
- Insert the elastic into the end of the mask. Pin it in place as close to the top of the mask as you can possibly get it. You should be able to see a tiny bit poking out past the raw edge.*
*This JoAnn’s video gives an excellent example of placing the elastic in this manner.
Keep in mind their pattern is different.
- Then, making sure that the elastic is not twisted, bring the other end down to the lower edge of the mask and pin it in the same manner.
- Repeat this on the other end of the mask with the other piece of the elastic.
- Stitch the ends twice, each time back-stitching over the elastic to make it secure.
- Trim some of the bulk from the corners without trimming the elastic.
- Turn the mask right side out.
- Finger press the seams flat. Then they will fold nicely on the seam line.
- Pin the pleats into place. If you pressed them firmly in the beginning, this will be easily accomplished.
- Top stitch close to the edge all around the mask twice! This will add additional security for the elastic and firmly close the opening at the lower edge.
And you’re done!
Please package masks in groups of 10. Drop off your completed masks in the marked boxes at our care center entrances from 9 am to 4 pm.
Longview Hospice Care Center
1035 11th Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
Vancouver Hospice Care Center
3102 NE 134th Street
Vancouver, WA 98686
Thank you to our amazing team of tailors who have created 7,316 masks as of July 1. Your contribution will help keep our staff on the front lines safe and healthy!
Our list of supporters is HUGE. Thank you!
- Alaina Hartley and Family
- Alice Lindahl
- Amy Warnke
- Amy Laufman
- Angela Larson
- Anita Bennett
- Anne Kolp
- Becky Jackson
- Becky Pense
- Beth Gilhuly
- Carolyn Grice
- Celinda Northrup
- Charmaine Christensen
- Cheryl Petersen
- Claire Page
- Clatskanie Builders Supply
- Colleen Craig
- Colleen Neel
- Cowlitz County Love Masks
- Darlene Grasser
- Denise Robbins
- Diana Bilderback
- Donna Rolfe
- East Hills Alliance Church in Kelso
- Ellen Kane
- Erika Feravola
- Evelyn Olsen
- Fern Jones
- Frontline Face Masks
- Gail Sieckman
- Ginger Meyer
- Gregory Pang
- The Grove Alliance Church in Longview
- Heidi Edwards
- Holly Barrett
- Jalna Gragg
- Jannelle Jackson
- Jean Giles
- Jerri Patten
- Jessica Clark
- Joyce Hollad
- Katherine Gibson
- Karen Boudreaux
- Karin Haderly
- Kristie Kandoll
- Kristina Mack
- Laurie Nord
- Linda
- Linda Pharr
- Linda Scharple
- Lisa Bunn
- Lisa Shaw
- Lois
- Lynn Tuck
- Magnolia Titanium
- Maria Hagerman
- Marrianne Byrd
- Marion Pielaet
- Marla Kandoll
- Mary Schulte
- Maureen Davidstel
- Melinda Teal
- Monica Seidl
- Pat Baker
- Patricia Kelley
- Samantha Olin
- Sharla Anderson
- Stephen Sande family
- Susan Pengelly
- Taylor Landry
- Teresa Wilson
- Terry Skrentny
- Tiffany Stephens
- Tracey Pense
- Trina Bergman
- Valerie Ubl
How to Get Started
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