[Gynnie Lindquist]

Masks for Docs is asking if we can help provide looking for help to create 1,000 sewn masks for the Hamilton Families | Shelter Program. The mission of Hamilton Families is to end family homelessness in the Bay area. They also provide support for children experiencing homelessness, therefore roughly a third of the masks we create would need to be child-sized.

We do not need to sew all of these masks on our own.

The plan is to complete this project jointly between Endor Base, GGG and Wolves of Mandalore. We would work as a team to reach our goal.

Any type of mask pattern is OK (3-ply is preferred, but not required.)

What pattern should I use?
So far, none of our bay area orgs who have gotten in touch have specified a pattern. So you can use whatever pattern you want for now. If this changes I’ll be sure to update you all via email!
I’ve been using this pattern for assembly line production: https://www.drstreicher.com/dr-streicher-blog/2020/3/a-surgeon-sewing-a-surgical-mask (I have changed the dimensions to 8×8 initial square with ½” seam allowance for a finished mask of 7×4 — the dimensions of a real surgical mask. ymmv)
This pattern for more fitted masks: https://www.trendpatterns.co.uk/pdf-patterns/free-facemask
I have not used this pattern but have heard it’s very comfortable: https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/
A mashup of several styles by MakeMasks slack group: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lwMOroLAnfWthRa_HhSvmh74UXFFaxG4bflLk9_ZWPE/edit?ts=5e826587
There are many more mask patterns available online, for now, use any that you like.

What fabric should I use?
Since the goal of these masks is not to actually filter out aerosolized virus particles, but instead to block large droplets, use any fabric that seems like it will stop large droplets and is breathable. If a mask is not breathable, no one will want to wear it. You can test if fabric is breathable by holding it up to your face and trying to breathe through it ? (but sterilize it afterwards!). Mostly people are using tightly woven cottons (aka quilting cotton) as it is breathable and easy to sew.

If you want to get very fancy, there’s Halyard h600 material, talked about here (along with patterns): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZBbkn-g-vE But personally I would leave that for medical facilities.

Elastic vs ties?
Either is ok. If you use elastic, skinnier (⅜” or narrower) is better.

Wash the masks in hot soapy water and dry them. After washing, handle them as little as possible and put them directly into a Ziploc bag with freshly washed hands. If possible, wear a mask of your own during this step to avoid breathing on them. It is perfectly OK to batch them up in larger groups to save on Ziplock bags.

Deadline: July 5th

A chat group has been created for anyone who would like to participate. Please contact Diana Wolf Torres or Gynnie Lindquist to be added to group chat.

Questions? PM, email or text Diana Wolf Torres (cell:408-427-7137)