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Face Mask Warriors

Making masks. Saving lives.

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Patterns, Materials & Videos

These are the patterns that have had the highest request rate:

Quick Sew Pleated

Drawstring Sides with Filter Pocket

N95 Cover

Form Fitted & Curved

I have completed masks that I want to mail to a provider. How do I do that without leaving my house?

USPS: Go to https://www.usps.com/ and select “Mail & Ship”- login to your USPS account- if you don’t have one, you can easily create one by choosing the “Sign Up Now” button. Once you are logged in, use the create label tab to enter your address, the medical provider or hospital’s address and the package weight. Print your label and leave your package outside for pick up. More questions on this? Go here.

The cheapest rates for shipping can be found at Pirate Ship.

For more Patterns, Videos and Materials information click the buttons below.

Patterns

We’re working with hospitals/experts to ensure the masks we make are safe and effective, and will update this list as we learn more.

Disclaimer: These face masks are not meant to replace n95 masks, standard surgical face masks or any other medical-grade PPE. They are a measure of last resort, and can be used to help extend the life of CDC-approved PPE. These masks are not meant to protect against COVID-19.

This pattern fits well over N95 masks and has ties instead of elastic:

A.B. Mask Pattern – for a Nurse by a Nurse

Links to Printouts/Tutorials

  • Deaconess Health Face Mask Pattern (PDF and video)
  • Phoebe Health Face Mask Pattern
  • A.B. Mask Pattern – for a Nurse by a Nurse
  • Surgical Style Mask Pattern with a Pocket for Filter drafted by Amelia Patel
  • Instructables DIY Face Mask
  • Craft Passion Face Mask Pattern
  • ithinksew Face Mask Pattern (site requires registration)
  • FreeSewing Face Mask Pattern
  • Pins and Needles Mask Patterns (PDF 1, PDF2 and video)
  • Pleated Mask with Filter Pocket
  • Fitted Mask with Filter Pocket and Nose Wire
  • Relief Crafters of America Pleated Mask Pattern (includes kids size)
  • A trick to make bias tape (Facebook video)

Pattern modifications created by nurses in Michigan:

  • Pleated Mask with Filter Pocket
  • Fitted Mask with Filter Pocket and Nose Wire
Materials

Following is a list of suggested materials for creating face masks. This may be updated as we get more information from health care providers.

Fabric

Face masks should have at least two layers. Many health care practitioners prefer that the layers be different fabrics, so that they can easily distinguish the outside from the inside. A third filtration layer is optional (you can also make masks with a pocket for this material).

There’s still a lot of conflicting information about what fabric to use, but so far the safest bets seem to be tight cotton or cotton blend weaves (like quilting fabric and flannel) for the outer layer the same type of fabric or cotton jersey (like what T-shirts are made of) for the inner layer. For extra science about this, check out https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/. You can also use tightly woven cotton/poly blends.

“Fat Quarters”, bundles of pre-cut fabric for quilting, are perfect for this.

Pre-wash your fabric in hot water before making the masks! This will ensure that the masks will not shrink up with subsequent washings. You probably do NOT need to wash the completed masks, as the facility accepting the masks will do that before distributing them.

Ties/Elastic

Keep in mind that many people can’t wear elastic due to latex allergies. Additionally, many healthcare providers are reporting that masks with ties are easier to adjust. You can use:

Ribbon

Binding made from mask fabric (some patterns include instructions for this)

1/4″, 3/8″ or 1/8″ Flat Elastic

Round Elastic Cord

Nose Clip/Wire

The nose clip is what gives a mask extra shape and holds it close to the nose. Not all mask patterns require them. Some mask patterns include pockets to put a nose clip in. It’s suggested that a nose clip pocket be left open so that the nose clip material can be removed and replaced. You can use:

Pipe cleaners

A paper clip

Picture wire

Videos

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Medical Advice on Masks

  • How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering (CDC)
  • Recommendations for Cloth Face Covers (CDC)
  • Cloth Face Covers FAQs (CDC)

Stay Connected

FMW

Disclaimer: Homemade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be washed before the first use and before every use thereafter. These items are not medical grade PPE and will not protect the user as well as commercially available equipment. Face Mask Warriors urges all civilians to donate all medical grade PPE to medical centers or first responders when possible.

Face Mask Warriors is non-denominational and does not discriminate against any group. We are driven by love and the desire to help. Love wins every battle.

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