Introducing Ingrid Ballmann
CASA Steering Committee
It’s been almost 2 weeks since I started sewing masks for hospitals, friends and family. I am part of the group “SF/East Bay Crafters Unite” and this week our goal is to make 1,200 masks. Over two weeks the group went from a handful of people to 400 members. I tried several models and made 30 masks so far. Many people wanted to know which tutorials to follow, how to make the masks so I’m sharing what I’ve learned with you.
Want to make masks?
If you’d like to join our effort and help craft 1,200 for health care providers – or for yourself and your family – join SF/East Bay Crafters Unite Facebook Group. The page offers many great tutorials, tips and resources on how to get supplies. There is a national shortage of elastics and people have gotten very crafty on how to find more – from the elastics in fitted sheet to those inside bunjee cords.
Washing/Sterilizing:
Pre-wash (soap and water, no harsh chemical needed) and dry any fabric before sewing. Wash and dry again after the masks are completed and store in a new plastic bag to donate (unfortunately, plastic bags are the safest way to store them now). If donating to a hospital, follow these steps. The masks will be washed or possibly sterilized at high temp upon arrival so no need to sterilize beforehand.
Patterns and Tutorials:
Below are my favorites. For any of these you’ll need: a sewing machine, thin & tight knit cotton (bed sheets are great), elastics (1/8” are best) and/or bias tape or ribbons, filter material such as quilting batting (80/20 cotton poly is great).
Beginner – great effective model, quick to make. Can be sewn with a filter, held by elastics:
Intermediate I – fits over N95, has a nose piece, held with ties:
Here is the pattern for this model.
Intermediate II – best fit, comes in several sizes, has a filter insert, fits over N95:
You will need to download patterns for this one – I’m including the large one (they call it Men size). Go to this page for other sizes “Pocket Face Mask Sewing Pattern WITH seam allowance included”.
