I'm glad you are able to help! I agree doing something is better than doing nothing. I'm a very mediocre and unpracticed sewer so I can't help in that way so I stay home and don't spread anything. At least I can help in that way.

Rose, I can't hardly wait, till I have the two weeks of quarantine behind me. I have not even looked at my stash... as I am thinking, if I might be contamiated I should not. But I know, I have a pretty big stash too. With fun prints too, but a lot with bicycles of course.

As soon as I have my two weeks behind me, I will start sewing. If the local hospitals don't need/want any, I am thinking the Salvation Army will be contacted. I know, they are still feeding homeless people. I have seen pictures. They wear masks. Anyway, I do have a contact person there, and I guess, no matter what, I can sew up my stash.

I feel so helpless right now, but also thankful that I am back, and soo soo thankful that my daughter was able to buy supplies before she picked me up at the airport.

Keep up the good work Rose! :)

Moni

Judy Good it will not help with elastic but my mom cut bias tape for things. You can probably find instructions on the web. I seem to remember her cutting the fabric diagonally but that was many years ago.

There's a YouTube video on making your own bias tape from fabric.

Making Bias Tape Video

I'm sure Judy knows how to make bias tape, like everyone else.

I'm just now starting to make masks, and I found quite a bit of gold lamé bias tape that I had forgotten that I had. I also have lots and lots of elastic, but it is either 1/4" or 1/2" instead of 3/8". I'll have to check to see if I do have any 3/8" elastic, as I have not gone through my entire stash yet.

Most of my fabric is silk, and it is not that easy to wash.

Our governor in PA just today requested everyone wear a mask when out. I already sewed some for my daughter and grands at her request. The first one was a leaning learning curve and is mine. Lol.

Now my question is where are all these people suppose to get masks that don't sew, don't have the money or don't have a stash of material. I guess the governor didn't think that one out too well.

Lars, I an using 1/4" elastic. I am now out but bought some on Ebay. It should be here in 5 days. I have a lot of 3/8" but think it would be too wide

“Now my question is where are all these people suppose to get masks that don't sew, don't have the money or don't have a stash of material. I guess the governor didn't think that one out too well.”

There are lots of easy instructions on the web for no sew masks. You can use bandanas, tea towels, cloth napkins, scarves or most any fabric with a tight weave.

I brought a big bag of bias tape, purchased @ The ARC Thrift store before this all started, material and thread to my neighbor who's sewing masks. We still have purchased ones for ourselves, working construction. I have muslin for ones I'll make.....later....it this thing doesn't end soon.........

Here is an easy no sew mask from things most people have on hand...

https://komonews.com/news/coronavirus/heres-how-to-make-an-easy-no-sew-face-mask-with-materials-you-have-at-home

I found this new method of making mask and I really like it. Very quick and fits very well.

https://youtu.be/S2AdswfL9VM

I would love some of your home made masks!! The hospital that I work for is accepting them and would be grateful to receive them, as we are now masking every person in the facility. I can provide an address if you are interested. Thanks for what you are doing!

I couldn't find this thread the other day when I was looking for it. I saw where someone locally was using the skinny elastic headbands in place of regular elastic. Dollar tree usually carries those if Walmart or the grocery store are out. Not sure about quality... you would have to check that.

I saw this ARTICLE today. It says blue shop towels are better for filtering. They are good for making masks. I thought I would put it out there for anyone who is making these and has the supplies.

Oh, Lars! I have always liked you from your posts. But now -- the gold lamé bias tape -- I'm in love :-)

Lars the 1/4 inch elastic is the preferred size for most of the mask patterns. I used to have tons of fabrics and elastic till the flood. I also used to have some really awesome computer sewing machines and sergers. Now I have an OK new sewing machine. I still don't have an iron and I had many very good ones. I will have to order a basic steam iron.

There is no need for bias tape or fabric to make these masks. Just cut straight strips of the fabric and fold it in half then fold it over on itself. Using a zigzag stitch is better for the ties. Gives it more strength.

I have considered making masks but there are so many patterns and how to's out there I can't decide which one is the right one. And some patterns/instructions are really non fitting and terrible. Have seen some that seem ok,,,,but still confused. A lot of them don't fit snug all the way around the nose/mouth/chin area. They say that it is critical to fit snug all the way around. Help? Rosie

This is the pattern I an using. There's a wire on top to shape it over the nose.

Rose thank you very much! The pattern printed out perfectly! Rosie

If anyone has access to a 3D printer, here is a STRAP you can print out and donate to hospitals, etc., This is an extender for the masks with the rubberbands that go over the ears. It takes the stress off the ears.

I did end up using 1/4" elastic on the masks I made. I also did fine some 3/8" elastic that I didn't know I had, but I have so much 1/4" elastic that I thought that would be better to use.

Thanks for your recommendations.

I'll have to use the gold lamé bias tape on the next batch, probably with peau de soie face fabric, for a more formal look.

I tried this one, with homemade fabric ties instead of the clothesline rope, but the kids didn't like the way it fit.

The shape and size is almost the same as the one ravencajun posted, so I removed the side seams and made darts to try that style, but the kids still like the masks with the pleats. We found some shop cloths to use as filters for the pockets.

I wore a mask for the first time when I stopped at the PO last evening (it was after hours, and I was the only one there), on the way to check on my father. Incidentally, people can be so shi++y. When I got to the door of the PO there were two discarded rubber gloves--different styles, so I'm assuming two different users--left just outside. Any other time in history I'd have them picked up and deposited in the can in the lobby, but decided to pass. The glove users could have discarded the gloves in the trash can then bumped the door open with an elbow, but that was evidently too much trouble. Maybe next time I'll take an empty bread bag to use for picking up gloves and/or masks. Sorry for the OT rant, but it highlights the differences in people--those making masks for friends, family, even strangers, and to donate for medical use, and those who feel entitled to throw their contaminated trash out in public spaces.