Making Face Masks: How You Can Help During the Covid-19 Crisis

With the rising number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Minnesota and the dwindling number of supplies available to healthcare workers across our system, we want to make sure we’re doing what we can to best support this need. We are asking those within our organization and across the state of Minnesota to help. If you have been given the gift of sewing, we implore you assist in creating face masks to protect our healthcare workers. 
Ebenezer will be taking these donated masks and delivering them to healthcare systems in need. 

Fabric masks should be dropped off in re-sealable plastic bags to:
Ebenezer Corporate Office, 2722 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Hours for Drop-off:  9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Ring doorbell for service
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Below is necessary information on infection prevention as well as directions on how to create the masks. Thank you for your help and consideration during this time of great need.

Important infection prevention
Before starting this project, please ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have you been in contact with anyone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
2. Do you have fever, cough or shortness of breath?

If you are able to answer "NO" to both questions, then proceed with making masks.
If you answer "YES" to either or both questions, please DO NOT make masks. If you are experiencing cough, fever, or shortness of breath and have a concern that you may have COVID-19 please call your primary care provider for a risk assessment.


How to Make a Face Mask
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Materials Front:  100% unused cotton fabric – no metallic fabrics Back:  100% unused cotton or cotton flannel Attachment: 1/8”, 1/4”, or 3/8” flat elastic OR Four 15” x 1/4” inch bias-tape style ties (no raw edges)
(Note: The instructions list three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. We would recommend making Small- and Medium-sized masks primarily. If possible, making a few Large masks would be helpful as well.  See instructions for cutting sizes.) 

1. Cut two rectangles of fabric, one for the inside, one for the outside. a. Small: 7.5 x 5 inches b. Medium: 9 x 6 inches c. Large: 10 x 7 inches.
2. Cut elastic or ties.  All ties can be ¼” x 15”. You will need 4 for each mask (one for each corner).  Elastic should be cut as follows. You will need 2 pieces for each mask. a. Small: 6.5 inches b. Medium: 7 inches c. Large: 7.5 inches
3. Put right sides of cotton mask fabric together.
4. Starting at the center of bottom (long) edge, sew to the first corner, stop. Sew a piece of elastic or a fabric tie into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this.
5. Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of that same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.  If you are using fabric ties, add a new tie.
6. Now sew across that top of the mask to the next corner. Again, put a 7” length of elastic in the corner (or a new tie).
7. Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic (or a new tie).
8. Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2” open. Stop, cut the thread. 
9. Turn mask right-side out.
10. Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are in the same direction.  There must be 3 tucks to ensure a tight fit on the face. 
11. Sew around the edge of the mask twice.
12. When you have finished your masks, please use a Sharpie marker to mark a 1” tall S, M, or L on the lower left corner of the inside of each mask to indicate the size.  This will help providers select the correct size. If you do not have a Sharpie, please somehow designate size for the masks before you drop them off.   

Need Supplies? Jo-Ann Fabrics is offering FREE supplies to support this need. Find a Store Near You Today!