We started our group because we wanted to ensure doctors and nurses in our local community had the masks they needed to protect their patients and themselves. The best way to get rolling on mask creation is to find people who are willing and able to spend the time. We have 43 people helping at this point but even with that number of people it's slow going. We've managed to crank out about 1100 masks in roughly 2 weeks but many of those who are helping are worn out. We are not young. We are retired people just trying to lend a hand to the local doctors and nurses. We are not making masks for the general public. This mask alone will not stop the virus but will prevent those wearing it from spreading the virus to others.

Thank you for joining us in making these much needed Face Masks. You will need a sewing machine, cotton fabric, elastic, thread, instructions (below). All you need to do is get to sewing. Our masks are intended to extend the life of the medical masks that will be inserted inside this mask.

1. Cut the fabric into 6" x 9" pieces.
2. Cut ¼" elastic into 7" lengths.
3. Put 2 pieces of fabric (6" x 9") together facing the same direction, this will make it easy to see which is the side facing out. As an alternative use two different color fabrics if you have them. Place the elastic between the two pieces of fabric, making sure that it is on the inside.
4. Start sewing at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop. You are starting at the center so you can later leave AT LEAST a 3" opening at the bottom of the mask. Sew the end of the elastic to corner. Sew a few stitches back and forth to secure the elastic.
5. Sew to the next corner, stop, and sew the other end of the same elastic to the corner. Sew a few stitches back and forth to secure it.
6. Sew across the top of the mask to the next corner, stop. Sew the end of second piece of elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches back and forth to secure.
7. Sew to next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
8. Sew across the bottom leaving AT LEAST a 3" open. Stop, cut the thread and turn mask inside out.
9. Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are in the same direction.
10. Sew around the edge of the mask twice, make sure to leave the AT LEAST a 3" opening on the bottom edge.

If you'd like to make a face mask for yourself here's a great place to go for instructions using different materials and techniques: How to make your own face mask