I’ve made some masks, now what?
There are 2 ways to get these to medical care workers.
Drop-sites
A list of drop-sites and instructions for hospital drop-off procedures are posted on our website (here).
Drop-Site
If you use a drop-site (non-hospital), our drivers will pick up and deliver masks to facilities that have requested them from our website. Please check our site after each batch you make, as more drop-sites and medical locations are added daily. Once a need is fulfilled at a medical facility, it will be noted on the site.
Personal Connection {from a Social Distance}
If you can’t get to the locations above, post a picture of your masks on our Facebook page Masks for Medical Workers in Tampa Bay. Indicate number of masks you have available, where you are located, and ask medical workers to comment if they want to pick them up personally. To maintain social distance, consider placing them in a plastic bag on your porch and wave from the window as they pickup to avoid person-to-person contact.
Do I need to wash/sanitize the mask before dropping it off?
It’s a good idea to wash masks in hot water or your machine’s sanitary cycle before delivery. We don’t want them to carry the one thing we are trying to avoid people getting. If washing is not an option, place them in a sealed plastic bag and include a visible note that they have not been washed. Some of our medical sites will sanitize upon delivery, but nothing is guaranteed.
Will these masks protect against Coronavirus/COVID-19?
These masks are not meant to take the place of critical medical-grade masks. However, with a shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), many health care professionals are wearing washable hand-sewn masks OVER their normal masks to help extend the life of their N95s or disposable masks. Some people place heavy duty paper towels or other such materials into the pockets of masks that have them for added filtration. While hand-sewn masks don’t filter out the virus itself, they do protect against splatter or splash reaching the face. They can also be worn in non-critical environments, so that medical-grade masks can be reserved for settings where they are absolutely necessary.
Who is in need of masks?
Here are just a few of the medical facilities that have reached out to our group in the first 4 days of going live. Please keep sewing, there is a need and we will help you find a place where your masks can be used.
| Doctors/Nurses/Hospitals | In-Home Caregivers |
| Private Practice Doctors | Pediatrician’s Offices |
| Assisted Living Facilities | Homeless Shelters |
| Medical Rehab Facilities | Dialysis Facilities |
How can I request masks for my facility/staff?
Option A
Visit our website below and fill out a simple request form. As our sewers leave completed masks at our various drop sites around Tampa Bay, we can deliver to you, or you can arrange pickup.
Option B
Join our Facebook Page. Some of our sewers choose to post pictures of their masks there and ask for medical professionals to comment on their post to arrange personal pickup.
Masks for Medical
Workers in Tampa Bay
What sewing pattern should I use?
There are TONS of options out there, and each serves a different purpose. We want you to sew what you’re comfortable with based on your skillset. We sorted through a ton of tutorials and listed some options below categorized by sewing level. You do you. And if you’re up for it, Level Up and try them all! The “Advanced Sewer” option is the most versatile. It fits over the N95, has a pocket for added filtration, uses ties around the head and includes a nose mold to ensure a snug fit.
Beginner/Novice Sewer – Basic Mask
This is our most basic pattern and tutorial is from Deaconess Medical (Indiana). It fits and works similarly to the disposable medical masks. It’s a Flat Rectangle, with 3 pleats and elastic straps to go behind ears.
SEWING TIME: 20-30 minutes per mask
Link to PDF Pattern:
*Per local requests, please adjust size of fabric to 8”x 10” instead of 6”x9”
https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask/Documents-Mask/Mask-Information
Link to Video Tutorial below
*Per local requests, please adjust size of fabric to 8”x 10” instead of 6”x9”
Intermediate Sewer – Pocket Mask
This mask is similar to the Basic Beginner mask, except it includes a pocket for an added measure of protection. Physicians can place a filtration material like heavy duty paper towels or a disposable mask into the pocket to help extend the life of their disposable mask.
SEWING TIME: 20-30 minutes per mask
OPTION 1: Includes a Nose Mold, pocket and elastic straps (which could also be swapped out for ties if you prefer). In this video below, one of our Admins shows you step by step how to make one of our most requested masks by doctors at the Facebook Live video link below.
Option 2: Another tutorial with a mask containing a pocket. This one doesn’t have the nose mold.
Advanced Sewer – Triple Threat Mask
This mask does it all! (1) fits over N95 Mask (2) includes pocket for added filtration (3) contains nose mold to help it hug the face, and (BONUS!) includes ties for around the head to ensure a snug fit every time.
SEWING TIME: 30-45 minutes per mask
Link to PDF Pattern: Click Here