sewist kit

People who are feeling ill in any way should not make PPE.

Please be sure you can sew in a pet-free and clean environment. Please read the complete sewist guidelines before signing up to sew masks. 

Distill My Heart Mask Kits

The Distill My Heart Mask project provides sewist with kits that include:

We are using this mask open-source mask design from Common Sewing (video tutorial included). It is a 3 piece pleated pattern. We are using NWPP as the fabric. So it is kind of crispy and plastics. Each kit includes:
  • 90 Pre-cut pattern pieces that make 30 masks
  • Cords made of t-shirt jersey or Tshirts to be broken down into 40-46” cords
  • Pipe Cleaners to use as nose wires
We also include a starter pack for the first kit that includes
  • 1 sample mask
  • 1 quick threader
We are offering both paid piece work (approx. $4 per mask) and volunteer opportunities. Our funding for contract work is tied to our fundraiser for this project. 
 
One-on-one sewing help is available via Zoom by appointment.
 

General Advice and information about Mask Sewing in the Bay Area for the community.

Before you start

I recommend you find established mask making and distribution project to work with such as:

Set up and maintain a clean workspace. Research what this means for your specific space. Minimum best practices are:

  • Ensure this space is generally clean and will stay decontaminated while you are working
  • Make sure to follow all personal guides to staying clean, including hand-washing and not touching your face, covering your mouth if you cough, etc. Wear gloves and masks where relevant.
  • Santize all work surfaces and tools on each use and as needed while working.
  • Ensure you have a sanitary place to store finished masks and mask making materials.

Plan on including information with what you make

Include with any materials you provide the most complete set of information possible. It is very important that you provide people with materials and best use information!!!

Requires washing be fore use Mask Info Sheet Template

Prewashed Ready to use Mask Info Sheet Template

Washing and packaging

Always wash new fabric to remove the sizing prior to making masks.

Package Masks in a plastic (clear if possible) bag including an information sheet.

Patterns and instructions

Always choose a pattern/instructions that you know will be used by the people you are providing it to. Check with your project coordinator for the most up to date information on what to sew.

Crafty’s Patterns and Pattern Mod’s

Storing your masks before delivery

Make sure you are storing your masks in a clean sealed bag before distribution to the community (See Bay Area Distribution Resources)

Before you start

What information to include

Washing and packaging

Patterns and instructions

Storing your masks before delivery

Disclaimer: This is a harm reduction effort. Even when made completely to spec, DIY cloth masks cannot replace N95 masks or official medical PPE and do not guarantee protection from any disease. Use these instructions at your own risk.

Even with the awareness that we have about the superiority of N95 masks, there is significant information to show that barriers can help. When made and worn correctly, barriers can trap a significant amount of the particulate.

Given the worldwide shortage of masks, our goal is to provide the most vulnerable in our population (nursing home and hospice residents and staff, unhoused folks, grocery workers, delivery staff) with an option.

This will free up proper PPE for healthcare workers… because without them nothing else will matter. More from the CDC