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All About Masks

First off, THANK YOU FOR WANTING TO MAKE SOMETHING! Seriously, we know how truly bizarre it is that we are sewing face masks for health care workers. And it's really made us question everything we thought we knew about living in the good old US of A. But here we are.

There is so much information out there about the style and type of mask that various health care providers may use. We designed a one piece mask that a filter could be inserted into and that is an accessible pattern for confident beginners/intermediate stitchers. This mask is perfect for everyday use.
The video tutorial is available here.
The written instructions are available here.
An illustrated version of the instructions is now available here. (Thank you, Zarrin!)
We made a supplemental video for foldover elastic and a paper pleat template here.
You want to make your mask with fabric ties? We made version 3.0 and you can watch how to do it here.
You're looking for a YOUTH version? Instructions here. Video tutorial here!

Looking for supplies? We have bundles to make 10 masks. We are trying to ration the elastic for local facilities since that's our immediate community. Please don't hoard elastic. Seriously. That's not cool.

For those of you interested in the filter insert we discuss on our Instagram, you can create a filter using a HEPA filter or blue shop towels (available at most hardware stores or automotive stores) - cut it into a 4.5" x 7.5" rectangle. It slides into the opening that you left in the mask. You can serge the edges of the filter if you feel so inclined but these are not to be used repeatedly.

gather here is a proud partner of the Boston Area Mask Initiative. Founded by team member, Stephanie Cave, we have worked to distribute over 17K masks to essential workers, community members in need, and nonprofits all over our fair city. 

Do you want to help make masks? You can officially sign up here.

Is your facility looking for masks? You can request them here.

You've made masks but don't know what to do with them? Drop off your finished masks in a resealable plastic bag between 12 and 6 PM at gather here and Sullivan's Pharmacy in Roslindale. Or you can deliver them to the the safety officer right inside the entrance of CHA Cambridge, Somerville, or Everett Hospital.

NOTE: Surgical-grade masks are still best used and most needed for medical workers. If you have surgical masks, please donate them to front line workers. We are not medical experts. Masks are not a substitute or reason to eliminate any other preventative measures. Homemade masks help because they're one of the cheapest ways to reduce the rate-of-spread, and keep us all safe, but only when used in conjunction with other measures. These masks should always be sterilized after use. Dip them in boiling water or wash with hot soapy water if the fabric allows.