Akron/Newstead group organizing mask making effort

2 min read

A group of Akron quilters have taken their love of sewing and turned it into an effort to help provide masks to nursing homes, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other places that need them during the COVID-19 pandemic.  They are hoping more will join them, as they have more requests than resources to fill them.

The sewers have already delivered some to Brothers of Mercy and to the office of Dr. Richard Charles. They are working on some for the Akron-Newstead food pantry which is still holding their regular distribution despite reduced staff.

Mary Charles (542-2081), Sandy Kreher (542-4266), and Maxine Kidder (542-2855) are busy sewing and welcome others to call them and become part of the effort.  Sandy is making up kits with everything needed for each mask, so that all a volunteer needs to do is sew the mask together.  If you would like to have some kits to sew together, call Sandy and she will leave kits for you on her porch.

If you have the materials and would like to just start making them, here is what you need.

Cotton fabric, a pretty print is best; rope elastic, beading cord elastic will work (you may also use 1/8” flat elastic).  Cut the elastic 7” long and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat)

You can make two sizes: Adult or Child

  1. Put right sides of cotton fabric together (cut 7.5″ wide by 9 inches long for adult or 7.5 x 5 for a child.)
  2. Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop.  Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner.  A few stiches forward and back will hold this.
  3. Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stiches forward and back.
  4. Now sew across that top o the mask to the next corner.  Again put an elastic with the edge out.
  5. Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
  6. Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2: open.  Stop, cut the thread.  Turn inside out.
  7. Pin 3 tucks on teach side of the mask.  Make sure the tucks are the same direction.
  8. Sew around the edge of the mask twice.

Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally. (directions taken from deaconess.com)

The masks are sanitized at the locations receiving them, so sewers do not need to be concerned with getting that accomplished, according to Mary.