HOW TO HELP: Can you sew 100 masks? – UPDATE: Signups maxed out

11:44 AM: Multiple readers flagged us to this – the health-care organization Providence is asking for volunteers to agree to sew at least 100 masks each. They’re providing the materials, but you need your own machine. So far their only announced pickup location is in Renton, but you can sign up for notification when there’s something closer (considering that Providence does have facilities in West Seattle including The Mount). Interested? Sign up here.

2 PM: The list has since been filled up, readers report in comments below.

76 Replies to "HOW TO HELP: Can you sew 100 masks? - UPDATE: Signups maxed out"

  • JBWSea March 20, 2020 (12:34 pm)

    I just signed up – if there is anyone in WS that wants to participate but needs help picking up materials I’m happy to help coordinate.

    • Msmars112 March 20, 2020 (1:00 pm)

      Any idea if a pattern is included? I’d love to help but really need patterns! Also, I’m pregnant and not supposed to leave the house so I would need some help in that department! 

      • Cathy Hartrich March 20, 2020 (6:58 pm)

        I’m in St. Louis, MO. If kits, patterns, etc. could be made readily available a lot of us sitting at home twiddling our thumbs would love to help.We just need clear directives and materials. I’m sure participants will be happy to ship them where they’re most needed.

      • Gary White March 21, 2020 (12:21 am)

        Where can I get the materials to make them. I have never heard of that kind of material.

        • Tammy Keys March 21, 2020 (6:58 am)

          We would also like to help. we live in Creston, NC. But would need the materials and instructions in-order to provide a proper fit. If there is a way to get the materials to us, we can provide you with the products.

          • Brittany Dimmitt March 22, 2020 (8:34 pm)

            Have you heard about any of these programs in nc?

    • Natalie March 20, 2020 (1:42 pm)

      I signed up too. Tracy, any way to start a list of volunteers so one or two can go pick up the supplies for all?

      • WSB March 20, 2020 (2:49 pm)

        You could do that in our forum and I could crosslink.

      • Karen Kuhn March 21, 2020 (3:17 am)

        Love this idea! I can help pick up for Bellevue.

    • Sherryl Frisby March 20, 2020 (3:56 pm)

      Hi, I live in Natchez, MS and I would like to help make/sew the masks that are needed. How do I get the kits.email address: spblack55@gmail.com want to help.Stay safe. Don’t need a pattern, just the fabric.

    • Cindy Craig March 20, 2020 (5:02 pm)

      Hi, please let me know if you would like to divide up the mask kits to get them done more quickly. I’m near Lincoln Park and I sew like a whiz.Cindy Craig 206-354-1712

      • Erin March 20, 2020 (7:48 pm)

        I  own an essential service business in Renton and  am willing to pick up materials and deliver to one location for  coordination. Email me if you would like the help
        renton@groceryoutlet.com

      • andrekita March 20, 2020 (7:57 pm)

        I would like to sew masks, too, and have put my info on to Providence website. But, I don’t know how long it takes them to get back to those who sign up.  But, the weekend is a good time for me to sew.  If anyone knows the address for WHERE in the Seattle area to pick up kits, PLEASE POST THAT INFO. I have called around and tried to reach someone at Providence and/ or Children’s Hospital, no one available until Monday.  I called JoAnn Fabrics (in Ballard). They had no idea what I was talking about re: the foam that is supposed to be used for these masks.  They said they are almost out of elastic.  

    • Jocelyn March 21, 2020 (11:18 am)

      Hi JBWSea,if you need help sewing your 100 masks,let me know and I can get 25 sewn for you. 

      • JBWSea March 22, 2020 (3:04 pm)

        Thank you Jocelyn! I received a message from providence that a local business is stepping up to sew all of the masks, so I won’t be receiving a kit. If I do end up getting materials, I will definitely reach out ( I’m a slow stitcher : )

    • Nancy Nichols March 21, 2020 (1:13 pm)

      I am interested in sewing masks for health care workers but don’t know where to get the materials or where to drop masks off when completed.

      • Denise March 24, 2020 (3:33 am)

        i WOULD LIKE TO SEW MASKS. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER. i KNOW PROVIDENCE IS FULL, BUT MASKS ARE NEEDED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. I WOULD LIKE TO START HELPING MY STATE IN NC, THEN BRANCHING OUT TO STATES IN MOST NEED.THANKIS, Deniseprocra5441@earthlink.net

    • joyce March 23, 2020 (1:48 pm)

       I am very interested — 

    • Eva Salazar April 3, 2020 (8:35 pm)

      Hey there I’m trying to make some mask to donation but for some reason won’t let me in please help me my email is jazznavarro21@gmail.com thank you

  • Buttercup March 20, 2020 (1:04 pm)

    Don’t need a pattern, goggle face masks and sizes are there. Great way to use up scraps. I need elastic. Plan on zipping in and out of Joanns. We need a craft store in West Seattle!!

    • Brian Feusagach March 20, 2020 (1:56 pm)

      Just a note from the website linked above:   “We created kits that will include all the materials you need to make 100 masks. This kit includes medical-grade material that has been lab tested. This material is not available for purchase commercially, which is why we are supplying it to our volunteers.”

      • cuong ho March 21, 2020 (1:05 am)

        please sign me in. i want to help sew as many masks and as long as front line Angles need. my name is Cuong Ho. my phone number is 206 669 7321.Thank you!

      • Johnna Wentzel March 23, 2020 (12:02 pm)

        Hello Brian,My husband & I lost our jobs but I can sew.Please tell me what we need to do.You can email me or text me at 941-525-8908. I live in SW Florida (south of Sarasota). We have 2 machines & ready to work!ThanksJohnna Wentzel

      • Marie March 24, 2020 (3:32 pm)

        I am interested..I sewed many from scraps and gave all away free.  I still have a little bit of  scarps for about 10 more mask, but I am out of elastic and Walmart is all out.  I have lined mine with the paper protectors you place a letter sheet in and put in 3 ring binders..germ proof and washable too.. and the lighter liners are easier to sew with.. I put that in between 2 pieces of material.  I need help for material and elastic.  I live in Delaware and going on 78 yrs old..but I do not go out..neighbor been checking walmart when she goes out for the elastic.  you can email me…  shirtaprons@gmail.com    thank you..marie.

      • Scott Sawyer April 3, 2020 (7:27 pm)

        What is the website, my mother in law is making masks in NC and is completely out of materials. How can we get her the materials needed ThanksScott Sawyer

    • Orwell March 21, 2020 (9:03 am)

      Buttercup, Thank you for your talent and willingness and heart  to serve! BUTMaking the masks out of material scraps is incredibly dangerous!  Please do not get regular fabric masks into circulation where the unknowing or uneducated might use.  For instance if regular material is sneezed on it will absorb virus and bacteria and it will thrive in the moist environment.  Face mask material should be rated at least N95 which means in simplest terms that 95% of airborne particles not getting in or out.  Regular fabric that might have that capability would make breathing almost impossible such as leather or plastic coated. Please use the non-commercially available by Providence or other reputable medical concerns.   Be careful of fraud.   Stay safe!

  • carol March 20, 2020 (1:23 pm)

    I just went to website–all available kits are gone.  

  • Onya March 20, 2020 (1:43 pm)

    I don’t sew but my mom and niece do. We are signed up!

  • LG March 20, 2020 (1:46 pm)

    Right now, Providence is saying that all kits have been claimed.  “Thanks to an overwhelming response from our community, all kits we are producing have been claimed!”

  • NorDel March 20, 2020 (1:48 pm)

    Thanks for the info. I’ll keep an eye out. Tried to sign up now. Found this message instead: Thanks to an overwhelming response from our community, all kits we are producing have been claimed!

    • WSB March 20, 2020 (1:59 pm)

      Well, that was fast. It was still open when I posted – checked first – thanks for the updates.

  • Cindy Craig March 20, 2020 (1:59 pm)

    I just checked the site and it said all kits have been claimed and to check back. Can these be made without the kits using other materials? I have a machine, time and mad sewing skills from younger days. Please let me know if there are other kits available. I’m near Lincoln Park and could pickup/deliver.

  • Melinda Jankord-Steedman March 20, 2020 (3:07 pm)

    Making 100 masks is a big deal, tho it looks like they can be made very easily.  If anyone gets 100, I’d be happy to take 10, 20 kits to get them out faster. 

  • wscommuter March 20, 2020 (3:32 pm)

    As the spouse of an RN and the father of an EMT … God bless you people.  Thank you.  

  • Calires March 20, 2020 (4:16 pm)

    I wonder if other healthcare providers could get these medical grade materials?  Sounds like there are lots of people with sewing skills who want to help and everything I’ve read says they are in critical need of surgical masks everywhere.  I can’t sew but could help distribute kits if health orgs can get them.  I’m not sick and have transportation.

    • RayWest March 20, 2020 (6:49 pm)

      I have an unopened box of 50 dust face masks I’d like to donate. Is there someplace in West Seattle I can drop them off? Driving is an issue, so I’m limited to W.S.

      • LyndaB March 21, 2020 (8:30 am)

        The local fire department would probably be happy to get it from you.  :)

      • songstorm March 21, 2020 (7:59 pm)

        @RayWest, I’ve reached out to the local union and am working to arrange a pick-up/drop off.  If you’re in the WS area, we would be happy to coordinate collecting what you have as well.  Please email me at thornmist@yahoo.com and let me know what area you’re in.

  • songstorm March 20, 2020 (5:02 pm)

    Does anyone know where we could donate surgical masks if we have extra?  We purchased some during the really bad wildfire smoke a couple summers ago.  We’d love to get them into the hands of medical personnel and others who could use them, but definitely don’t want to contribute to the chaos by going anywhere near a medical facility right now.

  • Maggie March 20, 2020 (6:34 pm)

    Hi. If anyone didn’t get on the Providence sewing project but would still like to help: We need 12 people to each sew 25 masks this weekend for a West Seattle grocery store. Employees decide for themselves whether to wear a mask but many would like them, especially for use during they time they serve elderly or immunocompromised folks. All leftover masks will be donated to West Seattle Food Bank for their staff or customers. Please review the video for these CDC-approved masks and if you are able to provide your own materials –100% cotton fabric (washed), elastic, sewing supplies, and can sew to these specifications, please email: BetterTogether206@gmail.com. The deadline will be for delivery Monday or Tuesday of next week. A materials list and very well detailed video can be found at the link below:  https://deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask    Stay healthy. Stay hopeful. 

  • Beet March 20, 2020 (7:47 pm)

    The grocery stores and pharmacies would love these if there are extra. All the people running registers are in a dangerous spot all day making sure we can buy what we need. 

  • Vincent March 21, 2020 (7:52 am)

    Hiya! I’m putting together a list of people interested in seeing who missed the providence cutoff. Please read the description in the form for more info:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScC1S_x993JZRhg_8RCDBxruLtmdEsNnn7SM5YcrFQhBmli4g/viewform

  • Erin M March 21, 2020 (8:11 am)

    I am looking to source 60 masks for our grocery store employees. If you have the time to create them for us, please let me know. I am willing to pay you for the supplies and your time. We desperately want to help keep our employees safe during this time.ThanksErin

    • Emily J March 24, 2020 (7:18 am)

      I made about a dozen masks to donate. Please let me know how to reach you/get them to you if you still need more.

  • Karen March 21, 2020 (9:05 am)

    Providence has posted on their website that all the kits have been claimed.  Hopefully they ask for more volunteers.  I’ll be watching and plan to volunteer when  more kits become available.

  • Jeanie Bourgeous March 21, 2020 (10:16 am)

    I live in Spokane.  I would like to make some masks for nursing homes.  Where do I purchase materials?

  • Ashley March 21, 2020 (10:47 am)

    I have a crew of sewers here in Colorado that would LOVE to help. If anyone knows how we can get the materials and which locations need the masks please let me know!!

    • Jennifer Williams March 22, 2020 (10:36 am)

      Ashley, I would love to be on your list of sewers for medical grade masks in Colorado.  I have been searching all over for information for Colorado but was unable to find it. Please add my name and keep us updated Thank you!!

  • Mary P March 21, 2020 (11:30 am)

    I want to sign up for this kit.  I’ll be happy to be on the waiting list for when more are available.  How do I sign up for the mask kits???

  • Laurie stubbs March 21, 2020 (1:17 pm)

    I do not need a kit, just a downloadable pattern for the preferred style of mask needed. I am a fabriholic with several decades of sewing skill, tons of of appropriate fabric, a machine that needs a worthwhile (non-frivolous) project, and about 100,000 miles of thread. I am in Vancouver and would like to donate masks to any hospital, medical office, nursing home, or business needing re-usable masks. I would also be able to make surgical caps if given a pattern. Please advise. THANK YOU!!

  • Julia Nolan March 21, 2020 (2:21 pm)

    I’m happy to help, too! Can sew, pick things up, or otherwise coordinate.

  • Ann Chau March 21, 2020 (2:29 pm)

    I’m in Carlsbad , California and would like to help. Please tell me where to pick up the materials .

  • Marj March 21, 2020 (4:07 pm)

    Check out the Joann Fabric website.  They are involved in making masks that will be donated to hospitals in their local area.  They have a tutorial video as well as a pattern.

  • Rjay March 21, 2020 (4:39 pm)

    I live in Portland. I can sew; I want to make the masks or face shields.Do you have a location  either at Providence St.Vincent or the east side in Portland?Do you need masks in Portland, OR

  • WSB March 21, 2020 (7:11 pm)

    I had to delete a comment that had coding that broke our functionality but basically what they were trying to cut and paste was – those who signed up got another note from Providence saying a factory has been found to step up production so they will NOT be handing out sewing kits to volunteers BUT stay tuned for other possible ways to help.

  • SV March 21, 2020 (7:28 pm)

    Good news to hear that a factory will be helping with this wonderful task! I would like to join the list for other possible ways to help please!

  • TAM March 21, 2020 (8:24 pm)

    My husband is a physician and his clinics have him and his staff REUSING masks because they don’t have enough for single use. Are there any extra masks that have been made that I could pick up and send with him to work?  Thank you all!!!

  • Emilie Shelton March 22, 2020 (9:22 am)

    I live in Oklahoma, close to Tulsa, and I am a seamstress. I would love to help do this. Are there going to be more of these kits? If Providence could do it, can’t others, too? We can help!

  • Penny L Marinos March 22, 2020 (10:36 am)

    Do you have any kits like this for Michigan? 

  • Samantha March 22, 2020 (11:16 am)

    Does anyone know where we could donate surgical masks if we have extra?  We purchased about 150 during the really bad wildfire smoke a couple summers ago. Get to me on Email Ronesamantha1gmail.com or 772-213-9215

  • Lisa March 22, 2020 (12:39 pm)

    Below is a request from Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC) as of Friday, 3/20. Note that priority for PPE is for hospitals, so organizations that work with patients/clients in outpatient settings are looking for help.From DESC:We are currently in need of volunteers who have sewing skills and access to sewing machines to make face masks to protect our staff members that are “front of line” with client services. If you are able to help with this please contact Steven Dillion, sdillon@desc.org, who can give you further directions.  We do have options for providing supplies possibly and we can discuss that further when you reply.Also, I am including a link to the directions as well as a list of supplies needed just so you have more of understanding of what the project entails: Link to “how to video” https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask

    Supplies NeededFor each mask we will need:9in x 6in cotton fabric7 in elastic3.5 in metal wiring (picture wire) Thank you so much and looking forward to hearing from those who are able to help with this!Steven Steven DillonVolunteer Program AssistantOffice and Donation Distribution Center: Rainier House, 5270 Rainier Ave S.DESC’s Main Administrative Offices: 515 Third AvenueP: (206) 723-1883 (x1082)F: (206) 723-3076

  • Norma Allen March 22, 2020 (12:51 pm)

    I am in Foxburg, Pa and can make masks and whatever else that is needed.  Joanns in Butler is closed and do not who to contac for fabric and pattern. 

  • Michelle Scharlock March 22, 2020 (1:27 pm)

    Hi folks,If you have medical grade masks (not sewn) here is a list of places to donate them:Findthemasks.comIt is run by a friend of mine. Also the Seattle Ronald McDonald House is accepting not sewn masks. For more info on sewing masks, call or visit your local Joann Fabrics or Quality Sewing and Vacuum. 

  • Carol Montague March 22, 2020 (1:35 pm)

    I am in NC and want to make face masks.  Where can I get them.  Carol Montague

    • WSB March 22, 2020 (2:28 pm)

      Hi there – to all the nice folks from out of state who seem to be seeing this somehow (we have taken some phone calls from other states too), local help is the best thing you can do – in your own towns and neighborhoods – I wish I had a link for you but hopefully your nearest neighborhood news publication (which is what we are) is publishing those requests! Thank you for your kindness!

    • Denise March 24, 2020 (4:53 am)

      I AM ALSO FROM NC BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE INFO I NEED AS YET. IF I DO I WILL EMAIL YOU.THANKIS, Deniseprocra5441@earthlink.net

  • Zubda March 22, 2020 (7:30 pm)

    I want to sign up for it from VA. I don’t know where to go.

  • Marie March 23, 2020 (7:24 pm)

    Please be aware that we are having huge issues with social distancing at the JoAnn’s in our area. Many of the women crowding into the store  this weekend were ironically buying supplies to make masks.  And a substantial number of those are senior citizens. Please, everyone, order from JoAnn’s online.  The employees have started a petition on change.org requesting that they close, following other national chains. 

  • DJ lehn March 23, 2020 (7:39 pm)

    Please forward this list of willing sewers including myself to another hospital that has the kits for the much needed mask. We want our medical providers to all be safe. Please add me to the list. DJ
    Thank You to all of those caring for the Covid-19 patients who are definitely putting a strain on our medical community around the world. People help flatten the curve by sheltering in place as much as possible so we can hopefully get a grip on this pandemic. It is the least we can do for all of those medical providers risking their lives to care for our family and friends around the world! We are in this together!

  • Flower March 25, 2020 (9:33 pm)

    Providence does not need a mask anymore. We have already bought fabric to make masks and donate. Do you have any idea who needs these masks now? We are pleased to make and deliver them.

Sorry, comment time is over.