Medical Face Mask Pattern & How-To

Volunteers across the country are doing what they can to help protect healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and that includes offering up their crafting skills and getting to work sewing face masks for those who need them most. Though their unconditional support is recognized and appreciated by hospitals and healthcare workers, it's important to note that homemade masks are not a replacement for personal protective equipment (PPE). Alok Patel,M.D., a pediatrician in New York City affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, says that there is an important distinction to be made between N95 masks and loose-fitting medical masks like the one in this tutorial. "When it comes to a mask's effectiveness, there really are two factors: the ability to filter out airborne particles and the actual fit," he explains. "The N95 mask is the best we have and duplicating it is no easy task. I've seen online tutorials using various types of fabrics and while it is possible the handmade masks could block out larger droplets, they are, understandably, not as effective as the N95s." 

Hospital officials may suggest that homemade masks first go to those who are vulnerable and in need of protection, such as people in homeless shelters or other public services, Dr. Patel says. Others have suggested the sewn masks could act as a protective barrier and go over an N95, to prolong its use. "Obviously, in a crisis situation, healthcare workers may have to use sewn masks, or, as the CDC-suggested, 'bandanas or scarves'," elaborates Dr. Patel, "but we sincerely hope we do not get to that point."

If volunteer groups wish to band together in sewing masks or craft stores wish to host seminars or workshops, Dr. Patel advises they practice social distancing by meeting virtually. And preventative measures must still be implemented: Wash your hands properly and sanitize your home in order to minimize your exposure to illness.

"In the end, our PPE shortage needs to be addressed at the federal level and manufacturing needs to be prioritized," says Dr. Patel. "Nonetheless, this gesture from thousands of Americans is both comforting and inspiring—it's a reminder that we're all in this fight together."

Update: As of 2021, the CDC is recommending that everyone should wear a cloth face-covering in public settings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Visit cdc.gov for further information about this development and learn more about the CDC's no-sew face mask tutorial here.