DIY PPE

This site will keep up with the latest information on making your own personal protective equipment (PPE) and how to donate it locally. Please note that the instructions for these items are NOT meant to replace professionally made PPE but only to provide limited protection when standard, medical-grade PPE is unavailable.

If you sew and would like to help make masks or other PPE for local hospitals, please email the Caz COVID Response Team at cazcovidresponse@gmail.com. If you have quilting fabric or 1/4" elastic to donate, please contact us.

Face Masks


Masks for Local Hospitals

UPSTATE MEDICAL CENTER

Click here to find the only face mask pattern that Upstate will accept. There is a link to a video in the instructions. Completed masks can be dropped off in the main circle in front of the hospital on Adams St. Call the CazCOVIDResponse Line at 315-655-9063 or email cazcovidresponse@gmail.com to arrange for local pick-up of your masks to be delivered to Upstate.

Masks for Personal Use

According to the CDC, cloth face masks should:

  • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

  • be secured with ties or ear loops

  • include multiple layers of fabric

  • allow for breathing without restriction

  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Guidelines for when to wear, how to wear, and how to clean a cloth face mask, as well as three simple patterns are also available.

SEWN MASKS

  • The CDC has provided a pattern for a simple sewn face mask using quilting cotton, bed sheets, or t-shirt cotton.

  • Maskmaker.org, a group of scientists and sewists, provides instruction on creating a shaped face mask from a woven fabric shopping bag here.

  • The instructions on the shaped "Olsen Mask" made from cotton fabric is here.

  • NY Times has step-by-step instructions for creating a fabric face mask made from a tea towel or other cotton fabric here.

  • Simple rectangular face mask patterns for adults and children can be found here.

MASKS THAT DON'T REQUIRE ANY SEWING

  • The CDC has provided two patterns for no-sew face masks, one using a coffee filter and a bandana, and the other a t-shirt. Here is a video provided by the CDC for how to make one of these patterns.



Isolation Gowns and Scrub Caps

SEWN/WASHABLE GOWNS AND CAPS

  • A free isolation gown pattern is available from peek-a-boo patterns here. You need to register to get the free pattern. It is for beginning sewists and can be printed on a regular printer.

  • A free scrub cap pattern is available from Joy Kate Designs here. You need to register to get the free pattern. It is for beginning sewists and can be printed on a regular printer.