FAQ's and Getting Started

Who Are We?

An ad hoc group of local volunteers who are working independently at home but coordinating with one another to produce fabric masks, scrub caps and headbands for use by first responders, medical professionals and caregivers. We are sourcing and sharing supplies, trouble-shooting, washing, ironing, cutting, sewing, delivering, mentoring and making a difference in our regional community.

Are There Rules for This Group? Yes.

  1. No Stealing Personnel - poaching talented sewers from this group for another group is not allowed and will not be tolerated.

  2. All requests for finished product must be put to the Admins via our Donation Request Form. No member may request personal donations in the chat, no matter how worthy the proposed recipient. We all know someone who could use PPE - our group has a fair process for distribution so please follow this rule.

  3. Be Kind and Courteous - of course!

What Are We Making?

Fabric scrub caps

Surgical-style fabric masks

Headbands with side buttons to save sore ears.

What are the Fabric Specs?

Scrub cap fabric can be quilt cotton, cotton sheets, and some blends. Mask fabric must be 100% cotton / tight-weave / new quilt fabric. Headbands 2-way stretchy "swimwear" fabric (think Lululemon headbands, or stretchy leggings/yoga pants.

Can I Request Some of Your Finished Products?

If you want to request some of our finished products for a first-responder, medical or care-giving organization, please complete this Donation Request Form.

Can I Buy Some of Your Masks For Myself or a Friend?

No. The masks are not for sale. We are working together to provide another layer of safety and security to frontline workers who are doing their jobs and serving other people at great risk to themselves. That is our singular goal.

Can I Ask for Donations to Make Masks for Myself and Friends and Family?

This is not the place at this time. We willingly share our fabric and elastic as long as you promise to return sewn goods for distribution to 22 Spring Valley Road, Natick or 84 Washington St., Sherborn.

Do I Need to Come Up With All of My Own Supplies in Order to Participate?

You are encouraged to use your own supplies if you have them, and we do have some supplies available for Group Members to pick-up.

There are also some ready-to-assemble mask kits available for Group Members to pick up, sew and return upon completion.

These are located at 22 Spring Valley Road, Natick (in the cooler) and 84 Washington St, Sherborn.

Where Are the Patterns and Tutorials I Should be Using?

Here is the basic mask pattern. (NO wires/metal)

Here is a video tutorial for a mask with ties

Here is a video tutorial for sewing elastics onto masks in groups of 20 to save time

Here are the scrub cap patterns/tutorials

Here are step-by-step photos for self-tie scrub caps

Here is the headband tutorial

Can/Should I insert some wire into the mask to make a fitted nosepiece?

No, please do NOT insert ANY wire or flexible metal into the nose area of your masks. Some institutions have said they cannot accept our masks if they contain metal. Also, the small wires don't fare will in the washer/dryer

I Fininshed My Batch of Masks! Where Should I Deliver Them?

Please return finished masks to 22 Spring Valley Road, Natick (the cooler) or 84 Washington St, Sherborn.

Donations: Can I Make a Donation of....

Supplies? Yes! If you have 100% cotton/ tight-weave / new quilt fabric, elastic, wide double-fold bias tape, or buttons, please bring to 22 Spring Valley Road, Natick and leave in the cooler.

A Sewing Machine? Yes! You can donate your under-utilized machine to one of our volunteers. Please sew a little something to make sure it is in working order, and thread it up for us. Then get in touch with Kelly McPherson to discuss further. We are a little uncertain about loaning since they break so easily.

Money? We are accepting some small donations to be given to the Natick Center Associates to be used to help our small businesses downtown. Maybe take them out for a drink or buy them a pack of Lifesavers to cheer them up....we will leave it up to Athena Pandolf/NCA to make the best decision! Please contact Kelly McPherson.

Can I Share Patterns for Gowns or Other Types of PPE's Here?

No. We are focusing exclusively on producing caps, masks and headbands.