Our Minnesota Veterans Homes are accepting donations of handsewn face masks. The aid of volunteers is critical during this period of COVID-19 spread and will help ensure that our staff can continue to do their best work. Here are instructions on how you can help, provided by Allina Health.
What you will need:
- Cotton fabric, a pretty print is best.
- Rope Elastic, beading cord elastic will work (you may also us 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
- Put right sides of cotton fabric together
- Cut 9 x 6 (adult) or 7.5 x 5 (child)
- Elastic 7 inches (adult). If elastic is not available, you can sew ties made of 100% cotton or use bias tape.
- 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 stitches forward and back will hold this.
- Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.
- Now sew across the top of the mask to the next corner. Again, put an elastic with the edge out.
- Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
- Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2” open. Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out. Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are the same direction.
- Sew around the edge of the mask twice. Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally.
You can also view an instructional video here.
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far – we’ve even received masks from Arizona. Your contributions show the true strength of community in the face of adversity.
For more information, please contact our Homes Volunteer Coordinators:
