All About Masks

Governor Polis and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today that Coloradans should wear non-medical masks, even if we don’t have symptoms. Of course, masks have been prevalent in Asian culture for years and aren’t an uncommon sight at anime cons. So, as a community, we’re in the important position of being able to help our state make masks a normal part of everyday wear. Some of you own one already! But if you’re not sure where or how to find a mask these days, we have ideas below.

Members of the COAF community have also been volunteering over this past month to make masks, surgical caps, and other sorely-needed supplies for medical professionals and other frontline workers. We’ve compiled a list of tips from them if you want to join this effort, as well as additional resources.

“At this point, a cloth face mask or scarf should be part of everybody’s personal hygiene practice [in addition to hand-washing and social distancing]. This is really going to be, for the foreseeable future, an important part of our culture in Colorado. A culture that saves lives and also helps us all return to work sooner rather than later.” - Gov. Polis

Please note: As with everything related to COVID-19, information can change rapidly. Check with our resource links first for updated information, especially if you’re interested in helping make masks for others. 

Start here:

Colorado Mask Project

The state has partnered with this organization to help everyone find or make do-it-yourself masks, as well as numerous helpful links and tips.

Additional Resources

Want to make or find masks for yourself and your family?

9News: Colorado's governor wants everyone to wear face masks in public. Here's how to make your own

FOX 31: How to make a homemade mask: with and without sewing

NY Post: How to make DIY no-sew face masks with fabric and hair elastics

NY Times: How to sew a face mask 

Washington Post: Which DIY pattern should you use? (tips and cautionary notes)

Want to make masks for medical professionals or other essential workers?

Do:

  • check with places before making masks and trying to donate.

  • ask if where you want to donate has a specific pattern they prefer

  • ask if there are restrictions on fabric prints

  • if you are making a 'nose clip' make sure the wire is PLASTIC coated. We suggest using twist ties!

  • Use ties instead of elastic. Elastic may not survive use and is hard to find.

  • wash all masks you make before donating.

Do not:

  • make masks if you or someone you live with is sick or showing symptoms

  • send donations without asking if they're accepting first

  • use any paper product (such as paper coated twist ties) in the masks. It makes them unwashable!

  • wear or try on masks and then send them out without cleaning.

More info on donating masks

Facebook Groups

Find patterns for masks, hats, and more; groups are typically seeking donations for medical professionals. If you’re a frontline responder or essential worker, most of these groups also take requests to get you or your organization outfitted.

Colorado Crafting for a Cause (the major hub for those volunteering to make masks and other materials for medical/other frontline workers)

Local Groups

A. Jinnie McManus