Kits for Project PPE

Hello and thank you for your interest in helping produce these masks! Idea Fab Labs Santa Cruz has teamed up with Encompass Community Services and the Santa Cruz & Monterey Medical Societies to help coordinate production and distribution of PPE around the Central Coast (ppe4cc.org)

This page explains the mask sewing program we have developed to quickly get masks in the hands of essential workers in the area.

Mask Designs

There are two designs in circulation, a 4-layer fitted mask following materials science principles to increase protection and a 2-layer “public mask” that is for lower risk populations (people on essential errands, still adhering to social distancing). We have sent out many 4Layer masks and will only be producing the 2layer mask until further notice.

DIY 4Layer Instructions Revision 3

4Layer Printable Sewing Instructions (PDF)
4Layer printable Sewing Pattern Rev 3 ALL SIZES (PDF)

DIY 2Layer Instructions

2Layer Printable Sewing Instructions (PDF)
2Layer Printable Sewing Pattern ONE SIZE (PDF)

What’s in the kit?

4-layer Fitted Mask Kit

20 x 4 layers of precut fabric following the mask pattern
~600 inches of elastic (size may vary between ¼ and ⅜ in by availability)
Aluminum or copper wire (18g or similar by avail.)
Contact info sheet.

2-layer Public Mask Kit

20 x 2 layers of precut fabric following the mask pattern
~600 inches of elastic (size may vary between ¼ and ⅜ in by availability)
Aluminum or copper wire, 18g or similar by availability (If this is not in your kit, you can skip this step.)
Contact info sheet.

Many people declined thread but we can provide it for you if you need it. Just say so on the form when you submit.

Sewing the Masks

Elastic Instructions

Determining the correct amount of elastic has proven to be very difficult. Our current estimate is 16″ on top and 13″ on bottom. Err on the side of too much, it’s easier to make a knot and reduce than somehow create more slack.

Nose Wire Instructions

The 4Layer mask uses a moldable wire to create a fit around the face. It can also be added to the 2Layer mask. We have included 18guage copper or aluminum wire for this purpose. About 5 inches is the right amount. It can also be added to the 2Layer mask but will not always be included in the kit.