BMC helpline for COVID-19 is 1-855-262-5465

The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545

The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545

The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545

The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545The Berkshire Mutual Aid Network: call or text 413.200.8545
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    • Contact Us
    • Community Resources
    • Mask Making
    • Donations
    • About Us

BMC helpline for COVID-19 is 1-855-262-5465


  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Community Resources
  • Mask Making
  • Donations
  • About Us

Mask making

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The Berkshire Mutual aid sewing team

We are committed to supplying our frontline healthcare workers with the protective gear they need to safeguard our community during the COVID-19 crisis.  Bag share in coalition with Berkshire Mutual Aid has launched a local brigade of crafters responding in real time to this urgent need.

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What kind of help do we need ?

We are looking for:


  • Experienced sewers 
  • Support team members to cut material  
  • Volunteers to create mask supply kits 
  • Donations  and  Donation Runners 

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How do I join the team?

Email us or complete the contact form, using the heading “Sew Masks“ or “Mask Team”.  In the message, please let us know what your interest or skill set is and  where you live.

If you need material we can help you with supply kits (show in the photo to the left) once you sign up with the team.

Berkshire Mutual Aid Sewing Team Signup
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Why sewn masks matter

From the Center of Disease Control Coronavirus Healthcare Strategies section:


When No Facemasks Are Available, Options Include: 

“Healthcare personnel (HCP) use of homemade masks:

In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.”

CDC Coronavirus Disease: Strategies to Optimize ppe & equipment

Help our healthcare workers and community! Sign up to volunteer in this website or on social media.

Contact our organizers through the Official Berkshire Mutual Aid Community Page on Facebook.

Sign up online via Facebook

Join the movement on Slack.

Slack is a communication app. We encourage the community to join our Slack space! The link directly to the Mask Sewing channel for Berkshire Mutual Aid is below.

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We are Stronger together!

a little about our Mask sewing team

mass makes masks and the bagshare community

mass makes masks and the bagshare community

mass makes masks and the bagshare community

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Mass make masks

Our generous sponsor

mass makes masks and the bagshare community

mass makes masks and the bagshare community

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The Berkshire Mutual Aid Sewing Team efforts would not be possible without the generous financial support of Allen Harris, CEO  of Berkshire Money Management,  LLC.

Berkshire Money Management

Mask tips from mass make masks and our team

material choices

Here are some things to know before you sew.

Use two types of fabric

It is important to have an easily identifiable front and back to the mask. Use patterned fabric on the front and solid color on the inside.

Wire

 A mask covering for an N95 mask does not need nose wire.

Elastic

Elastic bands for these masks should go over the back of the head and neck. 


 If you run out of elastic, you can try using stretch fabrics for the bands instead

Elastic alternatives

When fashioning elastic replacement from lycra (some cut up rowing wear, for instance), one factor is essential:  

On zigzag, setting the longest stitch setting possible and stretch it from front and back while sewing.


Guidance for medical needs

Important points to remember for health and hygeine

Elastic alternative warnings

The Mass Make Maks medical consultant says that ties are NOT a good option.


  •  It increases the need to reach into the hair, possibly increasing the chances for contamination.

Masks for patients

For people lying in bed a pattern with ear loop elastic may stay on better than one with elastic around the back of the head.

Please join up with the Official Berkshire Mutual Aid Sewing Team effort to join our community effort!

Our pattern of choice

Surgical Mask with Optional Pocket (mp4)Download

Berkshire Mutual Aid Masks resource guide

Document by Allie Carey and the BMA team

Business locations selling masks.  For Individual connections to local stitchers, please sure the form to the right.  Please Contact Berkshire Mutual Aid if you are a business or individual that would like to be added to this public list. This is a collaborative community effort. Thank you.

Click here for the Mask Resource guide

Community mask support

Homebound and in need of a mask delivery?  Have a special  need, disability or condition that requires a custom made mask?  Are you an organization looking for help sourcing masks?  

Click here for the Berkshire Mutual Aid form to request help
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Community Resources
  • Mask Making
  • Donations
  • About Us

Berkshire Mutual Aid

berkshiremutualaid.slack.com

Main - 413-200-8545; Vaccine Line - 413-591-0611



Copyright © 2020 Berkshire Mutual Aid - All Rights Reserved.

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Need vaccination related help? Use the New BMA vaccine line

The Berkshire Mutual Aid Vaccine Support Helpline is
413-591-0611
Local volunteers are available to assist you by phone
or you can email: helpingberkshiresvaccinate@gmail.com