Plainfield United Methodist Church - Masks for Individual and Non-medical Use

It has been recommended that persons moving about in the general community wear a cotton mask to cover their mouth and nose. While these masks do not provide 100% protection from the COVID-19 virus, they can be an additional layer of protection when you go to the grocery or run essential errands while also maintaining six feet of “social distance” from others. These masks should be washed after every outing to increase effectiveness
PUMC invites those who would like to sew these masks – either new or experienced sew-ers – to make masks for those who need them. PUMC will then distribute them to the following persons who have need - -

• PUMC members and attenders
• Those we serve through ongoing hunger alleviation ministries
• Others who contact the church looking for assistance

To start, PUMC will be collecting and distributing these masks during the ongoing Food Donation drop-off times on Sundays, 11:30 – 1:30, and on Mondays, 3:00 – 5:00. 

You can make masks for distribution. 

• The flat, pleated mask is the easiest and most common to make. This link is one way to make them.  Here is a pattern using bias tape ties. There are other ways to construct – just find the best way for you.  The internet is full of ideas!

Materials needed are 100% cotton fabric and material to use as ear loops or ties.  A sewing machine makes quick work, but hand sewing is also doable. Fabric that is labeled with the “Cotton” logo or labeled as such, is 100% cotton.  If you don’t know if it is 100% cotton, watch this video on how to check your fabric.
Quarter inch and eighth inch elastic is in short supply.  Seamstresses have gotten creative with old T-shirts, bias tape, or fabric to make ties.  Some sources use a wire for the nose piece. While it may be helpful, it is not mandatory.  Some have used 2 twist ties, while others have used floral wire or pipe cleaners. If you don’t have it, don’t worry about it.
You can donate materials.

• If you have fabric (100% cotton) or elastic to donate, please be in touch with project coordinator Kimberly Meyer at 317.997.3104 or [email protected]. She will coordinate with you to connect with these supplies.

If you are in need of a mask or know of someone else with a need but can’t get to the church to pick one up, call or email Kimberly at the contact info above. And please let Kimberly know when you have masks ready for distribution.
If you need assistance in making masks, you may call one of our expert seamstresses: 

• Kim Sandell - text 970.581.6770 or email [email protected]
• Melissa Pearman – 317.507.7600
• Sue Schultz – 317.745.4523.

Kim has figured out how to turn old T-shirts into ear loops, so if you are interested in that method, please contact her.

Download a PDF of this page here.