How to help sew masks for hospital in coronavirus crisis

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland-area sewing store is mobilizing thousands of makers to sew 10,000 masks for Northeast Ohio hospitals during that coronavirus crisis.

“We love to help anyone who’s going through a crisis,” said Connor Brostek, whose family owns Pins & Needles. “We have an army of sew-ers who can do this.”

Brostek said local hospitals reached out to Pins & Needles, which has locations in North Olmsted, Middleburg Heights and Mayfield Heights, on Friday.

“Everyone needs it. We all need to get to work,” Jan Brostek said in a YouTube video of instructions. She said that while the hospital asked for 10,000 masks, her goal is a million.

Brostek’s family immediately took action and began drawing up a pattern using regular cotton fabric and elastic. They plan to send the pattern to their email list, put it on their Facebook page and give instructions on YouTube.

Join the Facebook group.

Get the pattern here.

A University Hospitals spokeswoman on Saturday said the hospital system “currently has adequate supply of personal protective equipment for caregivers. Should the situation change UH will explore alternative options and follow CDC guidelines.”

An accomplished seamstress could make the mask in 10 minutes, Brostek said. For a newbie, it might take 25.

“We’re inviting as many people as possible,” he said. They’re helping people get fabric and even sewing machines. “If you knew how special our sewing community is.”

Another Cleveland company, Cleveland Sewing Co., is also making masks.

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