2022 COVID Continues Update
Note that with the return of supply chains - even if slowly - most people now have access to proper blue surgical grade masks, or full N95/KN95 style masks. Most of the mask makers below are probably not hand-making masks any more, although we do thank them for stepping up to help in such style!
See our section on how to safely buy masks from reputable suppliers. There are still plenty of companies providing lower-quality masks with bogus marketing, so use caution.
Pre-2022 Content for Arlington during COVID
Now that the CDC recommends wearing cloth masks when going out, we’re all wondering where to get one for ourselves. Even a simple mask helps prevent getting or transmitting diseases, and now we have a list of local mask makers who - after donating many to local drives or hospitals - have the capacity to sell masks for home use.
Need a pro mask or want to volunteer to sew? See our overall mask and PPE guide for helping hospitals or first responders out.
Are you sewing masks locally for sale? Get listed here with this signup form!
Cloth Masks Available For Sale Locally
All volunteer sewers are making masks in Arlington or immediately surrounding neighborhoods, so pickup/dropoff is easy. All prices and sales are strictly up to mask-makers. Remember: these folks are your neighbors, doing this in their spare time, so please be patient if you contact them!
- No filter pocket
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic around the ears, Elastic behind the head, Cotton cord
- Description of mask design: Masks are made from 100% cotton two layers. Many different colors and patterns to choose from. Adjustable elastic, over the head or cotton straps. Covers nose and mouth breathable.
- Estimated price per mask: $6.00 for 1; $15.00 for 3
- No filter pocket
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Includes a cord to be tied behind the head.
- Description of mask design: These masks are made with a vinyl window and are designed to allow lip reading. They're primarily intended for use by deaf/HOH individuals, ASL interpreters, and others who communicate with people who rely on lip reading. They're made in solid colors or muted patterns, so as to not be distracting. They're based on a design created by a nurse for institutional use, so they're machine washable and durable.
- Estimated price per mask: Asking $20 or $25 from those who can afford it, but providing many for free or at reduced cost.
- Masks have a pocket for a filter
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic behind the head
- Description of mask design: Florals, abstract, children’s print
- Estimated price per mask: $5 to $10 per mask suggested donation
- Masks have a pocket for a filter
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic behind the head; some have a single tshirt tie through a channel and some have fabric straps,
- Description of mask design: Pleated rectangular mask with with a pocket for a filter. A pocket for a nosewire is optional. I can make these with elastic around the head or fabric scraps. Other styles by specific request.
- Estimated price per mask: I ask for $10 for porch pickup - I continue to donate at least one mask for every one that is purchased
- No filter pocket
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic around the ears
- Description of mask design: See fabrics online: https://www.thistledown.studio Comfortable mask neatly covering nose and mouth. The masks are made from two layers of quality quilting cotton and soft lycra rich fabric for the ear loops. There is an aluminum nose strip sewn into the adult masks. Large selection of fabric patterns to choose from; see my website!
- Estimated price per mask: $10 adults; $8 kids
- Masks have a pocket for a filter
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic around the ears; Option for ties
- Description of mask design: Pleated 2 layer, nose wire, wide variety of solid and patterned fabrics
- Estimated price per mask: $5 each
- Masks have a pocket for a filter
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic around the ears
- Description of mask design: Japanese Kimono fabrics and Marimekko (Unikko) https://www.instagram.com/studiohyacinth/
- Estimated price per mask: $5 - $8
- Masks have a pocket for a filter
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic behind the head
- Description of mask design: Cotton shaped (not pleated) mask with a pocket filter and wire sewn into the bridge of the nose--especially good for preventing glasses from fogging up. Available in a range of green, grey, blue and purple batik and assorted floral fabrics, with white cotton lining. Patterns for adults, toddlers (age 2-3) and young children (age 4-5).
- Estimated price per mask: $10 each
- Masks have a pocket for a filter
- Masks made in different sizes; ask for details
- Masks are worn by: Elastic around the ears
- Description of mask design: I offer different colors and sizes. They are all cotton.
- Estimated price per mask: $9 each