#MAKEAMASK - Help us help others!

Instructions to make your own face mask

Fashion design lecturer Sinead Lawlor has taken on a vital project in the last few weeks. In response to the shortage of COVID-19 protective equipment the country is facing, Sinead - whose own mother is is an HSE nurse working at the testing centres - has been working with stylist friend Sarah Flanagan to make and distribute facemasks to vulnerable people including the homeless, those in nursing homes, hostels and aylum seekers in hotels in the Dublin area.

Facemasks like these are, although not PPE regulation, are incredibly beneficial for those who do not have access to their own protective materials. This also means that certified PPE equipment can be reserved for healthcare workers who desperately need to keep their stocks high.

Sinead is already facing significant demand so in order to help, we need you! We’re asking everyone out there to make their own masks and post them to Sinead, who will distribute them to those in need.

All you need to do is download the patterns using the links below and contact us to request the postal address. Sinead will be checking all facemasks that come through to make sure that they are sturdy and can be put through a wash without coming apart.

We encourage you to get creative - use whatever jazzy fabrics you have, or embellishments you can – you’ll be surprised how much difference a bit of colour can make to those who are feeling scared and vulnerable (please note, fabric used should be tightly woven and needs to be pre-washed at a high temperature to make sure it is pre-shrunk before sewing).

Facemask pattern downloads:

Download a step-by-step guide showing how to make your masks here!

Don’t forget to share your designs online, tag @GriffithCollege and use the hashtag #makeamask. We’ll be keeping you posted on our social channels as Sinead does her drop offs so you can see your efforts making a difference!!

Use your skills to help us help others!

If you have questions or would like to help in any other way, please contact [email protected].

Need a little help?

Griffith has plenty of wellness supports available for students and staff alike, both in-person and online.