Binghamton student combines passion for sewing with social work to make masks for community

When Jordyn Andrews received a sewing machine at the age of five, she probably didn’t expect her newfound hobby would help save lives.

But that’s exactly what she’s doing by sewing masks to aid the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andrews’ passion for sewing began as a child when she started making quilts, clothes and pillows with her mother. She continues to spend her free time sewing and even makes custom scrunchies for friends and family.

Like many others during quarantine, Andrews was getting restless with so much time at home. Instead of binging television shows or snoozing in, she decided to unite her childhood hobby with academics to create a new, productive pastime.

Now Andrews, a second-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student, is using her love for sewing to help those on the frontline of the coronavirus. With help from her mother, Andrews has made about 40 masks, and has donated some to UHS and close friends and family who work in healthcare agencies or other essential businesses.

“Not being able to leave home for a long period of time was starting to get to me, but making masks has given me an outlet, as well as a way to provide for the community,” Andrews said. “I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to combine two things I’m passionate about; social work and sewing.”

After watching YouTube tutorials, Andrews and her mother began sewing cotton masks to help entertain themselves and help those in need.

“My mom and I were looking for ways to fill some of our time at home with activities that could benefit our community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Andrews said. “Many people posted video tutorials online, and my mom found one that seemed to be simple and utilized materials we already had.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cloth masks should be worn in public settings to help slow the spread of the virus, and as of April 15, Gov. Andrew Cuomo made this a mandate for New York state residents. While cloth masks aren’t as effective as N95 masks, wearing them is vital for protecting others from contracting the disease, especially if you are asymptomatic. These masks can be sterilized at home by putting them in a washing machine with detergent or boiling them in hot water. For most, these masks are the only protection people have against transmission of the coronavirus.

While Andrews is doing her part to give back to the community, she realized that her own generosity may not be enough.

“So far, people have been incredibly grateful. Close friends who are nurses have reached out directly to thank us and even ask for more,” Andrews said. “There still seems to be a need, even with all the donations healthcare agencies have already received.”

That’s where Maria Gordon comes in. After Andrews could no longer attend her social work internship this semester, she began looking for other ways to aid the community. Gordon, the co-director of field education for social work, suggested that Andrews create her own tutorial to show fellow students how to create masks. MSW students who joined the tutorial received one hour of field credit toward their studies.

“This Zoom tutorial was a great way for MSW students to continue to help others, all while staying at home,” Andrews said. “If enough people are interested, I would be happy to host more meetings in the future and walk people through the process of making a mask.”

Andrews has also created written guides for mask materials and proper folding techniques to help people successfully construct masks. Even those who aren’t skilled in sewing, or may not have the time to sew, can still help. Jacqueline McGinley, assistant professor of social work, has donated materials and supplies to help Andrews and other students make masks, and further donations are encouraged. While the fabric for the masks is relatively easy to find and can be created from household items such as t-shirts, bandanas and bed sheets, the elastic to create straps for the masks is in high demand.

“We used all of the elastic we had available to us, which has prevented us from being able to make more,” Andrews said. “We are waiting on some online orders to be sent, but we are definitely having a difficult time finding the materials needed for the straps of the masks.”

Despite the minor setback, Andrews is continuing to make masks and teaching others how to do so. Her simple act of kindness has lit a spark that will hopefully inspire others to give back.

“I hope these masks get to those who need them most,” Andrews said. “I know I am not the only one in the community providing masks to healthcare workers, but I hope our collective effort will make a difference for those on the frontlines of this pandemic.”

Those interested in donating supplies or learning how to make masks can contact Maria Gordon at gordonm@binghamton.edu.