Behind the Mask-Making with Jonson Li
by Elizabeth Rubenstahl
Practice, Practice, Practice

When Jonson began sewing for SMAH, he had no idea how many masks he and his wife would create. He originally assumed they would make between 50 and 100 masks. After all, he had never sewn before and was simply looking for a way to get involved with a great cause. SMAH fit the bill: The organization provided essential PPE through a zero-contact distribution network. All volunteers were encouraged to stay home, stay safe and get sewing.
Jonson and Lilya certainly got sewing.
How can one make a mask faster without sacrificing consistency? Revamp the process.
Don’t Trust the Process: Fix It
Many people, especially newer sewists, avoid making surgical masks because the pleating can be difficult and time-consuming, Jonson explains. Pinning, in particular, takes a long time. To combat the daunting and time-consuming nature of pleat-making, this engineer-turned-sewist created a YouTube video demonstrating how to make pleats for surgical masks in under 45 seconds. Focusing on consistency and speed, Jonson and Lilya are able to sew 400 surgical masks in less than a week using their process.


Many people, especially newer sewists, avoid making surgical masks because the pleating can be difficult and time consuming, Jonson explains. Pinning, in particular, takes a long time. To combat the daunting and time-consuming nature of pleat-making, this engineer-turned-sewist created a YouTube video showing how to make pleats for surgical masks in under 45 seconds. Focusing on consistency and speed, Jonson and Lilya are able to sew 400 surgical masks in less than a week using their process.
Yet Jonson and Lilya are known not only for their speed and efficiency but also their kindness. One healthcare worker reachout out personally to thank the couple for their efforts, exclaiming “What a morale boost! Their care and compassion has [sic] made a difference to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”
Likewise, SMAH decided to salute the efforts of Jonson and Lilya with a gift any sewist would love.
