It's never been easier to help the people who are helping us.
Joann Fabrics Is Sharing Free Material and Patterns to Help Volunteers Make Face Masks
Updated on Nov. 24, 2023
There’s little doubt that the heroes right now are nurses and doctors. Hospitals around the country are overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak and the influx of patients, and they’re running low on everything. Nonetheless, these folks are working around the clock.
Now, unfortunately, we can’t all 3D-print ventilators to help curb shortages. But many of us have basic sewing skills—and even if you don’t, now’s a great time to learn. Joann Fabrics is giving away everything you need to make hospital masks.
Find more ways to help your community right now.
How Can I Start Making Masks?
Joann Fabrics is offering kits that include fabric, elastic and anything else you might need to make a mask. All you need to do is sew.
Of course, Joann has some help for you there, too. There’s a how-to video on their website that’ll walk you through the process, and it also offers a few more suggestions of other ways you can use fabric to help healthcare professionals.
Where Do I Get the Sewing Kits?
Like many places right now, Joann is doing curbside pickup. You can just pull up to the store, and an attendant will give you the number of kits you ask for. It’s that simple. It sounds like they have face mask kits in adult and youth sizes, plus kits for gowns and “other essential items.”
When you’re done, you can head back to the store and drop off the completed masks, so there’s no need to go to the hospital yourself. Joann will then donate them to a local hospital for you, and you can drive away knowing you’ve done a great thing for great people.
And honestly, we’re all stuck at home anyway. For the moment, no one’s going to concerts or hosting fancy dinners. So why not use your extra free time to lend a helping hand?
100 Recipes to Help You Relax and Destress
I love the excellent texture of this easy coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
German Apple CakeWith the long, cold winters we have here, this German apple cake recipe has warmed many a kitchen. The cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert or as an evening snack. I've made it for many parties, and I've always received compliments on it. —Grace Reynolds, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip SconesChocolate, hazelnuts and the tangy taste of buttermilk —these delicious scones are easy to make. They come together fast. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Cherry Chocolate Marble CakeCherries and chocolate are natural partners that make desserts such as this simply scrumptious! The marbled effect is easily achieved by layering the two contrasting batters. —Sandra Campbell, Chase Mills, New York
Pennsylvania Dutch Potato DoughnutsMy relatives have been making these tasty doughnuts for years. The potatoes keep them moist, and the glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness. —Marlene Reichart, Leesport, Pennsylvania
Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel BreadThis traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California
BaklavaOur baklava recipe takes the mystery out of this beloved dessert! Learn to perfect your own flaky, sticky, sweet baklava right in your home kitchen.
Lemon BreadI often bake this sunshiny-sweet lemon bread when company's due. It has a loaf-like texture. —Kathy Scott, Lingle, Wyoming
Cherry Hand PiesThere's nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! —Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon TartThis sunshiny lemon tart recipe will make everyone smile. It is a simple treat with intense citrus flavors, and it can be easily decorated for elegant events.
Roasted Strawberry Sheet CakeMy Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is a tribute to her. —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Biscotti RecipeTake a break and have some coffee or tea with one of these tasty biscotti. It's sweet but not overly so, and it's a crunchy, satisfying snack that's fantastic for when you want to relax and have something simple to eat.
Pumpkin Spice CakeWe sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake "Thanksgiving Cake" because it's a tasty alternative to pie, but we don't relegate it to just that holiday. I think you'll agree it's delicious any time of the year.—Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio
Mini Blueberry TartsI served this recipe to my family while we were on vacation and they were all amazed! The best part: I didn't spend tons of time on it thanks to refrigerated pie crust. Watch your mini tarts around the 13-minute mark to make sure they don't brown too quickly. If you'd like, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.—Allison Bell, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Margarita CakeThis margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You'll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Chess PieChocolate chess pie is all the gooey yumminess of chocolate pecan pie, without the pecans!
Olive Oil CakeGrab your favorite bottle of EVOO and break out the mixer. We'll show you how to make olive oil cake with a hint of citrus and almond.
Cookie SticksIf you have a craving for cookies and you want them now, these yummy strips take just a few minutes to make from start to finish. —Kathy Zielicke, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Chocolate Ganache CakeThis decadent chocolate ganache cake is what every chocolate lover dreams of!
Orange-Chip Cranberry BreadTart berries, crunchy nuts and sweet chocolate are simply scrumptious when mixed together in this easy quick bread. Sometimes I'll top it off with an orange-flavored glaze. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Crusty BreadThis easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.
Carrot Sheet CakeWe sold pieces of this to-die-for carrot cake at an art show. Before long, we sold all 10 cakes we had made! —Dottie Cosgrove South El Monte, California
Dream Cupcakes My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Chewy Salted Peanut BarsMy rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Homemade Boston Cream PieBoston cream pie is an elegant-looking dessert that is so easy to prepare. Our dinner guests always enjoy it.—Jane Uphoff, Cunningham, Kansas
Overnight Cinnamon RollsThe wait may seem hard, but these overnight cinnamon rolls are worth it. Made with a moisture-rich dough and packed with cinnamon goodness, it is the perfect addition to your weekend brunch spread. Serve them piping hot with the decadent glaze dripping down the edges.
Banana Skillet Upside-Down CakeMy grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
Lemon BarsThese delightful lemon bars have a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. As a bonus, the color and shape make them a nice addition to a dessert platter.
Herbed Oatmeal Pan BreadThis beautiful, golden pan bread is especially good with a steaming bowl of homemade soup. The oats give it a distinctive flavor, and we really like the herb and Parmesan cheese topping.—Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Chocolate BiscottiEasy chocolate biscotti comes together quickly thanks to boxed cake mix and chocolate syrup, and a drizzle of white chocolate finishes these twice-baked chocolaty treats.
Cherry Rhubarb CrunchMy husband's grandmother gave me this recipe, along with a bundle of rhubarb, when we were first married. I had never cared for rhubarb, but after trying this dessert, I changed my mind. Now my children dig in too! —Sharon Wasikowski, Middleville, Michigan
Big Soft Ginger CookiesThese ginger cookies are soft, easy to make and loaded with the flavors of fall.
Favorite Frosted BrowniesThese are my tried-and-true brownies for many holidays. Everyone always agrees that they are absolutely yummy! I sometimes top them with candy sprinkles for a little color. —Barbara Birk, St. George, Utah
Cranberry TartCranberries make the holidays feel extra celebratory. Our cranberry tart recipe bakes these pink-red beauties, along with shaved almonds and almond extract for a rich nuttiness, into a dense cake.
Coconut Chiffon CakeToasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it's a lovely end to meals throughout the year.
Chocolate Chip BlondiesThese chocolate chip blondies are a comforting treat that's ready in just 30 minutes. Meet your new go-to potluck dessert!
Favorite Irish Soda BreadMy best friend, Rita, shared this irresistible Irish soda bread recipe. It bakes up high, with a golden brown top and a combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Jan Alfano, Prescott, Arizona
Caramel BarsA cross between a cookie and a candy bar, our decadent salted caramel bars with chocolate are a grown-up version of your favorite childhood indulgences.
Dutch Apple CakeMy husband and I came to Canada from Holland more than 40 years ago. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Chocolate Malted CookiesThese cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I've ever tasted … and with six kids, I've made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla FrostingYou can get a moist, flavorful cake without any weird ingredients using this recipe for chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. The smooth vanilla buttercream filling makes each slice a decadent delight.
Blueberry SconesSave your precious summer blueberries for these blueberry scones! They’re so good, you’ll be thankful you get 16 scones out of the recipe.
Lemon Bundt CakeWhen life gives you lemons, make a gorgeous lemon Bundt cake. We will show you how to make this citrusy cake which has a triple dose of lemon. Yum!
Brownie CookiesThe next time you long for a chocolaty dessert, bake up a batch of these jumbo-size brownie cookies. They are tender, rich and irresistibly delicious.
Cast-Iron Banana BreadKick raw or overbaked banana breads to the curb. Our cast-iron banana bread recipe promises an evenly baked loaf in just 30 minutes.
Tiramisu CookiesTiramisu is a wonderful dessert, and these tiramisu cookies spin the classic flavors in a completely different direction. And unlike regular tiramisu, they're portable: You can drop a few in your bag for treats on the go.
Lemon Popovers with Pecan Honey ButterMy mom passed this recipe down to me many years ago. We love the delicate lemon flavor with the pecan honey butter. The popovers are a nice addition to any dinner, but they're especially delicious at breakfast with a bowl of fruit and yogurt. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Plum Good CrispThis is a great crisp that goes well with any meal, but you can also serve it as a breakfast treat or snack.When it's warm, it can't be beat! —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Chocolate Swirl CheesecakeFew desserts are as luscious and impressive as a chocolate swirl cheesecake. We'll show you how to master cheesecake-baking techniques so you have a stunning, crack-free cake.
Frosted BrowniesThese Frosted Brownies have an amazing chocolate frosting that you'll adore. Sit back and savor every bit of the chewy brownie base and rich, fudgy frosting.
Butter Pecan CakeThis irresistible butter pecan cake features multiple layers, plenty of toasted buttery pecan crunch and a thick layer of buttercream frosting. In a word, it's delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream to complement this decadent southern dessert.
Chocolate Chip BreadSweet, tender and perfectly moist, this chocolate chip bread is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast. Slather it with butter, pair it with coffee or tea, and you're good to go.
Rustic Fruit TartMy husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan
Bee Sting CakeThe bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin SconesPumpkin scones are known for being especially moist and tender, thanks to the high moisture content of pumpkins. These scones are simple to make, with a decadent glaze topper for a just-sweet-enough breakfast treat that'll leave your taste buds—and your belly—satisfied.
ShortbreadI live in Missouri, but many of our family recipes come from New Zealand, where I lived as a youngster. I proudly claim a Down Under heritage! These special-occasion cookies bring back warm and sweet memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family—no matter where they live. —A. Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri
Hazelnut Cake SquaresWhen one of my daughters is asked to bring a dish to a church function, a birthday party or any special occasion, she asks me for this recipe. It is so easy to prepare because it starts with a cake mix. It doesn't need icing, so it's perfect for bake sales too. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Chocolate Zucchini BreadOur chocolate zucchini bread surpasses any regular zucchini bread by miles. Save up your zucchini bounty so you can later enjoy this bread bounty.
Golden Apple PiePies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one's the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California
Pineapple Upside-Down MuffinsFor a modern version of upside-down cake, we use pineapple and a sweet batter to make fun muffins with a cherry on top. —Suzeanne Longwill, Ortonville, Michigan
Banana BreadOur best ever banana bread is soft, moist and filled with a caramelized banana flavor. It’s easy to see why bakers love this recipe!
Raspberry Crumble BarsUse fresh or frozen fruit to make a tart, tender batch of raspberry crumble bars.
Peanut Butter CookiesWe cream shortening instead of butter for this dough, resulting in an ultra-rich-tasting version of traditional peanut butter cookies. Also nice? They take less than 30 minutes to prepare.
PizookieWhat's better than a chocolate chip cookie? How about a giant chocolate chip pizookie!
Pina Colada Zucchini BreadPina colada zucchini bread is a fun new take on the usual quick bread loaf. This recipe is filled with tons of summery flavors, from tropical pineapple and coconut to heady rum and vanilla.
French Apple CakeWith just a few simple ingredients and your favorite baking apples, you'll have a delicious cake on the table in no time. Here's how to make this impressive French apple cake.
Blue Velvet CakeBlue velvet cake with sweet cream cheese frosting is a fun, vibrant spin on red velvet cake. Here's how to make it from scratch.
Pandan CakeThis light-as-air pandan cake features the fragrant, vanilla-like essence of pandan for an uncommonly delicious dessert.
Pumpkin Spice CakeFill the kitchen with autumn aromas by baking a soft pumpkin spice cake that's topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Pineapple Angel Food CakeWhip up this sweet, fruity pineapple angel food cake with just two pantry ingredients!
Biscoff CakeBiscoff cake, a decadent layer cake loaded with spiced cookie flavor and creamy frosting, will wow everyone who sees and tastes it.
Battenberg CakeThis classic British dessert is full of almond marzipan and apricot sweetness. Our Battenberg cake recipe shows you how to make one that's picture-perfect.
Champagne CakeThere's no better way to add sparkle to holidays and special occasions than with a bubbly champagne cake.
Apple Fritter CakeThis apple fritter cake recipe has all the flavor of fried fritters—even the icing! But no frying is needed since the buttery, rich treat bakes in the oven.
Orange Olive Oil CakeOur orange olive oil cake recipe makes a simple yet flavorful snacking cake that everyone will love. In my house, I always have to bake a double batch.
Vegan Birthday CakeLooking for a quick and easy vegan birthday cake? This moist, fluffy vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is for you!
White Velvet CakeThis gorgeous white velvet cake has a soft, tender crumb. So what's the secret ingredient? Egg whites instead of whole eggs.
Earl Grey CakeEarl Grey makes a curious addition to this frosted sponge cake, but its subtle bergamot aroma adds an elegant flourish. You’ll taste the syrup in each layer.
Pumpkin Crunch CakeSimple pumpkin crunch cake is rich, earthy, spicy, sweet and crunchy. Make this easy dump cake recipe ASAP!
Kit Kat CakeLooking to create an impressive cake that's also incredibly easy to make? This Kit Kat cake is it!
Magic Cookie BarsWhether you call them magic cookie bars, seven-layer bars or Hello Dolly bars, we know that this super simple dessert is always a hit.
Cheese DanishesA cheese Danish is the ultimate sweet-meets-savory breakfast pastry. Make Danishes at home with an enriched dough and a dreamy cream cheese filling.
Blueberry Coffee CakeWith juicy blueberries and a lovely, cinnamon-tinged crumble, this blueberry coffee cake with sour cream is delicious at any time of year.
Vanilla-Glazed Ginger SconesGingerbread is a flavor that works with all sorts of delicious holiday baked goods. To glaze these ginger scones, just dip a fork or spoon into the glaze mixture and then drizzle over the tops. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Pumpkin BarsPumpkin bars with cream cheese icing are a delicious (and surprisingly easy) festive fall treat. Flavorful, moist and oh, so simple, you'll be making these on repeat!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug CakeI've tried different variations of these cakes for my family and this chocolate peanut butter mug cake is a winner! I have made it with almond milk and melted coconut oil, and both ways are delicious! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Blackberry PieCelebrate the summer harvest with our blackberry pie. One slice, and you’ll see why this pie is the best pie.
Peach Cobbler BreadI developed this recipe to take advantage of our wonderful Georgia peaches. My husband, Andy, says it tastes just like peach cobbler.
Biscuits with ShorteningFlaky, fluffy and buttery—biscuits with shortening are the perfect companion for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet ShortcakeThis scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. The recipe is over 100 years old, and I remember my grandma making it. We still carry on the family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida
Swiss Beer BreadThis recipe is a favorite of my family because it isn't greasy like most of the other cheese breads I have tried. It will not last long! —Debi Wallace, Chestertown, New York
Caramel CheesecakeWhat makes cheesecake even better? A delicious, gooey caramel topping. Our caramel cheesecake has a crushed vanilla-wafer crust and a warm caramel-walnut topping. Oh yeah, it's really easy to make too!
Key Lime Blondie BarsHere’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas
Black Forest Upside-Down CakeThe divine flavors of this simple Black Forest cake will impress your guests and leave you with many requests for the recipe! —Kimberly Campbell, Wheeling, West Virginia
Caramel-Pecan Monkey BreadThe kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist a caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Red Velvet CakeOur red velvet cake recipe is traditionally southern with light, tender, ruby-red cakes held together with a rich vanilla frosting.
Cast-Iron Apple Nutmeg Coffee CakeI'm not a great baker, but I do love coffee. In an effort to practice my baking, I use up the morning's last bit of coffee to make this cake—literally. It is super moist and crumbly, and tastes as if you dunked your cake right into a cup of hot joe. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Hazelnut Madeleine CookiesThese soft, cakelike cookies have a delicate hazelnut flavor—perfect for making great memories! They’re baked in the distinctive shell-shaped madeleine pan, available in kitchen specialty stores. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mango Cream TartThis fresh, luscious tart makes me happy!—Jami Geittmann, Art Director, Taste of Home Magazine
Contest-Winning Chocolate Angel Food CakeAt once rich and fluffy, this chocolate angel food cake will be a celebrated delight.
Coconut Dream CupcakesMy daughter, Elizabeth, came up with this incredible recipe. The cream cheese in the middle is a fun surprise when someone takes their first bite. —Julie Flournoy, Laurelville, OH
Lemon-Blueberry Pound CakeLovely, lemony pound cake studded with blueberries is a stunning bake that's actually a snap to make. The velvety cake gets its rich flavor from a trifecta of cream cheese, butter and lemon yogurt.
Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake BarsWhat could be better than a brownie crust layered with chocolate cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache? These cheesecake bars will satisfy even the biggest chocolate lovers out there. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Sage Fontina FocacciaThese rustic loaves have plenty of sage flavor—a tasty addition to any feast.
— Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Creamy Chocolate-Banana PieYou can make almost any dessert more awesome with chocolate. In this cream pie, fresh banana and chocolate make a truly irresistible combo.
—Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
