This pat on the back has come from staff at Warrnambool outlets of major fabric providers Lincraft and Spotlight.

While masks are not compulsory in country areas of Victoria, many south-west residents are aiming to stay a step ahead as the COVID-19 pandemic shows no sign of slowing.

Lincraft Warrnambool manager Kerryn Taylor said the state government's message that face masks were an important tool in the fight against coronavirus had triggered a surge in customers searching for materials to make their own.

"It's been crazy busy," Ms Taylor said.

"It started getting really busy on Saturday and it has stayed that way since then.

"We have nearly sold out of elastic and fabric is also flying out the door.

"People are going online to find out the best way to make the face masks.

"We sell the disposable ones and they have been popular, but I think making your own out of fabric seems to be the more popular option."

Ms Taylor said the current demand for materials to make face masks was not evident when the pandemic first took hold in March.

"There wasn't a lot of talk about masks when it started," Ms Taylor said.

"What is happening in Melbourne now has made people take it a lot more seriously."

At Warrnambool's Spotlight store, business is also booming.

Tara Dean, the store's sewing department team leader, said people were coming into the store prepared and informed.

"The main style people are making is using the tightly woven fabric and having masks with three layers," Ms Dean said.

"Everyone has a theory and opinion on the masks and at the end of the day, everyone is doing the best they can."

While new skills are being developed to create face masks, Ms Dean said there was an even more important quality coming to the fore.

"People are just being so kind," she said.

"Not only are they making masks for themselves, but also for their friends and family.

"People are also sharing information and tips on how to make the best masks they can.

"This has created a really nice feel.

"Even though the store is really busy, it isn't desperate or panic buying, it really is people wanting to help each other."