Resourceful Filipino volunteer uses Brother sewing machines to produce PPEs for frontliners

 As the Philippines undergoes its enhanced community quarantine to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19, many Filipinos are stepping up and helping out in any way they can, serving as an inspiration to many others to also do their part for everyone in need.

One such inspiring story is that of volunteer Rod Jean Claire Dullano, who shared how they relied on Brother sewing machines to produce a number of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and facemasks for medical frontliners.

Photo from Rod Jean Claire Dullano

“Your products have been so helpful to us,” said Dullano in her e-mail to Brother Philippines. “Thank you so much for your great effort in making quality machines for us. God bless you.”

Brother Philippines is truly honored to power meaningful efforts such as Dullano’s, and we salute everyone giving their time and dedication to help our country’s frontliners in these challenging times.

If you are using our sewing machines or any Brother product to help in the fight against this crisis, please do send us your stories at marketing@brother.com.ph. We would like to thank you personally and share your story with the world.

For more info and updates, you may visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside/. For any inquiries or concerns, please call the Brother Helpdesk Hotline at (02) 8 581-9898, through the toll-free line at 1-10-BROTHER, or send an e-mail to
helpdesk@brother.com.ph.

Make your own facemask in a few easy steps!

In times like these when COVID-19 is affecting all of us greatly in every way, it’s more important than ever to not only be safe from disease and healthy, but also to be resourceful and practical.

With the right tools and materials, it’s very easy to make your own basic protective gear. Did you know that with some spare cloth, a printer, and a sewing machine, you can sew your own facemask? Now there’s no need to worry about disposable facemasks—you can quickly craft your own for light everyday use and supplies of surgical masks can go to health workers and frontliners who need them more.

Here’s what you’ll need:
Outer fabric (20cm x 80cm)
Inner fabric (20cm x 80cm)
Band (2m)
Printer
Sewing machine/sewing tools
* The above measurements are good for three masks.
* Soft-textured material, such as gauze, is preferable.
* You can add your own embroidery or lace.

SIZE CHART

Size
Finished size
Length of ear band

For babies (9 months – 3 years)
8.5cm x 12.5cm
29cm x 2 pieces

For children (5 – 9 years)
11cm x 14.5cm
31cm x 2 pieces

For adults
13cm x 17cm
35cm x 2 pieces

Instructions:
Sew the outer fabric together.
Cut two pieces of the outer fabric according to the attached pattern, which you can print for accuracy. Place the pieces together right-side in, then sew them with 1cm seam allowance. Press-iron edges and topstitch. Don’t forget to reinforce the stitches at the start and end.

Do the same for the inner fabric.
You can decorate the mask at this step.

Sew the inner and the outer fabric together.
Place the inner and outer fabric together right-side in, then sew the top and bottom. Press-iron edges and topstitch.
Then turn the inner fabrics right-side out. Press-iron and topstitch.

Make the elastic band.
Sew the inner mask layer. Fold one edge three times and stitch. Do the same for the other side.

Assemble the elastic band by cutting it according to the measurements in the size chart plus 3cm seam allowance. (You’re free to adjust the measurements as needed.) Insert it through the edges of the mask and tie a knot to secure them.

Iron the mask to finish it!

You can also watch this video to see how everything is done:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/liWJIJWHqCw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>.

And you can download the patterns and instructions here: http://bit.ly/BrotherDIYFacemask.

Other notes:
You can use any pattern and design you want!

For better results, tighter stitches, and a more durable mask, you can machine-stitch it with reliable tools such as Brother Sewing Machines.

Brother Philippines stands with the nation in its fight against COVID-19, and supports all efforts to combat the spread of the virus and heal the country.

For information and updates on Brother products, customers may visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside. They can also call the Brother Helpdesk Hotline at (02) 8 581-9898, or through the toll-free line at 1-10-BROTHER or send an email to helpdesk@brother.com.ph.