MANILA, March 30, 2020 – 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.
2. Do the same for the inner fabric.
- You can decorate the mask at this step.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Iron the mask to finish it!
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.
About Brother Philippines
Brother Philippines is a sales subsidiary of the Brother Group. Established in Japan in 1908, the Brother Group delivers products and services to customers all over the world, with manufacturing and sales facilities in 44 countries and regions. Brother Philippines offers products and services with Brother expertise in a wide range of fields such as printing and solutions, home and embroidery sewing machines, labelers, and scanners. Since its establishment in the Philippines in the year 2000, Brother has been placing its customers first everywhere, every time, and has been providing them with superior value with high quality products and services. Brother also prides itself with its sustainable business practices, taking responsibility, acting respectfully, and making a positive difference through Brother Earth. To learn more about the brand and its products, visit the Brother Philippines website at www.brother.com.ph, like its Facebook page (Facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside), and follow it on Twitter (@BROTHERPhils) and Instagram (@BrotherPhils).
