Projects to Support Your Community

Given everything going on in the world right now with COVID-19, people are more eager than ever to find a way to help and give back to their communities. Whether big or small, there are plenty of ways you can use your sewing skills to make a meaningful impact. Earlier this year, BERNINA launched our new “Sew to Serve” series with a ton of helpful tips and tutorials on how you can give back and help.

We recommend that you reach out to your local leaders at city hall, hospitals, places of worships, senior centers, food pantry’s and homeless shelters to start to see what they may need. We have put together some suggestions on things that could be created to fulfill these needs.

Dr. Dragnea from Antwerp University hospital wearing a Fu facemask

A lot of our readers asked how to create homemade masks. According to medical professionals, these masks are not antiviral, but they can provide some kind of barrier. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using homemade masks only when medical facemasks are not available. If your local hospital or someone you know needs a mask, tutorials are available online.

• Calling all makers: Here’s a 1-page PDF facemask pattern
• DIY Cloth Face Mask
• Simple Respiratory Mask
• Downloadable in-the-hoop Face Mask Pattern

DIY Sleeping Bags and Pillowcases

States like California are working towards relocating homeless individuals into shelters to help curb the number of people infected. Donating hand-sewn sleeping bags or pillowcases are a great way to give back to local homeless shelters who might be seeing an influx of people.

Tote Bags

When pitching in to help your neighbors, tote bags are great to carry groceries or store food supplies for food drives or curb side delivery.

Blankets

Social Distancing can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. To help counter this, a handmade blanket can oftentimes feel like a big hug. Organizations like Project Linus help provide blankets and quilts to those in need. BERNINA offers plenty of tutorials on a variety of different homemade blankets.

Handmade Heating/Cooling Pads

Stress and anxiety can often lead to stiff muscles. Nothing feels better on stiff muscles like a heating/cooling pad. While it might not seem like a big gesture, show your neighbor you care by giving them a homemade heating/cooling pad. We guarantee it’ll put a smile on their face and help them relax.

We hope these tutorials will provide some creative inspiration and allow you to give back to your community in whatever way you can. We also hope these projects can bring joy and provide an escape. We know people need a creative outlet more than ever right now. BERNINA hopes to serve as a creative resource throughout these unusual times. Please stay safe and healthy.