handmade items for those in need
Scrubs and accessories sewing, instructions and link to patterns
(PDF files of this information are at the foot of the page)
Before cutting fabric, please remember to wash and iron the fabric first. Washing shrinks the fabric and removes loose dye, and ironing helps obtain a more accurate cut.
Fabric.
All fabrics from any source must be washable at 60 degrees.
Note: any 'pre-loved' fabric for scrubs and laundry bags must be clean, without holes, fading or stains, of good quality, close-weave, and in excellent condition. It needs to stand up to repeated high temperature washes.
The best new fabric for scrubs is a plain Polyester/Cotton mix, about 60%/40% (or 65%/35%, as some commercial scrubs are made from this mix).
The fabric must be 120gsm or above, and should pass the 'underwear test'.
[Place a piece of dense white fabric such as a t-shirt or pillowcase underneath the dark polycotton; white should not show through.]
Plain coloured fabric is preferred as it is easier to inspect for staining and damage.
Navy and shades of Blue are the most popular colours, with Black being popular for trousers.
(Note: the special 'Noah's Rainbow' fabric was produced to be donated to the NHS only.)
Scrubs may be made from new cotton or patterned fabric for non-NHS requests, or from bedlinen (excellent quality and condition).
Staff laundry bags may be made from new polycotton fabric, or from good quality bedlinen or pillowcases.
Scrub hats should be made from good quality 100% cotton fabric (cotton absorbs sweat).
Scrubs: the pattern being used is the Sew Different pattern, kindly donated for scrubs groups to use. Please note that patterns with set-in sleeves are preferred by Norfolk hospitals and most care settings - please use the A4 pattern on this site if printing your own.
When sewing scrubs, quality is more important than speed.
Good quality polyester or polyester/cotton thread of any suitable dark colour can be used. Seams should be flat, smooth and preferably enclosed so there is no irritation to the skin of the wearer, and for the seams to withstand frequent high temperature washing.
Flat fell seams (or French seams, stitched down) fit these requirements, and there are some useful instructions here.
If using an overlocker, ensure seams are stitched, overlocked to neaten them, then pressed and top-stitched down so that they are secure, flat and won't cause irritation.
It is not necessary to add interfacing to the neck facing of the top - however, it is necessary to topstitch the facing down (at 3cm from the neck edge).
Pockets are important. The pattern should be made with all patch pockets as shown.
If cutting your own fabric, cut the trouser sides and in-seam pockets straight without indents. It is safe to leave out the indented section for the hand at the front of the in-seam pockets, as this is not essential.
A top pocket may be added to the tunic : cut round your pocket ironing guide, and finish in the same way as a standard patch pocket but with a narrow top hem. Stitch this pocket to the upper left front of the tunic, placing the top of the pocket level with the bottom of the V neck.
Size labelling - please embroider or stitch the size [S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL etc. ] in large contrasting letters in the centre of the back neck facing. Embroidery may be by hand or machine, using any stitch or a close zig-zag. The size must be clearly visible from the front.
(Please do not use sewn-in, or NHS or any other branded labels, as these will have to be removed.)
Note that marker pens are only clearly visible on lighter coloured fabrics (see size colours below), and will fade with repeated washing, so embroidery is preferred.
Size colours - if you are choosing separate colours for back neck facings, trouser drawstrings, drawstring tabs, or added drawstring channels, the following are the size marking colours:
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S = Yellow
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M = Brown
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L = White
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XL = Pink
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XXL = Orange
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XXXL = Red
Trousers - If cutting your own fabric, cut the trouser sides and in-seam pockets straight without indents. Ignore the indented section for the hand at the front of the in-seam pockets, as this is not essential.
Make a drawstring channel by making buttonholes, then turning over the waistband (1cm, then 2cm) or attaching a separate strip of fabric. Tapes or drawstrings are required to fasten the waist of trousers so adjustments can be made easily.
Please note that elastic should not be used - it will not survive a repeated high temperature wash, and offers less flexibility - staff will not have time to try on different sets to see which fits them best.
Strong twill tape 20 or 25mm wide, cotton or polycotton should be used for drawstrings (narrow enough to fit the drawstring channel, but wide enough to grasp easily when wearing gloves). Drawstring cord is less comfortable to wear.
Drawstrings for S/M/L sizes should be at least 1.5m long, those for XL, 2XL, 3XL sizes at least 1.75m long.
The drawstring ends can be finished by stitching a square tab of fabric across the end, to stop them fraying and to prevent the tape pulling through the waistband. This also helps the wearer when tying a knot or bow. Alternatively, fold over the tape ends and stitch to form a non-fraying end.
Alternative drawstrings can be made from polycotton fabric strips, folded and stitched securely, then threaded through the waistline. Leave a suitable length for tying together, and hem or finish each end.
If for some reason you're not using fabric tabs to finish the drawstring ends, stitch through the centre back of the waistband to hold the drawstring in place.
Remember to wash the scrubs at 60 degrees when finished.
Scrubs patterns for home (A4) or commercial (A0) printing can be downloaded below.
Patterns for scrubs hats and staff laundry bags are on the Patterns page.