G Tube Pads TUTORIAL

Welcome!

As I have rejoined the work force, I have decreased my sewing sales. I just don't have the time any more. But I know many people love the way I make my g tube pads/rings. 

So I'd love to share how I do them with everyone. 

Make your pattern-- I like 3" rings (I sell way more 3" than 4") Draw a 3.5" circle on a paper bag/construction paper/cereal box. Cut out.

Gather some absorbent scraps of fabric. I suggest flannel, terry cloth, zorb..

Cut 3 circles per pad you want to make. My favorite combination is 2 outer layers of flannel and one layer of (hidden) terry cloth.

 Place the terry cloth on the bottom. Flannel right side up on top. Then other piece of flannel on top, right side DOWN. That way the right sides are facing each other. I used some Pink Zeppelin peacock knit in my pictures. It's super soft like flannel.

Cut a slit toward the center, with a small circle at the center (about a half inch diameter), through all layers.

Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance down the slit, around the circle, and up the other slit.

Snip the corners.

Turn so the right sides of the fabrics are facing out.

If you have a serger, serge around the edge of the circumference. Be sure to let the serger cut off excess terry cloth, and make sure the under layer is included with the stitches.

Make sure you leave 3-4" tail on each edge.

Using a darning needle, thread the tails about an inch back into the overlock stitches.

I like to use Fray Check to secure the threads. Trim tails.

Add snaps.

Make sure the snap socket and studs line up and fit together. (Snap removal stinks!)

Viola! Now go make more :) Donate to local hospitals! Share the Tubie Love!

*If you do not have a serger, I suggest using an overcasting stitch on your machine. I like number 6 and set the width to 5 (widest possible).* Trim excess terry cloth prior to stitching.

Scrub Top Modification Part Two!

What you will need:
Scrap cotton
3/4" elastic (I used about 8")
Disappearing Ink/MarkBGone Fabric marker (or chalk)
Matching thread
Sewing Machine
Optional: Elastic wand
Iron


To start: Put the scrub shirt on. Note where your natural waist is (smallest measurement on your torso). I used Wonder Clips on each side. Now grab the excess fabric (as equally as possible on each side) and mark where you feel comfortable.

Turn inside out. Draw 2 parallel lines where your clips are, 1" apart. Mark the sides equally from the seams, mine were 3.5" from the side seams. My waist is 34", shirt is 48" giving me 14" of excess fabric. I want to take in each side equally, so both sides will be taken in 7" (halved by the seam, aka mark 3.5" from the seams, both directions).

Cut two rectangles from the scrap cotton measuring 7" x 2.25" each.

Fold them in half (hotdog style) and stitch the long sides together with a 3/8" seam allowance. Make two tubes.

Turn right side out & iron.

Mark the centers of the tubes. Match them up to the scrub's side seams. Pin in place, using your waist lines as your guide. 

Stitch as close to the edge of the tubes as you can, backstitching at the beginning and end of each edge.

Cut your elastic so that you have two 4" pieces.

Push your elastic wand either between the shirt & tube OR through the tube. It really doesn't matter which you choose. Attach your elastic to the wand. Slowly pull the elastic through. Make sure the other end of the elastic doesn't go inside the tube. When the elastic comes to the edge of the tube, carefully stitch the tube closed and elastic in place. I sewed back and forth 3 or 4 times. If you are concerned of fraying, use a zigzag stitch. 

Continue pulling the elastic/elastic wand through. Stitch the other side of the tube/elastic, like the other side. If you want it extra tight, pull the elastic an inch past the edge of the tube and stitch in place. 

Trim strings. Turn right side out!

Pics to come!

Making Scrubs More Fitted with Elastic

My new work attire is "solid colored scrubs"

Little did I know, the cheap Walmart ones are incredibly frumpy. I feel like I'm wearing a potato sack. Being the seamstress that I am, I decided to add ELASTIC!

What you will need:
Scrap cotton
3/4" elastic (I used about 7")
Disappearing Ink/MarkBGone Fabric marker (or chalk)
Matching thread
Sewing Machine
Optional: Elastic wand
Iron


To start: Put the scrub shirt on. Note where your natural waist is (smallest measurement on your torso). I used Wonder Clips on each side.

Turn inside out. Draw 2 parallel lines where your clips are, 1" apart.

I have Medium scrubs. They are 25"ish wide at the waist. So I cut my scrap cotton 12" wide, 2.25" tall.

I folded it in half (hotdog style) and stitched the long side together with a 3/8" seam allowance. It makes a tube.

Turn right side out & iron.

Mark the center of your shirt at your waist lines. Mark the center of your tube. Match the center lines and pin in place, centering the tube between your waist lines.

Stitch as close to the edge of the tube as you can, backstitching at the beginning and end of each edge.

Push your elastic wand either between the shirt & tube OR through the tube. It really doesn't matter which you choose. Attach your elastic to the wand. Slowly pull the elastic through. Make sure the other end of the elastic doesn't go inside the tube. When the elastic comes to the edge of the tube, carefully stitch the tube closed and elastic in place. I sewed back and forth 3 or 4 times. If you are concerned of fraying, use a zigzag stitch. 

Continue pulling the elastic/elastic wand through. Stitch the other side of the tube/elastic, like the other side. If you want it extra tight, pull the elastic an inch past the edge of the tube and stitch in place. 

Trim strings. Turn right side out!

Stay tuned, pics and more options to come!