Tessa Quinn
Hospital gowns are a common sight in medical facilities, but they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to wear, leaving patients feeling exposed and vulnerable. Despite complaints, little has been done to design a gown that makes people feel comfortable. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to make your own hospital gown, which you can sew yourself at home. We will also cover the different types of hospital gowns and how to wear them properly, so you can feel prepared and comfortable during your hospital visits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% cotton, 42″ width, synthetics can interfere with a stethoscope |
| Fabric length | Adult: 2 3/4 yards or 3 yards if lengthened. Child Small: 1 yard. Child Med/Lg: 2 yards |
| Ties | 1 yard grosgrain ribbon or twill tape, cut into four 9” pieces |
| Lightweight fusible interfacing | 4 pieces at 1” x 12” or use another piece of fabric |
| Velcro | Adult and Med/Lg Child: 6 pieces at 2” each. Small Child: 4 pieces at 2″ |
| Seam allowance | 3/8″ – 1/2″ |
| Edges | Fold over the neckline and stitch for a clean finish. Use that edge finish for all edges including arm openings, back opening, bottom hem |
| Shoulder access | Simple Velcro or hook/loop tape for easy access without removing the gown |
| Pattern | Free patterns available online, including for children's gowns. Can be printed at 100% from Acrobat Reader |
| Cutting | Cut out both patterns on the inside of the dark line. Place the body pattern with the "CENTER" edge on the paper edge and trace. Size 16 needs an additional 2" on the left side |
| Sewing | Traditional sewing machine or serger can be used. Zigzag stitch is helpful but not necessary |
| Style | Gowns can be modified with different prints and colours, flower pins, pockets, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a pattern
When choosing a pattern for your hospital gown, it is important to consider the wearer's preferences, the purpose of the gown, and the materials you will be using. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Sizing and Fit:
Consider the size and build of the person who will be wearing the gown. Hospital gowns typically have a loose and comfortable fit, allowing for ease of movement. Pay attention to measurements, especially if you are making an adult-sized gown. You may need to adjust the pattern to accommodate different body types and ensure a good fit.
Style and Design:
Hospital gowns can vary in style, from basic designs to those with more stylish touches. Consider the length of the gown, the type of sleeves (short, long, or butterfly sleeves), and the neckline. Decide whether you want a simple overlap at the back or a more complex design with ties or closures. Also, think about adding pockets, trim, or other decorative elements to enhance the style of the gown.
Fabric Choice:
The type of fabric you choose will impact the overall look and functionality of the gown. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics that are comfortable for the wearer. Cotton is a popular choice, but you can also explore other materials like synthetics, keeping in mind any potential interference with medical equipment such as stethoscopes. Ensure you have enough fabric to work with, allowing for some excess during the cutting and sewing process.
Pattern Sources:
You can find various free patterns online, such as those offered by Lazy Girl Designs, which include adult and child sizes. These patterns often provide instructions and suggestions for modifications. Alternatively, you can create your own pattern by downloading and printing a basic template, then making adjustments to fit the desired size and style. Remember to wash and dry the fabric before cutting it according to your chosen pattern.
Customization:
Consider any special requirements or personal touches you want to add to the gown. For example, you might want to include a pocket for monitors or drainage bags, or you might prefer hammered snaps instead of Velcro on the sleeves. You can also get creative with the fabric design, choosing fun prints or colours that reflect the wearer's personality.
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Cutting the fabric
Firstly, ensure that you have chosen the right fabric. 100% cotton fabric with a 42" width is recommended. Synthetics should be avoided as they can interfere with a stethoscope. Before cutting, it is important to wash and dry the fabric using the hottest temperatures possible. This helps to pre-shrink the fabric and ensure that your hospital gown will not shrink excessively after sewing.
Once the fabric is prepared, you can begin the cutting process. Start by downloading and printing the pattern for the hospital gown. Cut out the body and sleeve patterns on the inside of the dark line provided on the printed template. The body pattern should be placed with the "CENTER" edge aligned with the edge of your paper. Trace this onto the paper, adding any necessary adjustments for different sizes. For example, for a size 16, you will need to add an additional 2" to the left side of the pattern.
Now, it's time to lay out the pattern on your fabric. Play with the placement of the pieces to make the most of your fabric. For smaller sizes, you may be able to fit more pieces next to each other. Remember to consider the direction of the fabric grain, as this can impact the drape and hang of the final garment. Once you are happy with the placement, carefully pin the pattern pieces in place.
Finally, you can begin cutting the fabric. Cut the "Front" of the pattern on three sides, and the "Back" on all four sides. This will give you two main pieces facing opposite directions. Place the "Sleeve" pattern where it will fit twice and cut it two times, resulting in four sleeve pieces with two facing opposite directions. Remember to cut any additional pieces, such as ties or ribbons, if you are not using pre-made ones.
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Sewing the gown
Sewing a hospital gown is a thoughtful project that can bring some cheer to a loved one in need. It is also a practical way to provide for those in need, as hospitals are often in short supply.
Firstly, you will need to select your fabric and pattern. The fabric should be 100% cotton with a 42" width, and you will need 2 3/4 yards for an adult gown. Synthetics can interfere with a stethoscope, so it is important to choose the right fabric. You can find free patterns online, such as those offered by Lazy Girl Designs, which include patterns for both adults and children.
Once you have your pattern, print it out and cut out the body and sleeve patterns on the inside of the dark line. The body pattern should be placed with the "CENTER" edge on the edge of the paper, and you should trace this onto the paper. For size 16, add an additional 2" on the left side. Place the pattern 2" from the fabric edge and follow the directions for your chosen pattern. Each body pattern will have specific inches to add to the length, which can be measured with a ruler.
Next, align all the pieces on the fabric and pin them in place before cutting. Place the "Front" of the pattern on the fold and cut on the 3 sides. Place the "Back" next to or below the "Front", depending on the size, and cut on all 4 sides. This will give you 2 pieces facing opposite directions. The "Sleeve" pattern should be placed where it will fit twice, and you will need to cut this pattern twice, resulting in 4 pieces with 2 facing opposite directions.
Now you are ready to begin sewing. You will want to use a 3/8" - 1/2" seam allowance. Fold over the neckline and stitch for a clean finish, and use this edge finish for all edges, including arm openings, back opening, and bottom hem. Simple Velcro or hook and loop tape can be used for an easy opening at the shoulder, providing convenient access without removing the gown. You can also use double-fold bias tape for the trim, and hammered-in snaps or plastic johnny snaps instead of Velcro on the sleeves.
Finally, you can add optional features such as a pocket on the inside front for holding monitors or drainage bags, or flower pins for added cheer.
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Adding finishing touches
Now that you've cut and sewn your hospital gown, it's time to add some finishing touches to make it perfect for your loved one.
First, consider the length. The pattern may be shorter than desired, so you might want to add a few extra inches to the hem. This is a simple way to ensure the gown is more modest and comfortable. Next, think about the trim. Double-fold bias tape is an easy and fast option that will give your gown a neat finish. You can also add some ribbon ties for a pretty and functional detail. Cut your chosen ribbon into 9" pieces and attach them to the gown, so it can be securely closed at the back or front.
If you want to make the gown extra special, add some embellishments like flower pins or other decorations. These can be gifted to the wearer or any nurses they encounter. You could also consider adding an inside pocket to hold small items or medical equipment. Finally, ensure you've followed the pattern correctly and that all edges are finished neatly. Fold over and stitch the neckline, arm openings, back opening, and bottom hem for a clean, professional finish.
Your hospital gown is now complete and ready to bring some colour and comfort to your loved one's life.
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Donating your creation
If you've made a hospital gown, you might be considering donating it to someone in need. There are a few ways you can do this.
Firstly, you could consider donating your creation to a friend or family member who is in need of a hospital gown. This is a great way to ensure that your gown is going to someone you know, and it can be customised to their personal style and preferences.
Alternatively, you can donate your homemade hospital gowns to hospitals, nursing homes, or care centres in your local area. These facilities often feel the shortage of supplies and will appreciate your donation. You can reach out to these places directly to ask about their donation procedures and guidelines.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a particular need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. As a result, some organisations and hospitals were set up to specifically accept donations of PPE, including hospital gowns. Gowns4Good, for example, is an initiative that connects graduation gowns to healthcare workers in need of PPE.
If you don't have any homemade gowns to donate, you can still contribute by purchasing and donating graduation gowns or by donating to a relevant fund.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need fabric (100% cotton, 42" width), ties (grosgrain ribbon or twill tape), lightweight fusible interfacing, and Velcro.
You can find free patterns for hospital gowns online, such as those provided by Lazy Girl Designs and The Embroiderist. These patterns come in both adult and children's sizes.
A traditional sewing machine or serger can be used. It is helpful if the sewing machine has a zigzag stitch, but this is not necessary.
It takes about an hour to create the pattern and 20 minutes to cut the fabric. Sewing the gown takes about an hour and a half.
