Sewing medical scrubs from scratch using online patterns and your own sewing machine is a rewarding home sewing project. Doing your part to craft comfortable, durable, coloured scrubs for local healthcare workers is a great way to get involved in helping the community.
With the right uniform patterns, fabrics, and sewing machine, anyone can learn to sew comfortable fitting scrubs from start to finish, even if they’re new to sewing. These scrubs can be worn by medical staff in hospitals, nursing and home-helps, to dentists and doctors.
We’ll walk you through everything you need, from selecting the best fabric and colour for scrubs, to understanding patterns, and mastering sewing techniques.
We’ve searched for the best scrub sewing resources from around the web, and recommend this Dot N Cross post and Made to Sew video tutorial. These resources will provide you with everything you need to create the perfect set of medical scrubs.
Before you start, you’ll need to chat with the organisation that you plan to make the scrubs for, as each organisation will have specific requirements regarding materials, sizing, and uniform colours.
For example, NHS scrubs have the following specifications for hospitals:
NHS scrubs with the correct fabric type and weight, and colour.
- Made entirely of cotton or a blend of 50% polyester and 50% cotton
- Lightweight fabric weight of around 115gsm
- Plain dark or light blue colours
- No patters, as these can make damage and stains difficult to see
- Fabrics must be able to handle 60°C wash temperature
Scrub Sizes:
- Small (S)
- Medium (M)
- Large (L)
- XLarge (XL)
- XXLarge (XXL)
- XXXLarge (XXXL)
Certain materials must undergo a prewash to avoid shrinking after they are sewn together, please consult with your fabric provider. There’s no need to be concerned about washing garments that have already been made up, as they will all be cleaned prior to use.
Follow the Made to Sew video tutorial on this page, and this scrubs sewing guide by Dot N Cross for all the PDF patterns and guidance to sew suitable sets of medical scrubs at home.
Here are some more tips to consider to prepare you for this sewing mission…
Preparing to Sew Medical Scrubs
Preparing to create medical scrubs at home requires planning and preparation. Choosing the appropriate material, necessary equipment, and accurate dimensions are vital for a successful outcome. This section breaks down each of these steps to set you off in the right direction.
Selecting the Right Fabric
Selecting the appropriate material is crucial for scrubs that are comfortable, durable enough to handle daily work and washes.
Popular options are cotton, polyester, or a mix of cotton and polyester.
- Cotton: It is breathable and soft, ideal for warm environments.
- Polyester: This option is more durable and resists wrinkles.
- Blends: Offer the benefits of both materials, providing comfort and strength.
- Sometimes you may find scrubs that contain spandex and rayon, but cotton and polyester blends are preferred.
When selecting fabric, consider these factors:
- Weight: Heavier fabrics are stronger, while light fabrics offer comfort in warm hospital and high stress settings, reducing the chance of sweating. Around the 150msg (grams per square metre) range sticks the balance between fabric toughness and breathability.
- Washability: Scrubs are often subjected to frequent washing because of exposire to stains and bio hazards, choose fabric that withstands regular high temperature washes.
Gathering Essential Sewing Tools
of course, you’ll need tools as well are your hands to make scrubs. Here’s a list of what you’ll need.
- Sewing machine: A reliable sewing machine, and an overlocker for finishing strong seams would be most ideal for this project.
- Fabric scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for cutting patterns and edges.
- Measuring tape: Accurate measurements ensure a good fit all round.
- Pins or clips: These hold fabric pieces together while sewing.
- Thread: Choose a colour that matches the fabric.
- Patterns: These template ensure size and fit accuracy
- Ironing tools: You’ll need a sturdy ironing board and a steam iron for applying fusing and flattening fabrics.
Each tool plays a significant role in achieving a professional finish.
Taking Accurate Measurements
Measurement accuracy is crucial for a proper fit. Here’s how to take them correctly:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest to get the bust size.
- Waist: Find the natural waistline, usually just above the navel.
- Hips: Measure around the widest part of the hips.
- Inseam: Measure from the top of the inner thigh to the ankle.
It’s helpful to write down the measurements for reference, but you’ll have all the appropriate measurements if your use the patterns provided by the resources in this guide.
Constructing the Medical Scrubs
Creating medical scrubs involves several key steps. From cutting the right fabric pieces to adding the final touches, each phase requires attention to detail for a professional finish.
Cutting the Fabric Pieces
Before beginning, it’s crucial to get the fabric ready. Take the measurements of the person who will wear it to make sure it fits well. Select an appropriate pattern, which can be bought or created by yourself.
Place the fabric on a tidy, dry area. Utilize heavy objects to secure the fabric down. Highlight the pattern pieces with tailor’s chalk or fabric markers.
Make sure to cut with sharp fabric scissors for clean edges. For added accuracy, cut out:
- Sleeves – Ensure they fit comfortably.
- Torso pieces – Check for proper length and width.
- Trousers – Don’t forget the elastic waistband allowance.
Once all pieces are cut, it’s helpful to organise them by type for a smoother sewing process.
Sewing the Scrubs Top
Start with the scrubs top. Pin the shoulder seams together, aligning the edges carefully. Sew the seams with a straight stitch, keeping a seam allowance of about 1 cm.
Next, assemble the sleeves. Attach them by aligning the sleeve cap with the armhole. It may require some easing to avoid puckering.
For the neckline, add facing to achieve a clean finish. Iron the seams flat after sewing to make the fabric easier to work with later.
Finally, hem the bottom of the top. Use a double fold hem to ensure durability after multiple washes. This will keep the edges from fraying.
Sewing the Trousers
The trousers begin with assembling the legs. Pin the side seams of both legs together and sew along the edges. It’s crucial to keep the seams aligned.
Joining the legs is the next step. Turn one leg inside out and insert it into the other leg. Ensure the seams are aligned and sew around the crotch area.
Then, attach the waistband. Measure the wearer’s waist and cut an elastic band. Sew it to the top edge of the trousers, leaving room for a casing.
Fold the waistband over and secure it with a straight stitch. This setup ensures comfort and ease of movement.
Adding Pockets and Finishing Touches
Don’t overlook the pockets, they’re not just for show, they’re functional. They’re used for medical instruments, gauze bandages, alcohol wipes, medications, paperwork, and writing utensils.
For the tops, patch pockets can be sewn onto the front. Measure and cut fabric pieces, then attach them with a straight stitch.
For trousers, side pockets can be added. Cut pocket pieces and align them with the side seams. Pin and sew them into place.
Lastly, finish all raw edges with an overlock stitch to prevent fraying. This is particularly important as scrubs are washed frequently.
Press all seams and hems for a neat appearance. A final inspection ensures everything is secured and well-constructed.
