How to Sew Scrub Tops

Some scrub tops feature ties to pull the back of the top closer to the body.

Scrubs have become the new standard in medical uniforms, worn by doctors, nurses, technicians and veterinarians alike. Consisting of a simple T-shirt design, a scrub top permits comfortable movement, which is the result of a good fit. The most effective way to ensure that your top fits properly is to sew it yourself. A scrub top can be constructed by someone with even novice sewing skills.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scrub top sewing pattern
• Cotton fabric
• Pins
• Scissors
• Marking pencil or tailor's chalk
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Steps

1. Measure yourself while wearing only the type of undergarments you will wear under your scrubs. You may want to enlist the help of a trusted friend to assist with measuring. You will need your chest and waist measurements so that you can buy the correct size of sewing pattern.

2. Purchase a pattern for a scrub top. The back of the pattern envelope has a chart to help you decide on your correct size. Be aware that sizes for sewing patterns can differ quite a bit from store-bought clothing.

3. Buy the required amount of fabric for your top. Scrubs are most often made of cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. Be sure to wash and dry your entire piece of fabric before cutting it. This will prevent your new top from shrinking after you've already sewn it.

4. Cut out the pattern and fabric for your size according to the pattern directions. Copy all of the pattern markings to the fabric using the tailor's chalk or marking pencil, because these marks will make the sewing process much easier as you piece the fabric together. Be sure to mark the location of pockets, since it is easy to mistakenly sew on crooked pockets.

5. Try on the top after you've pinned it together to test the fit. Scrub tops should fit somewhat loosely around the body, so that your movements are no constricted. If the top does not fit the way you want, re-pin the seams until the desired fit is achieved.

6. Sew the pieces together as directed by the pattern instructions. Try on your top after you sew major seams, particularly the side seams, to make sure that you are getting the fit you want.

7. Pin the lower hem of the top and the sleeve cuffs to the length you want. Cut the hem edges 2 inches longer than the desired length for the hem allowance. Fold the hem allowance 1 inch from the edge, then fold it 1 inch again, creating a 1-inch wide double-thickness seam that encases the raw edge of the seam. Use a straight stitch on your sewing machine to sew the hem in place.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a fabric with a one-way pattern, be sure to cut the fabric pieces all in the same direction. This is particularly important for fabrics such as cartoons, where an incorrectly cut piece will result in upside-down characters.

• Wash and dry your cotton fabric before cutting out the pattern pieces. Cotton shrinks about 4 inches per yard when it's put through the dryer, so not prewashing and drying the fabric may result in your top being too small after it's washed.

• Be careful when trying on the pinned top that you do not scratch yourself on the straight pins.

References

• SEW-lutions Guidelines: Cotton