How to Make a Double-Breasted Lab Coat

Make your own lab coat at home.

Lab coats come in many different colors, sizes and designs and are used by doctors, nurses and scientists alike. Children, teens and young adults may use lab coats during science experiments as well. Lab coats help protect clothing worn underneath as well as protecting the wearer from stains, spills, injuries and fire. To make your own double-breasted lab coat, choose the color, style and design pattern of your lab coat, including the length and any style attributes such as pockets. A double-breasted style features two columns of buttons and a wide flap.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Lab coat design pattern
• Buttons
• Needle
• Thread, 12 inches
• Sewing Machine
• Scissors or seam ripper
• Straight pins

Instructions

Fabric

1. Choose the design pattern of your lab coat.

2. Choose your fabric. Select fabrics that help wick sweat as well as promoting air circulation, fighting odor-causing bacteria and repelling stains.

3. Cut the fabric according to the design pattern.

4. Use straight pins to pin the pieces of the lab coat together then use either needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew the pieces together.

5. Fold over and pin the ragged edges of the lab coat then use either a needle and thread or a sewing machine to create hems.

6. To create a pocket, cut out a square from the leftover fabric. Fold over, pin then sew the ragged edges of the pocket to create a hem. Sew the pocket onto the lab coat, making sure to leave the top open.

Buttonhole

1. Use your sewing machine and choose the type of buttonhole you would like to make.

2. Measure the diameter of your buttons then add 1/4 inches.

3. Use a fabric marker to mark where you would like to place your buttons on your fabric.

4. Place the button into the buttonhole slot of the sewing machine. Choose the buttonhole design you wish to use. Align the beginning of the fabric marker line beneath the head of the needle. Lower the needle head and start the machine. Open the buttonhole using a pair of scissors or a seam ripper.

5. Repeat step 4 for all remaining buttonholes.

Buttons

1. Place the button onto the fabric so that it lines up with the buttonhole.

2. Use a needle and 12 inches of thread that matches, or closely matches, the color of the lab coat. Make a stitch in the fabric that is 1/8 of an inch long then add another perpendicular stitch.

3. Hold the button slightly above the fabric as you make cross-diagonal stitches. Repeat the stitch four times.

4. Wrap the remaining thread around the base of the thread found beneath the button a few times then tie the string into a knot and cut.

5. Repeat step 4 for all remaining buttons.

References

• Sew4Home; How to Make a Buttonhole; July 2009; Janome America
• Esquire: How to Sew a Button Easily