Hopeful Threads
http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.ca
G-tube Button Pads
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcNcMY8WWx.../s640/gtp1.png
I haven't learned how to post pictures, so you could go to the original Hopeful Threads above, or click on the URL links
I inserted after each step.
Some kids have medical problems that prevent them from being able to take adequate nutrition by mouth. A gastrostomy tube (also called a G-tube) is a tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. It's one of the ways doctors can make sure kids with trouble eating get the fluid and calories they need to grow. My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter has a g-tube. Usually people with g-tubes use gauze around the port into their stomach which can irritate the skin. I saw this tutorial to make the little wrap around pads that help absorb any moisture or leakage where they connect.
Supplies Needed:
Flannel - Cut to approximately 2 3/4 - 3" Circles (2 for each pad)
Terry Cloth or other absorbent fabric (cotton fleece, hemp, bamboo) - Cut to the same measurement as your flannel (1 for each pad)
Snaps or velcro for closure
I've sewn these in several sizes now, with the last ones I made for a little guy, so I cut 2 3/4" circles.
2 circles of flannel, 1 of absorbent fabric.
Lay your flannel circles right sides facing and place the absorbent circle on top.
Cut a slit through all 3 layers, straight up the middle of the circle about 2". (This may vary based on the size you are making. You'll want to stop your cut about 1' from the top.)
Stitch the 3 layers together around the slit you just made.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWPpwII2Ni.../s400/gtp2.png
**BE SURE to snip the corners of your stitching here so the pad will lay flat when turned.
Now, it's time to turn your pad right sides out. This can be a little fiddly, so just take your time with it and you'll have a nice smooth result. I also suggest carefully pinning as shown below.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g3rJddrNna.../s400/gtp3.png
You're ready to top-stitch your layers together, starting along the center opening.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5o842KcGn.../s400/gtp4.png
Then you will either serge or zig zag the outer edge all the way around.
I found that I liked my 3 step zig zag stitch best for this, even more than the serged ones. They seemed smoother, and more neatly finished.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lY50Q9f3z...s/s400/gt5.png
Apply your closure and you're done!
I personally prefer using snaps on these since velcro can be scratchy and irritate this sensitive area if it gets flipped.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4erV4VdHtB...tp+Collage.jpg
Before you know it you'll have a pile of these little pads and make some people very happy...What a treat that is!
And this is a PERFECT way to use up fabric scraps! All of these were made from trimmings of other projects...bibs, lounge pants, pillowcases...that would never have been useful otherwise. LOVE THAT! I can assure you I will now have a use for these small fabric pieces!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHoYCs55Tt.../s640/gtp5.png
Update with photo of one of the pads in use.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JDbkghv8Ds...s/s400/Eli.jpg