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Thursday, November 8, 2012

G-tube Button Pads Tutorial

I have a couple of little friends in my life that have a g-tube. Their moms asked if I could make the little wrap around pads that help absorb any moisture or leakage where they connect. I couldn't find a tutorial for any, so, I made one and wanted to share it here in case someone else might find it useful.


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 have used Size 20 KAM Snaps, because this is what I had available from other projects, but a Size 14 or 16 would work well also. I typically order my snaps in bulk online, but many stores like JoAnn have started carrying them in the area where they sell cloth diaper materials. 

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.
 **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. 
You're ready to top-stitch your layers together, starting along the center opening. 
 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. 
 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.
 
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!

If you run into any questions making these, just email me, I'm happy to help. 

Update with photo of one of the pads in use.

You can learn more about what a g-tube (Gatrostomy Tube) is here.
Photobucket

76 comments:

  1. Thank you for this. I do not know what a G-tube is but I have a large quantity of soft flannel scraps. I think that I could make up a bunch of these and drop them off at our Children's Hospital when I drop of the stockings.

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  2. Tracy-- Please do!! My niece has had a g-tube for months, without these little pads, and the moisture irritates her skin :-( My mom and sister can't find these anywhere, so I'm trying to make some, but it would be so helpful for the moms if you dropped some off!

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  3. Thanks for sharing your input Meghan! If I can help you at all, please don't hesitate to email me! Best to you!

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  4. I feel so fortunate to have found you. I am always looking for charitable ideas to sew. This will be wonderful for our Childrens Hospital.

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  5. Wow! What a kind thing to say! Thank you. And so glad you found me too! :) Happy to have you around!

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  6. I'm tickled to have found this! My son is doing 50 sets of these for his Eagle Scout project :)

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  7. @Laura, that is wonderful! I would love to have you share a picture when you are done if you'd like! :) Tell your son, "Way to go!" too!

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  8. Thank you for posting this! My baby gets her g-tube net week and we are in dire need of some pretty ones for our sassy girl! Hoping a friend or relative who is crafty will be able to make us some using your tutorial :)

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    1. I've not made any yet, just found this post. I'd love to see her some up!

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  9. Thank you for posting this! My baby gets her g-tube net week and we are in dire need of some pretty ones for our sassy girl! Hoping a friend or relative who is crafty will be able to make us some using your tutorial :)

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  10. @Jess, best wishes for your baby girl! :) If you don't find anyone to sew them for you, let me know. I do sell these very reasonably.

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  11. I'm so glad I have found you Kristi! My 5 week old grand daughter will be getting her Tubie next week and my daughter was wanting me to make her some covers. I like your tutorial and the way you make yours. Thank you so much for your wonderful website and the work you are doing to help all of out here.

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  12. @Kathy, so happy that you found me here! If I can help in any way, just let me know. Very best wishes for your grand-daughter and family too. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words as well! Best, Kristy

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  13. Is there a special kind of Velcro or snap that you use? I haven't been able to find any Velcro that would be soft enough not to irritate but the snap seems that it might be difficult to open and close.

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  14. as a mom with a newborn with a g-tube (he's 9 weeks old). i am now just hearing about these!! I am so excited because his tummy (around the site is so irritated!!) the gauze is TERRIBLE! i seriously cannot wait to have some of these for charlie

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  15. Hi Lorie!
    I use plastic snaps specially because velcro, no matter how soft can rub and irritate, especially this sensitive skin. I purchase my snaps from Assunta Store.

    Kayli, just replied to your email. :)

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  16. Where do you sell them? Do you also do the gtube belts?

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  17. @Robin, no way to email you directly linked to your profile, but if you will email me at hopefulthreads@yahoo.com I will be glad to discuss with you further. Best,
    Kristy

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  18. My daughter has a mini one button for an A.C.E (bowel management program for people with Spina
    Bifida). These would be great for that also. Thanks for this awesome idea.

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  19. @cmclf, truly my pleasure! I'm so glad this has been helpful to so many!

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  20. What an awesome idea! I have gobs of scraps I end up throwing away.. I make special needs dolls, and many of them have gtubes.. I'm going to start including a little pad on the doll and make a matching one for the child.. You have inspired me :o) Thank you for the great info!

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    1. Karen, I would love to purchase a doll with a gtube from you for my niece for Christmas. If this is possible, please email me at wiscothreads1@gmail.com. Thank you!!! Mandi

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  21. @Karen, how wonderful!!!! That will be such a special, special gift! Glad the tutorial is helpful!

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  22. Thank you so much I have a tubie daughter & Ive been looking to make some of these.. I can drop some off at our Childrens Hospital!

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  23. @kerstiensb Wonderful! So glad the tutorial is helpful and hope it blesses each that receive what you make! I'm actually sewing some of these for a little friend myself today! :)

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  24. Im so happy I came across this, Im a PDN and my pt has both C and Gtubes.. and could def use these. The Mepilex just isn't helping. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  25. @jortiz210, so glad it will be helpful! My best to you!

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  26. ok just so I am reading this right the fleece or other absorbent material will be on the bottom of the finished product right?

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  27. @unknown, there wasn't an email to reply to you directly, so I hope you see this. :)
    The pads I make are absorbent throughout all 3 layers. Most have flannel on both the outer layers and then the center is terry cloth, cotton batting, hemp or another absorbent material. Hope that helps!

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  28. My sweet grandie just got her gtube 2 weeks ago. I tried a different patters for the first round of covers but am switching to yours...much nicer product. Then to make a bunch for the Children's Hospital that has been so good to us

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  29. @grammy, I'm so glad it will be useful to you! Best wishes! Kristy

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  30. I am going to have some fun! My grand daughter is Special Needs and just received her G-tube and is allergic to the tape, so these will be great! I love this idea. I think I will make a bunch more for her to take to the Children's Hospital for distribution to whomever needs them.

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  31. @Gramma Mary, that sounds wonderful! I'm sure it will be appreciated and hope they work great for your sweet girl! Best, Kristy

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  32. I made my first one today for my precious granddaughter. Your instructions are the best! Very clear with excellent illustrations. Thank you.

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  33. Oh Candice! I am so glad to hear that! Thank you for sharing and my very best to you and your granddaughter! <3 Kristy

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  34. It is so awesome to be a blessing to someone else. This post is awesome!

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  35. If i dont have a sewing machine is there any other way to make these

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  36. @Angela, You could of course hand sew them with needle and thread. Other than that, I can't really think of an alternative that would be comfortable and last.

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  37. Thanks for sharing! These are neat!

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  38. Thanks for sharing your pattern. I make them for a hospice and for a local children's hospital. I have one question. How do you get the plastic snap to attach? I tried to use them, but wasn't successful and I think maybe I had too many layers . . . . but I see you have put them through all 3 layers. Any tips? (I am using "old fashioned" snaps at this time.)

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  39. @judygold, sorry I couldn't reply to you directly, but there wasn't an email with your profile. I use a commercial snap press from KAM, but they also provide snap pliers that will work for this as well. You might try making your hole in your fabrics with an awl or similar tool, for your snap to be placed in so it isn't trying to pierce all the fabric layers when being applied. Hope that helps! Best to you and happy sewing!

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  40. Hi Kristy

    I am so glad to have found your blog. A friend of mine's baby daughter has a G-tube and she saw this pads on internet. We are from South Africa and so far could not find any in our country. I want to make some for my friend and your blog is of great help to me.

    Regards

    Andrinette

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  41. I made some for a baby at the school where I work. Thank you for sharing! I took a picture for you but I don't know how to load it. Ann

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  42. @Ann Sosa, so glad this tutorial continues to be helpful. I hope you see this, there wasn't an email attached for me to message you directly. If you'd like to send pictures, you can email me at hopefulthreads(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Best,
    Kristy

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  43. Could you use cloth diaper material for the absorbent center or would that be too thick? My granddaughter just got a gtube and excited to make some. Thanks for sharing a great idea.

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  44. Hi Terry!
    Because there is only so much space between the skin and the tube, you have to be kind of careful with the thickness of the pad. It can cause stretching of the skin leading to discomfort or irritation, so just be sure the pads don't cause any pulling. Better than making them extra thick/absorbent, it seems better to just change more frequently for greatest comfort and health skin. Hope this helps! Best to you and your grand daughter!
    Kristy

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kristy. I actually realized this by trial and error. What I found works best is just double thickness cotton flannel. I got the little plastic snap tool and a bunch of colorful snaps and that turned out great. Olivia turned 1 today and is thriving! Thanks again, Terry

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  45. What size Snaps are you using?

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  46. I used size 20 snaps because that is what I had on hand, but a smaller size like 14/16 would probably fit even better.

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  47. Hello...... Do you have a pattern or tutorial for a g tube belt? I'm having a hard time finding one.

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  48. Hi there from Indonesia

    We can't find any of these pads here so I made several for my friends. Thank you so much.

    Now I must find a way to make the gtube belt. Can't find any tutorial out there so it seems I have to figure it out myself.

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  49. So very glad it's been so helpful!

    I believe you can request a belt tutorial here, http://www.cecilyscloset.org/

    Happy Sewing!

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  50. Oh this is wonderful!! Thabk you for making this tutorial public!!! Sharing is caring ;) lol. I'm making some for my friend's son, and I think I may do a lot more to give to the children's hospital here. :)

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  51. Oh this is wonderful!! Thabk you for making this tutorial public!!! Sharing is caring ;) lol. I'm making some for my friend's son, and I think I may do a lot more to give to the children's hospital here. :)

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  52. Wonderful to hear Jasmine, and so glad the tutorial is helpful to you!

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  53. Thank you so much for putting this up! While I can't see worth beans, I am going to find someone who can. My son has had a g-tube for almost 15 years and I have never found anything like this. He hates gauze pads because they rib and he's allergic to adhesive so I can't tape it down. Thank you!!!

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  54. Thank you for posting this tutorial. My daughter got her gtube on Nov 9th and her skin was so irritated from stomach acid. These have been amazing for her. These have been one of the first things I've ever sewed and your tutorial was very thorough for a beginner like me. Thanks again for sharing this!

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  55. @Bridget, what an encouragement! I'm so glad the tutorial was helpful for you and the pads have helped add comfort for your child. Many blessings to you both!
    Kristy

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  56. Very much my pleasure @Terry Family!
    Best to you and your son,
    Kristy

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  57. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  58. Love this tutorial. Is there anywhere to find a free belt pattern for an infant?

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  59. @Ruth Armstrong, I believe Cecily's Closet offers one.

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  60. Thanks you SOOO much for posting this tutorial!! My 24yr old daughter had a J tube placed last week and found a picture of these and asked if I could make some for her. I found your tutorial through Pinterest and just made 2 today and sent them in the mail.I used 100% cotton quilt batting in the center & it seemed to work quite well. I will wait till I get her feedback before I make more. Now, to try to design a belt to hold her tube based on an item she saw on Amazon... :) Bless you for sharing!!

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  61. I'm thrilled to have found your tutorial My granddaughter was desperate for them and as ready-to-use ones are very expensive, so granny offered to help. Having tried several different methods, I prefer yours as the area around the tube is smooth and without stitches. I haven't decided on the best closure method. I've tried KAM Snaps and velcro so far.
    Thank you for this excellent tutorial and blessings for your wonderful work.

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  62. Thank you JaDee and Elise! So glad it's been helpful to you and very best wishes to you and your families.
    Kristy

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  63. Can I use 100% cotton? What about a baby receiving blanket are those usually made with flannel?

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  64. @sweetlynn0213, you can use cotton fabrics, but the will not be as absorbent as flannel. Receiving blankets are often made of flannel, if they are new, they should work fine. Used ones often have "pilling" or have become rough from multiple washings, so just be attentive to that. Happy Sewing!

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  65. These are priceless! I had twin preemies 16 years ago and one still has a g-tube. I have put a thousand different things between the tube and his skin and NOTHING has worked. These are the BEST. THANK YOU!!!

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  66. So glad to hear they are helpful Amy! :)

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  67. Which works better a button g-tube pad or a snap closure pad? I need to make a lot but I want to make the one that moms prefer?

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  68. Snug as a Bug Blankies in Elizabethtown KY has some of these made and donated by our local machine embroidery guild and 2 Ladies Fabrics.
    If you'll message either organization (found on FB) we'll donate a few to those looking for them.
    Snug as a Bug Blankies
    2 Ladies Fabrics

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  69. Hola, quisiera saber qué telas utilizas y que telas se pueden utilizar. Mi correo es iosuneoiartzabal@hotmail.com
    Muchas gracias por tu información

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  70. Lindos.parabens. meu filho tem 12 anos e tem gtt.pena não ter a flanela.
    Deus te abençoe muitooooooo

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