This is a roundup of scrubs sewing patterns (tops and trousers only). I have included free PDF patterns and paid paper ones.
I also researched which patterns have been approved by NHS hospitals.
Heads up: This post includes affiliate links like Amazon ones, so I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you). Thanks for using them 🙂
Contents list:
- 13 scrubs sewing patterns for the NHS, including pdf and paper versions, and male and plus-size friendly patterns. (Skip to this)
- What kind of DIY scrubs are hospitals asking for? (Skip to this)
- What material is used to make scrubs? (Skip to this)
- How much fabric is needed for a scrub top and pants? (Skip to this)
- Other NHS requirements. (Skip to this)
- A warning about making scrubs. (Skip to this)
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Related: 41 Olson and pleated face mask patterns approved by 64 hospitals.
Related: 20 DIY face mask filter materials tested.
FREE PDF scrubs pattern – by Sew Different
This is a free pdf pattern by Sew Different.
Size range: small – XXL (5 sizes)
The design includes:
- V-neck top with side slits and patch pockets.
- Grown-on sleeves for quicker assembly.
- Or set-in sleeves.
- Trousers with elastic waistband and side pockets.
- It’s unisex.
Printable files to download:
Video tutorial: how to sew a scrub top
This is a tutorial for the Sew Different scrub top.
How to sew scrubs pants:
This is the tutorial for the Sew Different trousers:
Which hospitals have approved this design?
- West Suffolk Hospital and Newmarket Community Hospital.
- The Dudley Group NHS Foundation.
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
- Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust.
FREE PDF Mens Scrubs – by PDF Patterns Boutique
This is a scrubs top and trousers sewing pattern for men. It’s being treated as a unisex pattern, however. It was designed by PDF Patterns Boutique. The printable instructions have excellent sewing illustrations.
Size range: Small to 3XL (6 sizes).
The design includes:
- V-neck top with side slits, patch pockets, and set-in sleeves.
- Trousers with an elastic waistband, side pockets, and back patch pockets.
Printable files to download:
Which hospitals have approved this design?
- The Dudley Group NHS Foundation.
- For the Love of Scrubs volunteer group, who have been endorsed by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (they operate 3 hospitals).
- Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. This is the sewing pattern they send you when you click “register for free scrubs pattern” on their site.
- Scrubs for Stoke volunteer group, who have been endorsed by Royal Stoke University Hospital (UHNM). They confirmed on 1 April 2020 that “the group are working in cooperation with UHNM’s linen services team, headed by Hazel Smith.”
(UK) Paper sewing pattern for scrubs – by Blue Sky Printing
If you’re not keen on printing out and sticking together a pdf pattern, here’s a printed version sold by Blue Sky Printing. A sewing instructions booklet is included.
Price: £4.80 + free delivery (the charge is only to cover printing costs. They are not profiting from the sale).
Size range: Small – 3XL.
The design includes:
- A v-neck top with patch pockets, set-in sleeves, and side slits.
- Trousers with side pockets.
Which hospitals have approved this design?
Related article:
More scrubs sewing patterns
I found more patterns, but I have not seen these being recommended by hospitals or volunteer group coordinators.
FREE PDF scrubs patterns to download
- Unisex scrubs by Sew Me Something. The V-neck top has side slits, grown-on sleeves, and patch pockets. The trousers have patch pockets, side pockets, and a drawstring waist (no elastic). They made a video tutorial too.
- Scrubs by Grade House. The V-neck top has patch pockets, set-in sleeves, and a neckband. The trousers have patch pockets and a drawstring waistband. They created detailed step-by-step instructions for both, but they’re not very visual. Size range: XS – XL (5 sizes).
- A zero-waste scrub pattern by Decode. The V-neck top has a neckband, set-in sleeves, and patch pockets. The trousers have an elasticated waistband and patch pockets. Size range: XS – 2XL (6 sizes).
- A low-waste scrubs sewing pattern by Liz Haywood. It’s made entirely from rectangles. The V-neck top has patch pockets and side slits. The trousers have an elastic waistband, in-seam pockets, patch pockets, and a gusset. The printable sewing instructions are well-illustrated.
Paper sewing patterns (paid)
Here are paper patterns from the major sewing pattern companies. I have linked to where you can find them on Amazon (these are affiliate links).
This is a convenient option if you don’t want to bother printing a free pdf pattern at home and sticking it together. It’s not the cheapest option though.
New Look 6876
This is a simpler design that looks similar to the hospital approved ones. It’s for men and women.
Simplicity 5443
(View A & D) Another simpler scrubs pattern. This looks similar to the hospital approved designs. It’s for men and women. The trousers have a drawstring waistband which is a plus. This is a popular request from hospitals because elastic wears out quicker.
Simplicity 4101
Scrubs for men and women. The trousers have a drawstring waistband which is a plus. There’s a few decorative elements you would need to ignore, however.
McCalls M6473
Another decorative design. The back of the top has elastic at the waist, and the fancy curved hems are unecessary. It’s also only for women.
- Butterick 4946 – Out of stock (UK). Simpler scrubs for men and women. Accessories, like a scrub hat, are included too.
- Butterick 5301 – Out of stock (UK). It’s also only for women.
What kind of DIY scrubs are hospitals asking for?
West Suffolk Hospital and Newmarket Community Hospital:
“Please make scrubs with a V-neck opening neck with ample space to fit over headwear, ponytails, buns etc. and preferably with cotton tape waist drawstring (elastic goes baggy very quickly in frequent high temperature washing).”
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. Source: http://www.dgft.nhs.uk/making-scrubs-for-our-hospital-staff/ [published: 16 April 2020]
Littlebrook Hospital, Kent:
“…
pockets
Littlebrook Hospital – Kent via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/vPjvgF4z/120-littlebrook-hospital-kent [published: 9 April 2020]
V neck
Drawstring”
St Peter’s Hospital, Surrey:
“…
draw string trousers
St Peter’s Hospital Surrey via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/AOOomwfd/113-st-peters-hospital-surrey [published: 8 April 2020]
V neck
short sleeve tunic with two pockets”
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust:
“…the tops must be V-neck or square neck and include pockets”
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/y6VSZLP2/3-the-mid-yorkshire-hospitals-trust [accessed: 21 April 2020]
What material is used to make scrubs?
West Suffolk Hospital and Newmarket Community Hospital:
” – It needs to be 115 gsm
– 100% cotton or 50/50 polyester-cotton in plain, dark colours
– The plainer the better – patterned material is harder to inspect for staining/damage.
– Must be washable at 60 degrees.
…Preferably with cotton tape waist drawstring rather than elastic (goes baggy very quickly in frequent high temperature washing)
You will also need to order tape to make a draw string – see instructions for other materials required.”
Source: http://mywishcharity.wsh.nhs.uk/Charity/Appeals/Helpmakescrubs.aspx [accessed: 21 April 2020]
“What if my fabric says it has to be washed at a lower temperature than 60 degrees?
Source: http://mywishcharity.wsh.nhs.uk/Charity/Appeals/Helpmakescrubs.aspx [accessed: 21 April 2020]
Don’t worry cotton and poly cottons will be OK at 60 degrees.”
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation:
“Making scrubs in the correct type and weight of fabric is important. The requirements are:
· 100% cotton or up to 50/50 polyester/cotton only
· Material weight 115gsm
· Plain, dark colours preferred (patterned material is harder to inspect for staining/damage)
· If you can’t get plain dark fabric, lighter colours or even patterns will be accepted
· Must be washable at a minimum of 60 degrees centigrade”
Source: http://www.dgft.nhs.uk/making-scrubs-for-our-hospital-staff/ [published: 16 April 2020]
North Middlesex Hospital:
“Fabric:
North Middlesex Hospital via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/Mjn8fC6Q/114-north-middlesex-hospital [published: 8 April 2020]
For the each set scrubs the following materials are advised:
3.5m 65%Polyester 35% cotton in black or Navy or Royal Blue 115GSM minimum.
Elastic or elastic tape for the waistband”
Countess of Chester and Ellesmere Port Hospital:
“We kindly request fabric be over 115gsm and ideally mix of polyester and cotton 65% /35% or 50/50.”
Countess of Chester and Ellesmere Port Hospital via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/1Am4DJYE/131-countess-of-chester-and-ellesmere-port-hospital [published: 10 April 2020]
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust:
Fabric: 100% cotton or polycotton; no specific grade however must be thick enough to not be see through and ideally able to withstand repeated washing at 65 degree industrial wash
– Any solid colour fabric (not patterns as can disguise stains)
– Fabric tie [waist] (elastic will not withstand repeated high temperature washing)…
Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/y6VSZLP2/3-the-mid-yorkshire-hospitals-trust [accessed: 21 April 2020]
– Write or sew size into back of waistband and neck band
– No embroidery or additional features”
Southampton University Hospital:
“Strict weight of at least 115 and 50/50 or 65/35 Polycotton, trousers must be tapes no elastic please”
Southampton University Hospital via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/SAYeoAn4/132-southampton-university-hospital [published: 10 April 2020]
Milton Keynes University Hospital:
“Fabric Requirements:
Tops a 65/35 poly cotton mini[m]um 110 gsm no more than 146gsm.
Trousers 65/35 50/50 or poly cotton drill minimum 146 gsm no more than 240 gsm.Scrub Making Requirements:
Milton Keynes University Hospital via For The Love of Scrubs. Source: https://trello.com/c/om8cRG7N/19-milton-keynes-university-hospital-milton-keynes [published: 5 April 2020]
If using a drill based cotton the pattern will have to rescaled or move the sizing up one.”
How much fabric is needed for a scrub top and pants?
West Suffolk Hospital and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation estimate you will need 4.5 to 5.5m of fabric for 1 set of scrubs (top and trousers). This is based on the sewing pattern by Sew Different.
The sewing pattern you use should have estimated fabric requirements too.
Other NHS requirements
Mark the sizes
“Please machine stitch sizes on neck and waist bands as clearly as possible please. It doesn’t need to be machine embroidered a couple of rows of a simple running stitch will be sufficient.”
West Suffolk Hospital. Source: http://mywishcharity.wsh.nhs.uk/Charity/Appeals/Helpmakescrubs.aspx [accessed: 21 April 2020]
“Please machine stitch sizes (or write in indelible ink) on the neck and waist bands as clearly as possible. It doesn’t need to be machine embroidered, a couple of rows of a simple running stitch will be sufficient.
Please measure garments once made before deciding what size they are.”
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. Source: http://www.dgft.nhs.uk/making-scrubs-for-our-hospital-staff/ [published: 16 April 2020]
A warning before you start making scrubs:
Find out which hospitals will accept your donation:
Not all UK hospitals are accepting handmade scrubs. Here’s an up-to-date list of which hospitals are accepting them via volunteer group For the Love of Scrubs.
It’s best to join a volunteer group before making any scrubs. The organisers have access to hospital contacts. They will give you information and direction.
Safety:
If you are experiencing any symptoms of covid, please do not make scrubs for donation.
Risk of donation rejection:
The government is in talks with UK fashion manufacturers to produce NHS PPE. They are currently in the process of testing and approving samples.
The need for home sewers to make scrubs may disappear quickly, so please keep an eye out for updates from your local hospital or sewing group.
