How To Make a G-tube Cover {Free Pattern}

It’s easy to make a g-tube cover with this free pattern.

This is another one of those projects you’ve likely seen around the internet.

You’ve probably even thought about making g-tube button covers to donate, but haven’t quite gotten to them yet.

Well, now’s the time!

Why Does Someone Need A G-tube?

A gastrostomy tube (aka g-tube) is tube placed in a person’s stomach that provides another way to offer food and / or medicines. It also can be used to vent your a person’s stomach for air or drainage.

You may have typically seem a call for g-tube covers specifically for children because, according to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, a g-tube serves as, “nutritional support for children with:

– a functioning gut who cannot take in enough calories

– neuromuscular disorders

– cardiac diseases

– severe gastroesophageal reflux, which is present in some developmentally delayed kids

– metabolic syndromes

– severe food allergies

– cystic fibrosis

– poor growth or malnutrition

– anatomic issues like atresia.”

G-tube button pads are used by a variety of people and ages.

If you’re looking to make the covers and donate them, check with the local NICUs in your area. G-tube covers are often in high demand for preemies.

Flannel Fabric Scraps Are Perfect For G-tube Covers

Now, let’s get back to the tutorial.

I am always a fan of flannel fabric, but it’s especially nice to use during the Fall & Winter.

Sewing with flannel means you work with something soft and cozy. Plus, you can reduce your stash in case someone gifts you some new fabric beauties for the holidays.

And I don’t know about you, but just like there are ugly holiday sweater contests, I think there should be a comparable fabric contest.

I mean, how many pieces of fabric did you like at the time of purchase, but you look at them now and think either “meh”. Or, you ask yourself, “What was I thinking?!?”

That’s what happened with the terry cloth.

I know I had a project in mind when I bought it, but that was YEARS ago.

Now? It won’t see the light of day. It has become the prototype fabric or the one used INSIDE things.

Materials To Make A G-tube Cover

– A 8″ x 4″ piece of flannel fabric

This project is a perfect scrap buster.

The piece of flannel doesn’t have to be an 8″ x 4″ piece. I just recommended that size to get you started.

As long as you can cut a 3″ circle out the piece, it will work.

– A 4″ x 4″ piece of terry cloth

The beauty of the terry cloth for this project is that it doesn’t matter what it looks like since it’s the absorbent inner layer.

So, as I already mentioned, I decided to go with terry cloth that won’t see the light of day for any other projects.

– One plastic snap

I have already sung the praises of these plastic snaps*. You only need one snap for this project.

– Create To Donate G-tube Cover Pattern

Calling it a pattern, may be a stretch because it’s really just a circle template. But “pattern” is the lingo, so that’s the word we’ll use.

Regardless, a g-tube cover pattern makes life easier!

*If you make a purchase using this link, I may received a small commission as an Amazon Affiliate.

Make A G-tube Button Pad In 6 Steps

Step One: Cut a total of 3 circles – 2 flannel, 1 terry cloth.

The g-tube cover is a three layers: 2 flannel, 1 terry cloth.

The flannel is the fabric that’s touches the skin.

The terry cloth is used as an absorbent middle layer.

Step Two: Layer the fabric and cut a 2″ slit down the middle.

Since the g-tube cover has to surround the tube, you need an opening in the middle of the cover.

So layer the three circles on top of each other.

The two flannel layers should have the right sides facing each other. Then, place the terry cloth on the top or bottom of the fabric stack.

Cut a 2″ slit through the center of the circle.

Step Three: Use a 1/8″ seam allowance to sew the inside edges of the g-tube cover.

Use a 1/4″ seam allowance to sew the inside edges of the circle.

Take the first seam just past the center point.

Then, turn the circle and sew a teeny row of stitches to form the curve.

Turn the fabric again and finish sewing the second inside edge.

Make two small snips in the fabric near the top point of the inside seam.

This will help the fabric lay flat once turned right sides out.

Step Four: Turn the flannel fabric right sides out.

I found it easiest to turn the fabric right sides out by starting at one edge and following the curve.

So, open it up like a sandwich and fold over while you move around the seam.

Once you’re done, clip the outsides to secure them for the next round of sewing.

PRO TIP: A little bit of pulling the fabric taut and finger pressing the seam goes a long way to smoothing everything out.

Step Five: Top stitch the inside seam and zigzag stitch the outer edge to finish.

Top stitch the inside seam using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Top stitching not only gives it a more finished look, but also helps create a more defined shape.

This makes it easier to form the shape of the g-tube cover.

Some patterns have a more defined circle cut out of the center.

It will be easier to cut pieces this small if you are working with an embroidery machine and g-tube cover pattern.

With a standard sewing machine, this approach of letting the fabric and stitching form the opening seems to work just fine.

Use a zigzag stitch to finish the outside edges.

Step Six: Install the plastic snap.

I find it easiest to poke through both ends at the same time to ensure the snaps are aligned properly.

Once you’ve made your holes, install each piece of the plastic snap.

And, you’re done!

G-Tube Covers Are Small But Mighty

G-tube covers are a tiny accessory that makes a world of difference!

They are simple to make and you can easily make a bunch in less than an hour.

I hope this tutorial brings comfort to someone in your family or someone you know.

Print-Friendly G-Tube Cover Tutorial

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