Gowns

Isolation or barrier gowns are used in the healthcare industry for the protection of the healthcare workers and their patients.

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Pattern

There is a free pattern available at Peekaboo Pattern Shop. This pattern includes sizes S, M, L and XL. Size L can serve as a ‘one-size-fits-most’ gown.

Note: This pattern is for an isolation style gown. A handmade gown will not provide the same protection as a commercial gown. Your choice of fabric will impact the level of protection provided. If you are sewing gowns to donate, contact the organisation to verify the style needed and required type of fabric.

Suggest the following modifications to this pattern:

• Make the length 15cm longer
• Use ties rather than velcro for the neck closure

For more information on Sew Support's experience of making isolation gowns for GPs, read this article.

Material needed

• Approx 2.5m (if 150cm wide) fabric
• Sew Support a Hug in Fabric recommend (based on specification from local GPs) that it needs to be water-resistant, washable at 60°C, not too heavy (no more than around 140gsm) and not too stiff
• 1/4” Elastic for wrists OR Cuff Fabric: Knit with at least 50% stretch and good recovery
• 2m extra-wide double fold bias tape
• Velcro for neck closure (or 4x 15" pieces of tape)

Read the safety and quality guidelines and see fabric suppliers.

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Additional resources

Open source gown and coverall patterns are available from 'Creatives tegen Corona', a Belgian non-profit organisation bringing together creatives in different fields to assist healthcare in the fight against corona. Information in English here.

A Review of Isolation Gowns in Healthcare: Fabric and Gown Properties - a paper published by F. Selcen Kilinc PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh.