This is my suggestion on how to make pattern adjustments for G-Tube access. There are more ways of doing this. I chose a couple ways that will work great, are easy to implement and won’t create too bulky seams.
These adjustments are based on Lotus Hoodie but you can easily do this for any other pattern!
Here we go!
Option 1 – horizontal opening underneath the pocket
This will work well for hoodies and similar patterns. I’ll show you how to start from a basic front. You can modify this in any way you like of course 🙂
Split your front and select only the middle part of your front.
Next choose where the opening should be and split your front horizontally.
New panels need to overlap just like in a shirt. Add 7mm wide pieces to both, top and bottom part (in green). Side lines should follow the original panel outline. 7mm is an example, you can make it wider of course. Important thing is that all values added are the same,
Now copy and mirror the green piece that you just added and stick it below your top panel (or above for bottom panel). See the dashed line? That’s the mirror and a fold line.
Last thing to add is another 7mm panel (in purple). When you fold your piece right hand side lines should match, red line is a mirrored image of the black line, just shorter.
That’s it. Your modified pattern piece is complete.
Before cutting your fabric add seam allowances. I’ve added 6mm.
So the total width of the part above the blue line in the below picture, which is the fold line is 20mm (7+7+6). Strengthen it with the interfacing. I’m using iron-on Vilene 770 which works great with stretch fabrics.
Note: I didn’t cut entire piece, I’m showing this on scraps. Your piece will be different shape, wider and cut on fold.
Next overlock the edges and topstitch on the seam line.
Now overlap your two panels. Stitch their sides together and from now on treat it as one panel. You can use sew-in fasteners, snaps, buttons or velcro in between for closure.
And what if you wanted to cover it with the pocket? Don’t change anything in your pocket pattern. Stitch it’s bottom edges of your pocket to the garment but leave top edge out. Use velcro or sew-in fasteners and attach them to the inside of the pocket along of the top edge , That would create invisible flap opening. Bottom of the pocket would stay attached so won’t get lost in the wash.
And that’s it 🙂
Option 2: Access in the seam
Now here you have two ways of doing it. You can do it just as you’ve done it in the first option. Stick 7mm pieces and create a large opening going all the way from top to bottom, perhaps on velcro?
But I thought as we have that piping there (which isn’t really a piping, it’s just a folded strip of fabric) we might as well use it.
So we’re going to create a shorter opening with a tab (optional) like this:
It’s not true to size, I’m using scraps again 🙂
The secret is that the main seam isn’t actually complete. All you have to do is to create bigger seam allowances. At least overlocker seam width+2mm. I wish I made mine a bit wider, it makes it seasier.
Note: I’m not showing how to make a tab here, Simply cut two pieces of your fabric in a D shape, Both will need interfacing, stitch them together and turn inside out. Size, shape is entirely up to you 🙂
Stitch middle front with your piping and a little tab together.
Overlock the edge of the other panel and simply sew them together on regular sewing machine leaving opening part unstitched. Press seams open. Topstitch and done!
The secret is in the piping. even if you don’t add a little tab, opening won’t be visible if it’s not large as piping is on top of the seam. If you need it larger definitely add a tab, it will keep it shut.
I’ve added a heart-shaped snap so it’s super cute. Buttom, velcro etc would work too 🙂 Reinforce your fabric under the other part of snap with iron-on interfacing. Done!
I hope that helps you and make your little ones feel more confident. Good luck!
