CANCER SERVICES

 

OF NORTHEAST INDIANA

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEWING GROUPS

 

 

 

Please read all directions

 

before sewing……Thank you!!!

 

 

 

It is a service to Cancer Services to keep us informed of the correct name and address of the President and the Chairman of each sewing group whenever they change, in order that we may keep our files up to date.

 

 

YOUR SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED. 

YOUR COOPERATION IS VALUED. 

YOUR SERVICE IS PRICELESS. 

WITHOUT ALL OF YOU, THERE WOULD BE NO FREE BEDPADS FOR CANCER PATIENTS….

BLESS YOU!!

 

 

A SUGGESTED DIVISION OF LABOR:

 

  1. Order and pick up filler from Cancer Services.

 

  1. Cut and tear material to sizes used for standard dressings or bedpads.

 

  1. Launder and iron the pieces.

 

  1. Fold and assemble coverings and fillers, preparatory to sewing them.

 

  1. Sew dressings according to instructions.

-  Dressings must be sewn by hand because the sewing machine makes edges too harsh. 

-  Be sure all knots are concealed.  These conditions could contribute to discomfort and bed sores.

 

  1. Carefully inspect finished dressings to eliminate those with such defects as:

 

Soil or stain

Ends of thread and unconcealed knots protruding

Raveling or lint.

Stitches on the side that will be next to the patient.

Lumpiness of filler

Non-absorbent covering

Clips or pins inside or outside (Dangerous)

(The use of pins is a very dangerous practice, as one might be overlooked and left inside the dressing, causing untold harm to a patient, including possible punctures, scratches and infection.  The substitutes (bobby pins, clothes pins, paper clips, etc.) are more easily used; hold the goods in place well, and do not become lost so easily).

 

g.      When re-wrapping, fold bedpads (24” x 30”) into a square.  Bedpads should be returned in the SAME PACKAGE with the same number per package as the filler your sewing group received in that package. There are 10 in each package.

 

  1. Deliver the finished dressings in a clean and secure package to Cancer Services, 2925 East State in Fort Wayne. 

 

  1. Complete Forms for the number of pads returned, number of volunteers, and the hours spent assembling the pedpads.  You may wish to keep an accurate record of the volunteer hours.

 

 

 

Additional suggestions and instructions:

 

Each time filler and/or other material is requested from the office, please consider the routine below:

 

The sewing group chairman should call the office TWO weeks before you plan on meeting to order the number of cut pieces you believe you will need each time.  Volunteers at the office cut the pieces of filler on Mondays so please allow sufficient time.  You should indicate which date you plan to have someone pick up your order from the office.  (OFFICE HOURS:  Mon – Fri. 9am – 5pm)

 

Sheets can be provided by Cancer Services , but each group is urged to attempt to provide for its own needs.  It is NOT possible to provide the sheets already torn or prepared in advance – it will have to be arranged by the group.  (The office does not wish to have any leftover material returned).  The sewing group chairman should notify the office if sheeting material or plastic is needed in order that it may be made ready with the filler order.

 

 

How to get started:

 

The following items are needed in making bedpads:

 

-  Needles     

-  Scissors     

-  White cotton thread (No. 60 or 70)

-  Thimbles    

-  Rulers                     

-  Pressing Iron

-  Filler                       

-  Long bobby pins, spring hair clips, clothespins or paper clips.  (Caution:  Absolutely    NO PINS may be used at any time in making dressings.  They become lost inside and are often overlooked.)

-  Samples and directions for constructing size to be made.

-  Accommodations and working space for the group involved.

 

Type of material

 

 

Dressings and bedpads:

 

Dressings and bedpads (sometimes called ”incontinent pads”) are made of a commercial layered paper filler (cellucotton product), re-cycled thin plastic.  The covering is made of salvaged sheets that have been thoroughly laundered and pressed wrinkle-free.  Cancer Services supplies the filler.  When absolutely necessary we will try to supply the sheets and plastic.  The choice of material to be used for the covering is extremely important.  The following essentials must be kept in mind. 

 

 

The Covering Material must be:

 

  1. Free of stains, holes, patches or machine mending
  2. Absorbent (capable of taking up considerable drainage)
  3. Light in weight
  4. Smooth and soft in texture

 

Usable Material:

           

Soft old linen or cotton sheets.  (All starch must be removed from any material.)  Pastel, striped, or printed fabric is acceptable.

 

Plastic material such as dry cleaning bags, trash bags.

 

 

Unusable Material:

 

Material made of nylon, rayon, wool, or that, which is stained, badly torn or patched by machine, or material with holes is NOT satisfactory.

 

 

Tearing or cutting materials:

 

The correct procedure for tearing material is:

 

  1. Tear off hems or seams.
  2. Next, tear or cut materials for 28” x 34” dressings”

 

Torn Material Size                Size Dressing It Makes

 

28” x 34”                                 24” x 30” (2” fold-overs)

Directions for Constructing Disposable Pads

 

-         Make only the size of dressing requested by the office.

 

-         Use previously cut filler for correct size and tear or cut covering material to correct size.  (hems are rough, not turned under unless instructed).  DO NOT alter size. 

 

-         Launder and bleach material after it is torn

 

-         Iron material until it is wrinkle-free (this also provides a certain heat-sterilization).

 

 

TO COMBINE FILLER AND COVERING FOR BEDPADS

 

  1. Lay the clean, ironed material, size 28” X 34” on flat surface and place the cut 24” x 30” filler in the center.

 

  1. For the 24” x 30” bedpads, place piece of 24” x 30” piece of plastic on top of filler.  If there is lettering on the plastic, this should be placed down so it won’t rub off.

 

  1. Fold in each side of 28” x 34” piece on bottom to come 2’ over the filler and plastic, mitering the corners. 

 

  1. Secure with clips.  Be sure that filler is snugly fitted into the covering.   DO NOT USE PINS!!!  LOST PINS CAN PUNCTURE THE PATIENT AND CAUSE INFECTIONS!!!!!  (Use bobby-pins)

 

  1. Basting from the plastic side is easy; use running stitches or whip stitch.  Catch a few layers of filler, then the plastic and last, the covering, with needle.  (Catching all three layers prevents the filler from moving when the bedpad is in use).  STITCHES SHOULD BE LONG AND NOT TIGHT.  DO NOT SEW THROUGH THE FILLER TO THE TOP SIDE, AND DO NOT LEAVE A SEAM EXTENDING OVER THE SIDES OR EDGES.

 

  1. Catch the mitered corners just enough to be secure.  All stitching should be on the side of the dressing, like an envelope.  The top side (the side which contacts the body) should be free of seams and stitching of any kind.