How to Make a Fleece Diaper Cover
Diaper covers have gained popularity due to the increase in use of cloth diapers in recent years. Environmental concerns caused a resurgence in the use of cloth diapers making the need for something to cover them with also rise. For comfort, fleece is a commonly used cloth diaper cover as it is waterproof and stylish. Making your own fleece diaper covers requires minimal sewing skills and a basic sewing machine or can even be done by hand. The end result is a cute, waterproof and environmentally friendly cover for your baby's diapers.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Paper
- Pencil
- Fleece material
- Paper clips or tape
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- 1/4 inch elastic
- Sewing needle and thread
- Snaps or fabric closures
Instructions
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Measure your baby's waist just below the belly button, and the circumference of the thigh. Compare the size to the pattern at katrinastyle.com and choose the size which fits your baby.
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Print the pattern and cut it out. The free pattern includes pieces for a cuff and waistband but this does not apply to the fleece diaper cover, only the main portion of the pattern will be used. If you cannot print the pattern you can also lay out a disposable diaper in your baby's size on a sheet of paper and trace it. If you use this method, trace the diaper, then add an inch all the way around the pattern to expand the size for seams.
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3
Orient your fleece material so the stretch moves the direction you want. Fleece stretches in one direction, you need to be aware of this before you cut the material so you have it stretching in the direction you prefer. Usually side to side stretch is best or the result will be sagging in the diaper cover.
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Paper clip or tape the pattern to your fleece material and cut the fleece. Cut two pieces. Don't use pins as this pokes holes in the fabric, which should be waterproof, and liquid could leak through the holes.
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5
Sew elastic to the back and legs of one side of the fleece. The elastic will be on the inside once the two layers of fleece are sewn together. Begin by holding the elastic in place 1/2 inch inside the edge of the fleece -- stretch the elastic as you sew so that when it contracts the fleece contracts with it. Sew the length of elastic the entire length of the leg cuff and across the center of the back.
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Lay the second piece of fleece over the piece that the elastic was sewn to, right sides facing. Sew the entire diaper cover together 1/2 inch in from the edges, leaving a 2-inch opening that is not closed off to turn the cover right side out. Clip or trim the edges of the fleece outside the seam to prevent the fabric from bunching together.
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Turn the diaper cover right side out and hand sew the opening closed. Attach two snaps or fabric closure strips to the inside of the front flaps to make a closure for the cover.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
