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Do you want to learn how to make a diaper bag?
Is this something that requires the ability to sew with a machine or by hand?
Are there other ways to make a diaper bag?
Making a diaper bag can be a fun and exciting project that can help you feel more involved with preparing for your new baby. However, this DIY project can also sometimes be tough, and it requires some sewing skill in order to complete it.
You should be well acquainted with how to use a sewing machine before you take on this task, and you should feel comfortable following a pattern and cutting out the proper sizes of fabric as well. You should also be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the project and consider dividing it into a few days if sewing usually takes you a while.
Although it can sometimes be hard to make your own diaper bag, it also gives you a chance to get creative with your baby’s accessories and items. You can also choose to add all the compartments you wish and make your diaper bag in a style that works well for you.
In this article, we’ll show you a guide to help you understand the basics of how to make a diaper bag for yourself and your baby to use. With this information, you can figure out the best diaper bag method for your needs and make adjustments where you choose as well.
Read through the directions first to make sure you understand how to tackle this project. From there, gather your materials and take time to choose a good quality fabric that will work well for you. Be sure to pick a fabric you like the looks of, too! Read on for more information.
Materials and Equipment Needed
- 1 yard of main color/pattern quilting cotton
- 1 yard of lining color/pattern quilting cotton
- ½ yard of accent color/pattern quilting cotton
- 1 yard fleece lining
- 3.5 yards interfacing
- 16-inch zipper, heavy-duty
- 9-inch zipper, heavy-duty
- 4 D-rings
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron
- Ruler or sewing tape measure
Steps
1. Begin with your main fabric. Cut two rectangles measuring 10.5 inches by 17.5 inches.
2. Cut two rectangles measuring 16 inches by 11 inches.
3. Cut two rectangles measuring 12 inches by 10 inches.
4. Next, move to your accent fabric. Cut two pieces measuring 40 inches by 4 inches.
5. Cut two pieces measuring 3.5 inches by 17.5 inches.
6. Cut one piece measuring 6 inches by 12 inches.
7. Next, move to your lining fabric. Cut two rectangles measuring 13 inches by 17.5 inches.
8. Cut two rectangles measuring 9 inches by 17.5 inches.
9. Cut two rectangles measuring 12 inches by 7 inches.
10. Cut one piece measuring 6 inches by 12 inches.
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11. Next, move to your interfacing. Cut four pieces measuring 20 inches by 4 inches.
12. Cut two rectangles measuring 10.5 inches by 17.5 inches.
13. Cut two pieces measuring 3.5 inches by 17.5 inches.
14. Cut two rectangles measuring 16 inches by 11 inches.
15. Cut two pieces measuring 13 inches by 17.5 inches.
16. Cut two rectangles measuring 6 inches by 12 inches.
17. Finally, move to your fleece lining. Cut two pieces measuring 1.5 inches by 40 inches.
18. Cut two rectangles measuring 10.5 inches by 17.5 inches.
19. Cut two rectangles measuring 3.5 inches by 17.5 inches.
20. Cut two pieces measuring 8 inches by 11 inches.
21. Cut one rectangle measuring 6 inches by 12 inches.
22. Now that your cutting is done, you can move on to the assembly part of the project.
23. Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric pieces using your iron. The interfacing should have specific directions listed on the bag.
24. Fuse the fleece to the large upper and lower panels of the main fabric using your iron.
25. Fold the handle strips in half with wrong sides together and press with the iron.
26. Topstitch with your sewing machine using a 1/8-inch seam allowance.
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27. Fold the handle strips in half again and sew 7 inches in the middle of the handles. Leave the ends open.
28. Attach the D-rings to the ends of the handle strips and fold over the fabric. Sew shut.
29. Attach the handles to the exterior fabric of the bag.
30. Fold your exterior pocket fabric in half with right sides together and crease down the middle.
31. Sew around three edges of the pocket fabric, then turn right side out. Topstitch the seams to finish.
32. Repeat the pocket process with the interior pocket fabric.
33. Attach the 9-inch zipper to the interior pocket.
34. Attach the interior pockets to the interior fabric.
35. Install the large zipper to the top of the interior fabric.
36. Attach the exterior pockets to the exterior fabric.
37. Using your sewing machine, sew around the outer edges of the bag, attaching all layers together at once.
38. Turn the bag inside-out and push out the corners. Check all seams.
SEE MORE: https://www.fabric.com/blog/diy-diaper-bag/
Conclusion
Did you find the information you were looking for? Are you prepared and ready to make your own diaper bag now? This project is a fun one, and if you have some sewing skill, you should be able to complete it with minimal effort. If you are a new sewer, you may want to take some time to learn the basics before you branch out into this more difficult project, however.
But how do you know what you should add to your diaper bag if you plan to alter the pattern in any way? What are the minimum compartments you should add to your diaper bag to make it functional for your needs? Here are the ones you will absolutely require:
- Main compartment: You will, of course, need a main compartment in your diaper bag. This is going to be the same as the main part of a purse or backpack.
- Interior pocket: The interior pocket is a smaller pocket that should zip or Velcro shut. This option is found on the inside of the bag, tucked away out of sight. It’s a great place to store your wallet, keys, phone, or money, but it can also be a useful place to keep track of loose items in your diaper bag as well.
- Exterior pocket: The exterior pocket of your diaper bag should hold items you need to reach quickly when you’re on the go. Diapers are an important addition here!
And here are some other good features to consider adding along with the ones listed above for the perfect DIY diaper bag:
- Divided pocket: You may choose to divide the pockets on the outside of your diaper bag for more compartments and better organization.
- Multiple strap styles: If you wish, you can add more than one type of strap to your diaper bag. This way, you can pick the way you want to wear it at any given time.
- Flat bottom: A flat bottom can be a useful way to make sure your diaper bag doesn’t topple over, especially when it isn’t quite as full as it might be at other times.