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What is a diaper cover?
Why might you want to make one?
Is it worthwhile to learn how to make a diaper cover?
A diaper cover is a fabric or cloth item that is used to go over the top of your baby’s diaper. Diaper covers are cute and colorful, and they come in a variety of patterns, colors, and prints so you can dress your baby in a variety of styles.
Aside from looking cute, diaper covers are also practical. Since they go over the diaper, they can provide an added layer of absorption and protection for your child and prevent leaks more easily than a diaper alone might. Think of a diaper cover like a pair of underwear that goes over your baby’s diaper.
You can buy diaper covers in stores and online, but you can also learn how to make them yourself. Sewing your own diaper cover isn’t too difficult, but it does require some basic sewing skills and abilities. You should also be able to use a sewing machine, as sewing by hand will not create sturdy enough seams for use on baby clothing.
If you make your own diaper cover, you may be able to save money on buying high-end diaper covers from stores or online DIYers. This project can also be a fun way to get more involved in your baby’s life by making their clothing items for them.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take in order to make the perfect DIY diaper cover. Take your time reading through this guide first, then gather the materials before you get started. Make sure to purchase high-quality fabric so you can wash it again and again, as diaper covers are bound to get messy!
Check out the article below for more information.
Materials and Equipment Needed
- Diaper pattern template
- Fabric of your choice
- Bias tape in a matching or complementary color to your fabric
- Thin elastic
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Fabric chalk
- Fabric measuring tape
Steps
1. Begin by cutting out pattern template if you haven’t already done so.
2. Lay the pattern template along the folded edge of your fabric.
3. Use your fabric chalk to mark along the pattern template onto your fabric.
4. Cut out the marked fabric pieces, making sure to keep your fabric folded so that you are cutting a folded piece of each pattern side.
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5. Open both folded pieces of cut fabric and lay them with right sides together. Since one is the front and one is the back of the diaper cover, they will not match up exactly, and this is normal.
6. Use your sewing machine to sew straight across the middle crotch portion of the diaper cover pieces.
7. Open the fabric pieces and serge the seam you have just sewn.
8. Cut two pieces of bias tape about an inch longer than the inseam of the diaper cover.
9. Place your bias tape along the inseam of the diaper cover and open it up so that it is unfolded in the middle but still folded on the sides.
10. Stitch in ditch along the center of the bias tape to attach it to the leg inseam.
11. Repeat for the other leg.
12. Turn the bias tape inward by folding it over twice. This will put the bias tape totally on the inside of the diaper cover. Stitch it firmly in place.
13. Repeat for the other leg.
14. Use your tape measure to measure the inseam. Divide this measurement in half and add one-half inch. This is the measurement for your elastic.
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15. Thread pieces of elastic into the pocket you made with your bias tape on the inseam of the leg. Do this for both legs.
16. Place right sides together and stitch the side seams closed on both sides, making sure to get the elastic when you do this.
17. Serge the top ends of the diaper cover.
18. Fold down the seams at the top of the diaper and sew a pocket for your waistband elastic. Leave an opening large enough to insert your elastic.
19. Thread the elastic through the waistband and sew it together. Cut off the excess elastic after you have sewn it.
20. Close the pocket you made for the waistband elastic.
21. Note: If you choose to do so, you can create a reversible diaper cover by attaching the fabric wrong sides together (right sides out) before the first step. This will create a thicker diaper cover, however, so keep this in mind as well.
Conclusion
Did you find out everything you wanted to know about how to make your diaper cover? With the help of this guide, you should be prepared to create beautiful and fun diaper covers for your little one to wear again and again. The more you make these covers, the easier they will become. Some skilled sewers are able to make a diaper cover in less than half an hour!
There are other methods you may want to try when you’re looking to make your own diaper cover, too. Don’t be afraid to get creative, but remember not to put any decorations on the diaper cover that could potentially be harmful to a baby. Never decorate a diaper cover with buttons or unattached, loose ribbons, as your baby could potentially swallow these items. Otherwise, have fun with it!
But how do you know making a diaper cover is really the right project for you? What are the benefits you can truly expect to see from doing this yourself? Here are some pros of making your diaper cover instead of buying it:

- Diaper covers you make yourself can be fitted specifically to your baby’s size and needs. If your baby is not an average size, for example, you can create a diaper cover that will fit.
- When you make your own diaper cover, you can be in control of the fabric. You can choose a variety of colors, styles, and types of fabric so your little one always has the perfect diaper cover for any occasion.
- Making your own diaper cover is an affordable way to provide your baby with several different diaper covers to wear.
And here are a couple of cons to think about:
- When you make your own diaper covers, you’ll need to be sure you have enough time to complete the project. If you’re getting ready for a new baby, you may be too busy to sew, and if you have a newborn or an older baby you might not have a chance to sit down and sew either. Keep this in mind.
- Making your own diaper covers requires you to purchase the items and equipment you need to complete the task. If you don’t already have a sewing machine, it may cost more for you to buy one than it would cost to buy store-bought diaper covers.
By keeping all this information in mind, you’ll be sure to create the perfect diaper cover for your little one. And if you get the hang of this sewing project, you can even start making them for your friends and family as well!