I’m 30 weeks pregnant today! I thought I wasn’t going to go into nesting mode for this little guy but I finally had the urge to pull my sewing stuff out of the basement last week from the move.
I want to share a really simple changing pad tutorial with you guys. This was my go-to baby shower gift before making baby carriers. They are cute and functional, and roll-up compactly for the diaper bag. My favorite thing about them is that if you use a waterproof fabric (like PUL) you’ll save your furniture from accidents (raise your hand if you’ve been peed on!). These are also great for using at a baby changing station when out and about.
Here are a few examples that I’ve made over the past few years:
Here’s what you’ll need
1/2 yard decorative fabric
1/2 yard water resistant fabric [cotton laminates, PUL]
1/2 yard fleece or batting [optional, for a cushion layer]
ballpoint or stretch needles
4 inches of 1″ hook and loop tape [a.k.a. Velcro if you’re unfamiliar with the term hook and loop]
GET CUTTING
CHANGING PAD
Cut one decorative layer that is 18″ x 23″
Cut one waterproof layer that is 18″ x 23″
Cut one fleece layer to add a bit of cushion to your changing pad 18″ x 23″ [if desired but this is completely optional]
ROLL-UP STRAP
Cut two decorative layers that are 3″ x 11″
Place the decorative and waterproof changing pad layers right sides together and pin or clip together.
Place both decorative roll-up strap pieces right sides together and pin or clip together.
If you’d like to have a layer of cushion, lay it over the decorative layer (top in the stack).
I cheated by using a tiny bit of basting spray in the center of the changing pad to keep my layers from shifting.
GET SEWING
Sew around the perimeter of the changing pad fabric pieces that are clipped together with a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Leave a 4″ turning hole along one of the sides (you choose!).
Sew around the perimeter of the roll-up strap with a 3/8″ seam allowance, leaving one of the short ends unsewn.
Clip the corners on the changing pad and roll-up strap. Turn both pieces right side out.
Topstitch around the perimeter of the changing pad, closing the turning hole as you sew.
Fold the unsewn end of the roll-up under and clip shut. Topstitch around the entire roll-up strap, closing the turning hole.
Next, fold the changing pad in half lengthwise. We need to mark the center of the folded changing pad so we know where to place and sew the strap.
The changing pad strap gets placed on the OUTSIDE of the changing pad as shown below. Pin or clip the strap to the outermost layer only to secure placement.
To begin sewing the strap onto the changing pad, we’ll first sew horizontally across the strap directly over the topstitching on the changing pad.
Next, sew directly over the strap topstitching to complete the box. You can see some of the double lines of stitching in this photo.
By sewing over our strap topstitching, we’re keeping things clean. All of the stitching from attaching the strap will be visible on the waterproof side of our changing pad, so this is important.
It’s time to attach the hook and loop tape!
Take the 1.5″ x 1.5″ piece of hook tape and place it as shown over the changing pad strap.
I like to use a little bit of spray adhesive to help secure it, but if you’re careful you can get away with just holding it in place.
Sew around the hook tape to secure it.
The placement of the next piece of loop tape is very important!
Make sure that you are placing it on the opposite end and side of the roll-up strap as shown below.
That’s it!
Here it is all rolled up!
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