Many moms today are researching, considering and switching to cloth diapers. They are inexpensive, easy to use and best of all environmentally friendly.This is a tutorial on how sew a fitted cloth diaper with elastic leg openings for better fit and containment.
This tutorial is for a fitted cloth diaper. This diaper is made using a modified version of Rita’s Rump Pocket (RRP) pattern*, which is very popular among cloth diapering moms. This is a very easy and affordable cloth diaper to make! The best part is that it is adjustable in size and will fit newborns babies, potty-training toddlers, and everyone in between! Enjoy! -Vanessa W.
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* Rita’s Rump Pocket (RRP) pattern can be found at: http://handmadebyrita.blogspot.com/2007/10/classic-rrp-ritas-rump-pocket-pattern.html
Materials: *These materials will yield one (1) fitted cloth diaper. (Don’t forget to use a diaper cover/soaker over this diaper) - Rita’s Rump Pocket Pattern-see link above for location. - Freezer paper - ½ yd of 100% cotton fabric- I like to use flannel, but you can use old t-shirts and other cotton knits. - ~1/2 yd. of ¼” braided or knit elastic - Pins - Matching thread - Closure device:safety pin, Snappi (I buy mine from Sunshine Diapers), or Hook and Loop (Aplix/Touch Tape) Instructions:
1. Print out RRP pattern and tape together as the map suggests. 2. Place completed RRP pattern on a sheet of freezer paper, trace (on the paper side not the shiny side of the
freezer paper) around the pattern making sure to transfer the notches from the original pattern onto your freezer paper pattern. I like to make the corners of the diaper a bit wider and rounder than what the RRP pattern suggests.
3. Cut out your new freezer paper pattern and place on top of two layers of your cotton fabric and cut around it.
4. Place both pieces of fabric together with “pretty” sides touching and pin to secure. With a marking device mark about a 5” section across the “back” of the diaper (the “back” is the longest part of the diaper). *Notice the red line on the top edge of the diaper in this picture. I like to do this to remind myself NOT to sew across that area. I place a pin on both ends of the line so I know where to start stitching and where to stop.
5. Starting on one side of your marked line, stitch the two pieces of fabric together using a 3/8” seam allowance. Stop stitching when you have reached the other end of your marked line.
6. Elastic placement: Without cutting off a specific amount of elastic yet, take one end of the elastic and place it on one of the designated notches and to the right of your seam allowance (see 1st picture). Select a zig-zag stitch on your machine and secure that end of the elastic in place with several zig-zag stitches very close to each other. Pulling the elastic as hard as you can on the front of your machine, make sure to also pull the fabric on the back side of your machine taut as well. The elastic has to be stretched out nicely on both ends in order for it to gather nicely (see 2nd picture). Sew the elastic in place from one notch to the other using a zig-zag stitch. When you get to the other notch, secure the end in place with several zig-zag stiches close to each other (see 3rd picture) and then cut off excess elastic (see 4th picture). Repeat on other side of diaper.
7. Trim the rounded corners of the diaper to ~ 1/8” to reduce bulk.
8. Your diaper should look like this now:
9. Flip the diaper inside out through the opening you left unstitched.
10. Press the seams in place with and iron.
11. Using a ¼” seam, topstitch all the way around your diaper (see 1st picture), making sure to widen your seam to about ½” when you get to the elastic. DO NOT STITCH OVER THE ELASTIC! You want to sew to the side of the elastic because if you stitch over the elastic you will ruin the gathering and it won’t work like it’s supposed to (see 2nd picture). So, if you are using ¼” elastic you know you will be safe stitching a ½” seam in those areas to avoid stitching on the actual elastic.
12. Your diaper is now finished and ready to use!! Layer the diaper with 100% cotton doublers for as much
absorbency as you will need and secure the diaper in place with a Snappi (pictured), a safety pin, or add hook-and-loop to it!
