How To Make a Waterproof Baby Changing Mat / Simple Sewing Tutorial
In this simple sewing tutorial, I show you how you can make a waterproof baby changing mat.
It’s the perfect size that you can fold up and throw in your diaper bag.
They’re easy to wash and really easy to make and they make really fun baby shower gifts.
I’m going to show you two different methods that you can use to finish the edge of the changing mat: how to apply double fold bias tape with a mitered corner edge and how to sew a very simple unbound edge.
CHANGING MAT MATERIALS & ITEMS NEEDED
- ½ yard waterproof PUL fabric ( polyurethane laminate)
- It’s a fabric that has one side that’s woven and one side that’s plasticky and waterproof.
You can find this online or at most fabric stores. Sometimes they’ll have prints, but most likely you’ll just be able to find a white, which is just fine.
When you buy the pull fabric it comes on a bolt that’s really wide, almost 60 inches wide.
You can make several of mats if you buy a 1/2 of a yard of the pull fabric.
- ½ yard flannel or cotton print fabric or fabric cut to (25 x 18 inches)
- fusible fleece or light colored flannel cut to (25 x 18 inches) for lining
I like using an upcycled fabric when I can. For this changing mat project I used a flannel sheet that was white and of good quality that I no longer needed.
- double fold bias tape (2 ½ -3 yards) OPTIONAL
- fabric clips (pins will put holes in the PUL fabric)
- scissors/rotary cutter, mat and ruler (optional)
- iron/ironing board
- sewing machine
- turning stick
- label/tag (optional)
***LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BIAS TAPE HERE
If you’ve been intimidated by bias tape and haven’t applied that yet, no worries, I’ll show you how easy it is to apply.
After seeing this tutorial I hope that you’ll find it’s really easy because it does add a lot of charm to your projects.
INSTRUCTIONS
Simple Unbound Changing Mat
1- Fusible Fleece Application
The first thing to do, if you’re using fusible fleece, is to iron that to the back side of your front piece of fabric. (bumpy side of fleece will be facing down).
One thing to mention though is you do not want to iron on any of the fusible fleece directly on that bumpy side or the sticky stuff will get onto your iron.
2- Tag/label Application (optional)
If you are wanting to add a tag, to the mat, this is the time to do it.
The cut edge of the tag will be along the raw edge of the fabric.
The seam allowance is 3/8 inches, so take note of that when placing the tag in place.
Clip the tag in place and then take the time to go to the sewing machine and baste that in place. You’ll be glad you did.
3- Making a Fabric Sandwich
Now you are ready to make a fabric sandwich and sew it all together.
If you are going to use a flannel lining, place that on the table first.
Then place the front piece on top of that with the WRONG SIDE FACING DOWN.
The pul fabric goes next with the RIGHT SIDE FACING DOWN.
HOW TO DETERMINE WHICH SIDE IS THE RIGHT SIDE OF PUL FABRIC:
Look real closely and you can see that the WRONG SIDE has a pattern to it (grain of fabric weave).
THE RIGHT SIDE is more shiny and a little bit more plasticky looking with a smooth finish.
Line up the edges and clip all three layers in place.
4- Sewing the Changing Mat Together
This first basic method you’ll sew all the way around, leaving a 4 inch gap unsewn for turning. Really simple.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam using a 3/8 inch seam allowance.
The straight stitch is 2.5 in length.
Sew to the corner, stopping 3/8 inch from the edge. Leave the needle in the down position, lift up your presser foot and pivot the fabric to continue sewing all the way around.
5- Clip the Corners.
6- Turning Right Side Facing Out
Find the opening. Reach inside between where the right side is facing right side, and pull it out.
Take the turning stick and poke the corners out.
7- Pressing the Edges Out
Take it to the ironing board. DON NOT PRESS THE PUL FABRIC! It will melt.
Fold the edges of the opening up, the same seam allowance and press. Apply a few clips to hold it in place.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO PRESS THE LABEL IF YOU HAVE ONE!
8- Top Stitching the Changing Mat
Okay, now we’re ready to topstitch all the way around the changing mat.
Change the stitch length to 3 instead of 2.5. This will give you a much better finished look.
The seam allowance will only be 1/8 inch. (You can apply a strip of tape on your sewing machine to help as a guide. (watch video tutorial for the details).
Clip the threads.
Wasn’t that simple?
CHANGING MAT BIAS TAPE METHOD
Let’s start on the second method, which is applying a mitered corner with double fold bias tape.
I am going to go over the basics here in this post, but you can watch the video tutorial here to get all the details and tips.
For this changing mat, I chose a cute orange flannel polka dot fabric with stripe bias tape that I made.
I used a rabbit tag, from my LOVE LABELS collection. (you can get the PDF file here).
1- Making the Fabric Sandwich
***THE FABRIC WILL BE PLACED IN A DIFFERENT ORDER FOR THIS METHOD!
Layer 1: Pul fabric (right side facing down)
Layer 2: Fusible fleece ironed on the back of front piece or flannel fabric
Layer 3: Front fabric (right side facing up)
2- Fabric Prep
Line up all the edges. You may need to trim some of the edges so they are even.
Flip the fabrics over to make sure the Pul fabric is not bunched up.
Once it is lined up, clip in place.
Using a long stitch (basing stitch) sew all the way around using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
This step will save you a lot of grief and is worth the time to do.
It will keep the three layers stable while you put on the bias tape.
3- Tag/label Application (optional)
Add the tag now if you want one.
3- Bias Tape Application
Apply the bias tape to the back side (Pul fabric side first, and then you will wrap the tape around to the front, and then top stitch it.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND TIPS!
This little changing mat is the perfect size to use, fold up and toss them in your diaper bag.
I hope you enjoyed that tutorial!
Make up a few and add some burp cloths and you have the perfect baby gift!
I have a tutorial showing you how to make these burp cloths (which are super simple to make!
Other Tutorials You May Be Interested In:
DIY Baby Burp Cloths Tutorialotary Cutting / Helpful Tips and Tricks
DIY – Mitered Corners Baby Blanket
DIY BABY BIB Tutorial | Reversible
Have fun sewing!
