Waterproof Cloth Pull-Ups (For Super Squirmy Little Ones)

If you have a little one who is rolling, crawling, or walking, you have experienced the difficulty of changing a diaper under those conditions!  Whether you are Velcro-ing, snapping, or any other attaching that takes more than a seconds time, chances are you have gotten frustrated, wet, or worse.

These waterproof cloth pull-ups can be used for any age until potty training is complete.  They can be used with cloth inserts for babies or by adding a cotton lining for potty trainers.  There are so many reasons to use cloth (cheaper, no diaper rashes or redness, hold leaks better, no chemicals, reusable, faster potty-training, environment...)

What You Need 

• Waterproof PUL Fabric
• Fold Over Elastic
• 3/4" Cotton Swimwear Elastic
• Cotton Fabric (if lining for potty training)
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Sewing Machine

*Note: These measurements are for a baby with roughly an 18" waist.  Be sure to adjust width for larger/smaller children.

Cut a 21" x 10" rectangle of the PUL Fabric.  If you are lining with cotton, cut the same size piece from the cotton fabric.

Cut a 14" strip of the swimwear elastic.  As you can see from the above image, a pin is placed 3 1/2" from the edge of each end of the fabric.  These 3 1/2" of elastic should lay flat and not be stretched.  Elastic will be stretched between the 14" space that remains between the two pins (7" of elastic stretched in the 14" space). 

Fold over twice so that the edge is not exposed and will not fray.  Stretch the elastic and pin.  Sew a double seam, pulling the elastic taut as you sew.   
*If you are sewing a cotton lining, make sure to pin it with the lining before folding the edges.

 Do the same on both sides of the rectangular piece. 

 Cut three 2 1/2" strips of the Fold Over Elastic for each side (six total).

 Double fold the edges to prevent fraying and pin the three strips leaving about a 3/4" of fabric to fold down from the top (as shown).

Sew a double seem on both sides, connecting the three elastic strips 3/4" below the top.

Cut two 6" strips of the swimwear elastic.  These will be inserted under the 3/4" flap left along the top of each side.  Pull the elastic and pin on each end.  

 Sew a double seam pulling the elastic taut as you sew.  The fabric will be gathered on the top as well as the sides of the diaper as shown.  The three elastic strips on the sides are soft so as not to irritate skin, while at the same time offering added room to grow.

Use these with store bought or home made cloth inserts, or as potty-training aids if you have sewn in a cotton lining.