Waterproof Cloth Pull-Ups - Model B

These cloth pull-ups piggyback on the previous model.  The difference is in the sides of the pull-up.  I wanted to offer two different options for making them.  This model uses a stretchy material and a stitch called smocking in order to give it even more elasticity.  The long sides give greater protection from leaks.

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
• Elastic Thread
• 3/4" Cotton Swimwear Elastic
• Cotton Fabric (if lining for potty training)
• Stretchy Fabric (for sides)
• 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 20" 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" from the edge of each end of the fabric.  These 3" 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 the edge over the elastic.  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 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.  

With the stretchy fabric, you will use a technique called smocking (as shown).  This is often used on the top of little girl's dresses and is done by using an elastic thread hand wound on the bobbin.  Set the sewing machine to the widest zig-zag setting and the highest tension.   

This YouTube video explains the process very well.  
The only difference is that I used a stretchy fabric rather than a cotton.

The piece of fabric for each side should be at least 3" long and 2" wide.  The easiest way to do this is to make one long piece and cut it in half, because smocking can be tedious.  Make sure in this case that you sew a double seam in the center and cut between the two so that your work does not come unraveled.

Sew on the side pieces as shown from both the inside and outside of pull-up.

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