Cloth Diapers Made Easy

"Bunchies" Adjustable Fitted Diaper Tutorial

by Sara W. Harding
(South Carolina)

"Bunchies" Adjustable Fitted Diaper

After much trial and error, I am happy to announce the most up to date design on my bunchies pattern. These diapers are very easy to sew. They are an adjustable fitted, allowing for a range of baby bottom sizes, and they can be returned to a perfectly flat shape, which reduces drying time and makes them easy to store.

Best of all, they are made with recycled clothing- a t-shirt for the shell and part of a flannel sheet for the soaker. The only other materials needed are thin elastic cord, found in the sewing section of Walmart and very cheap, some velcro scraps, and a few buttons. I hope you will give them a try.

The pattern is basically an hourglass shape, but with longer, narrower tabs along the back end. Shown here folded in half, it is 14" long, 6 1/2" wide at the front and 8" along the back. At the lowest point in the middle it is 4" wide.

Step 1: Fold a t-shirt in half, carefully smoothing any wrinkles. Pin on the pattern and cut out.



Step 2: Place wrong sides to the outside and pin together, leaving the back tabs open.


Step 3: Fold over 1/4" of the edge of the back tabs on both pieces.


Step 4: Stitch 1/4" or so from the edge along the back and around the sides and front, leaving 1 1/2" open at the tabs.


Step 5: Turn right side out using the opening on one of the tabs. Top stitch all the way around 3/8"-1/2" from the edge. This forms the casing for the elastic cord. When you come to the tabs, stitch all the way to the edge so that the seam comes to a sharp point as shown in the picture.


Step 6: Thread the elastic cord into a darning needle and feed through the casing all the way around, smoothing it flat as you go. Tie it off with several good square knots when you are done, and trim.


Step 7: Cut velcro pieces as shown, using the hook side for the back tabs and the loop side for the front. Stitch securely, being careful not to sew over the elastic cord.


Step 8: For the soaker, cut four layers of flannel in a 13" square. Stitch around the outside, leaving a small opening for turning. Turn out, then top stitch all the way around, turning the edge of the opening inside as you sew it shut.


Fold the soaker in thirds, and center it lengthwise down the middle of the diaper shell. Pin the middle third along the back side, about 1" from the edge. Unfold and stitch the middle securely.


The soaker can be stored flat, then folded into thirds before using. I usually fold the two sides under so there is no seam against the baby's skin.

Step 9: Sew flat buttons 2"-4" from the end of the tabs as shown. You may want to put 2 or 3 on each side to make the diaper more adjustable. To use diaper, place under baby's bottom, fold between legs and close tabs. Then, grasp both ends of the elastic cord together and pull gently. Loop the excess around the buttons. Quickly run your finger under the leg openings to make sure it is not too tight and stretch if necessary to even out the bunching.


To wash, close the tabs, but make sure the soaker is unfolded and on the outside. Alternately, you can keep the soaker a separate piece if you wish. You can also use a newborn size prefold for a soaker instead of making one.


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"Bunchies" Adjustable Fitted Diaper Tutorial

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Mar 30, 2010
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Buttons...
by: Anonymous

The buttons make it cute but I would worry about them possible coming off to become a choking hazard? Cute idea though!

Jul 07, 2009
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Got to try this one!
by: Anonymous

I am taking these instructions to my grand mother next week. This is so easy I think I could do it. And I can't even sew! And to be able to make it from things I've already got at home is even better.
Thanks for the tutorial!

Jun 29, 2009
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easy and very adjustable!
by: Grace

I made one by following these instructions. It works great and was so easy to make!

Jun 26, 2009
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Looks easy!
by: Melanie

This is great for my grand babies!

Jun 26, 2009
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Great design!
by: Gayl

These diapers work very well, and are very inexpensive to make.

Jun 23, 2009
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Brilliant!
by: Lisa

Such a smart idea! I love it!

Nov 19, 2009
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Amazing!
by: Linda

Wow. I am so impressed! I can't wait to try this out! I'm thinking to just use a os diaper, adjust it to different sizes and make a template for each size range. So cool. Thank you so much for sharing!

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