How to Make a Fitted Diaper from a Prefold

by Tracy
(Colorado Springs)

Here are some really easy instructions for turning a prefold cloth diaper into a fitted diaper. You will need a diaper cover over the top of these!




Supplies

1. Prefold Diapers, preferably ones that are too long for your baby.

2. Outer fabric. I have used flannel, minkee, satin and even pul (to make an aio). Any Fabric will do, just be sure it is durable, after all they will be washed a lot!

3. Very sharp scissors. Prefolds are thick, and won't cut easily.

4. Soft stretch elastic. Braided elastic is okay as well but the soft stretch has more " bounce" and is a bit more gentle on baby's legs.

Cutting and Sewing

1. Start by cutting out a diaper shape into the prefold. I am making a small diaper out of a premium sized prefold in these pictures. If you are making a medium or large diaper you will not want to cut off the top of the prefold or the rise will be too short. You don't need a pattern, but you can use one, or a disposable diaper if you have one to get the right shape.

2. Next you want to trim the extra thickness between the outer layers of the prefold, this will keep you from having to sew through too many layers when you are adding the leg elastic.


Unfold the large pieces of fabric from each side of the prefold. You can use these pieces to sew a doubler, just sew right sides together and turn and topstitch.


If you had cut the top off the prefold you can use that piece to make extended tabs for the back of the diaper. If not you will need to use the "doubler" pieces that I just mentioned. Sew those pieces to the wings of the diaper.

3. Now you have what looks like a contour diaper, Cut you outer fabric using the prefold as your pattern, making sure to add an inch at the top and the bottom, as you will use the extra fabric to fold over when the diaper is turned. Sew the sides of the outer material to the prefold, making sure that you have right sides together. Then zigzag the elastic into the legs and turn right side out. NOW it looks like a fitted diaper.


4. Now just fold the extra outer fabric over the top and bottom of the prefold, make sure you double fold if you are using a fabric that will fray. Then straight stitch the holes closed.

Add velcro if you desire, or you can just use them inside a snug fitting wrap and you are done!!


These are great when your baby is a newborn, helps keep those spectacular messes inside the diaper where they belong.