How to Sew a Changing Pad Cover

Making Soft, Washable Fabric Cases for Diaper Table Foam

Jan 6, 2009 Christy Jones

Changing table pads need soft, absorbent covers to protect them and make them look cute. You can save money, and get just the color you want, by sewing your own.

To make a changing pad cover, you’ll need enough fabric to cover the pad, plus a little extra. For most pads, 1 1/4 yards of fabric is just right, but you may need more if you have a very thick changing pad, such as contoured foam. Flannel works well for changing pad covers, since it comes in many nursery prints and colors and it’s easy to wash, but you can also use soft materials such as fleece, velour, chenille, or minky fabric.

Supplies:

• about 1 1/4 yards flannel or soft fabric
• matching thread
• measuring tape
• scissors
• sewing machine
• optional: 3 snaps or 1/4 yard hook and loop tape

Sew a Changing Pad Cover

1. Cut a piece of flannel or soft fabric that’s twice as wide as the changing pad plus 1 inch, and 2 to 4 inches longer.
2. Fold the fabric in half widthwise and pin the edges together.
3. Stitch along the edge opposite the fold using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Stitch one of the short ends closed, and leave the other short end open.
4. Hem the open end of the changing pad cover using a double-fold. To make a double-fold, turn the open edges of the fabric about 1/2 inch toward the wrong side, then fold them over another 1/2 inch. Press the fabric flat or pin it in place, then stitch along the fold, taking care not to sew the cover shut.
5. Turn the changing pad cover right side out and insert the changing pad through the opening. Fold the extra fabric near the opening under the pad and place it on the changing table.

If you prefer, you can sew snaps or hook and loop tape to the inside of the open end of the cover to hold it securely in place. For most pads, just tucking the fabric under makes the pad easier to sew, and easier to remove and replace.

Make a Changing Table Pad

If your changing table didn’t come with a pad, or needs a replacement, you can make one from foam. High-density foam that’s 1 to 2 inches thick works best, and it’s available at many fabric stores. Most changing pads measure about 18 by 34 inches, but you should measure the top of your changing table or dresser before buying foam to get the appropriate size. If the changing table has railings or sides, the foam should fit snugly on top of the changing table, without any gaps. You can cut the foam to size with a regular or electric knife, or have the fabric store cut it for you.

Before making a fabric cover for the changing pad, you’ll want to cover the foam with a waterproof fabric such as nylon to protect it from leaks. Follow the directions above to sew the changing pad cover, but make the waterproof cover fit the foam snugly. Once you put the waterproof cover over the foam, you can add a fabric cover on top to make the changing pad soft, absorbent, and washable.

You may want to make several changing pad covers, so that you always have one available when the others are in the wash. To make a flat multi-use pad that you can use anywhere or fold up and pack in a diaper bag, check out this article on How to Make a Changing Pad.

The copyright of the article How to Sew a Changing Pad Cover in Sewing/Needlework is owned by Christy Jones. Permission to republish How to Sew a Changing Pad Cover in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Changing Table Pad Cover