Bottoms UP!

By Mary R. Meyer

Cover up disposable diapers with these adorable bloomers.

THESE EASY-TO-ASSEMBLE DIAPER COVERS are fashionable enough to be worn with a T-shirt or under a sundress when the weather gets warm. Appliqué a favorite animal motif and give as baby gifts for your favorite baby boy or girl.

Diaper covers can be made from a variety of fabrics, including light- to mediumweight washable cottons, cotton blends, lightweight single knits or interlocks, and fleece. Appliqués can easily be added to any of these fabrics. The featured diaper cover pattern wasn't meant to take the place of rubber pants but could be underlined with a waterproof material for more protection.

Snap closures aren't necessary in a diaper cover such as this, which is easy to slip off and on when changing the baby. However, a row of snap tape could be added to each side seam to make removal easier. Add an additional 1/2" seam allowance to the front and back side seams to allow for sewing on the snap tape.

basic materials

• Kwik Sew 3112, view A, or other diaper-cover pattern


• Fabric and elastic for diaper cover in yardage specified on pattern envelope


• Additional fabric scraps and trims for desired appliqué design


• Sewing thread to match main fabric and appliqué fabrics


• Appliqué presser foot


• Paper-backed fusible web


• Tear-away stabilizer


• Water- or air-soluble marker or fine chalk marker


• Pencil

From the June 2004 issue of Sew News magazine.

Mary R. Meyer is a freelance designer, writer and instructor. She has written two books on machine appliqué and is currently teaching fashion merchandising courses at the college level. Her passion is design.