How to make a pocket nappy from a T-shirt

Requirements: nappy pattern, cotton T-shirt, thread, facing fabric, polyester braided elastic, snaps or hook-loop fastening.

For a nappy pattern, you can choose any of the online free patterns, a bought pattern or one that you have traced off a favourite well-fitting nappy in your stash.

Take your T shirt. This is a boy's size 4 Tshirt.

If it has one, unpick the pocket from the front of the Tshirt and keep it for later.

Place the pattern on the Tshirt with the back waist of the nappy pattern centred on the neck opening.

The neck opening of the T shirt will become the opening for the pocket.

The front of the T-shirt will become the inside of the nappy in this example.

Cut out the nappy.

I am going to turn and top-stitch this nappy, so I have included a seam allowance of about 15mm (5/8").

Also cut facings for the front tummy area and the sides of the wings to provide strength for the snap locations. The facings should be the same shape as that part of the nappy and made from a woven fabric. An old pillowcase is good for this.

Take front piece of nappy and sew elastic on the leg opening.

Do not cut elastic until you have finished this step. Beginning at elastic notch, sew the elastic firmly to the fabric using a wide zigzag with stitch length 0.

Stretch the elastic to the limit, hold it against the nappy fabric and then let it relax back to about 75% max stretch. Sew on using a zigzag stitch with a normal stitch length.

Showing elastic sewn on the edges of both the leg openings.

Sew elastic on at front waist the same way that you did the leg openings.

(Optional) Pin, then sew the pocket on the outside back of the nappy.

Pin facings to wings and tummy on the wrong side of the outer part of the pocket.

Mark placement for and then set snaps on front.

If you are using hook-loop for closure, then sew the loopy side to the front tummy part.

Sew the inside and outside of the nappy together. Make sure to not catch the elastic as you go around the leg openings. Stretch the elastic as you sew to make both pieces line up.

Catch the facings on the wings and the front tummy.

Turn the nappy right sides out. Topstitch around the edges of the nappy, beginning at the ribbing of the neck band/back pocket opening. When you come to elastic, do not sew over it, but sew on the inside a little. p>If you catch the elastic in the stitching, it doesn’t stretch properly any more. p>Set snaps in back wings.

Stuff the nappy and you are set to go!

In this example I used a pad folded tea towel.

Please let me know how you go with making your own reconstructed nappies and I would love to see your photos. Email me at marnieh @ optusnet.com.au

This shows the back of the nappy.

And this is the front of the nappy. Please note, as this nappy doesn't have any waterproofing, it is ideal for summer wear. When worn under clothing, you will have to also use a cover to avoid wicking.