How to Sew an Easy Waterproof Baby Diaper Changing Pad

Super simple DIY changing pad!

Changing pads are essential for any baby's parent, offering a clean and comfortable surface for diaper changes for home use and on-the-go adventures with your little one.   While store-bought options are readily available, creating your own waterproof reversible changing pad can be a fun, rewarding and affordable DIY project.

Learn how to sew a super-simple DIY changing mat for your baby.  It's a pretty simple design, beginner-friendly sewing project, just a rectangle shape with rounded corners of soft fabric on both sides and a waterproof layer between. This perfect size changing pad offers comfort, convenience and durability.

Whether you're at home, on the road, shopping or at a gathering, this easy DIY changing pad is perfect for all situations.  It’s perfect for home use on changing table, bed or elsewhere but compact and lightweight, making it easy to slip into a purse or diaper bag.  Plus, it's washable and reversible, which makes it even more convenient to use.

To make this useful baby accessory, you only need a few simple materials and sewing supplies.  It's a fun and easy project that can be completed in about an hour.

Learn how to sew a baby diaper changing mat by watching our video or keep reading this post for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

Instructions for sewing a waterproof baby changing mat

STEP 1: cut out the fabric

First, let's talk fabric. Begin by cutting two rectangles of flannel fabric each measuring 18” x 24” using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler.  If you don't have these quilting tools, you can use fabric scissors and a measuring tape instead.

Then, cut a rectangle of PUL fabric to the same size.  The PUL fabric which stands for Polyurethane Laminate will serve as the waterproof fabric.  One side of the PUL fabric feels like fabric and the other side is laminated, a kind of rubbery texture, making the fabric waterproof.  However, if you have trouble finding PUL fabric you can use other laminated fabric.

The PUL fabric will serve as a waterproof layer between the flannel pieces, making it reversible and ensuring both comfort and protection during diaper changes.

Now, let’s round the corners! Grab a glass, bowl, plate, CD or other round object to use as a guide and place it on the corner of the stacked fabrics. Use a fabric marker to trace the curve. Then cut away the corner on that line.  Repeat with the other three corners. 

After the corners are rounded, use sewing clips to hold the edges together.

Step 3: Sew the Changing Mat Together

Head to the sewing machine and straight stitch around the edge of the changing pad leaving a 4” opening on one side for turning. Use a 1/2 inch seam allowance and remember to backstitch at the beginning and end.

Since the mat's ends are curved, we’ll need to notch the curves before turning the right side out.  Be careful not to snip your stitches.

Step 4: Turn right side out

Carefully turn the changing pad right side out through the opening,

ensuring the PUL fabric remains the inner fabric between the two flannel layers.

Step 5: Press edges Out

Once the pad is right side out, take it to the ironing board and press with an iron to flatten the seams and create a neat appearance.

As you are pressing, fold the raw edges of the opening inward by 1/2" and secure them with clips.

Step 6: Edgestitch the Changing Mat

Complete the project by edgestitch around the edge of the mat, approximately 1/8 inch from the edge. As you stitch you will close up the opening.

Your waterproof reversible baby changing mat is now ready to use!  This versatile accessory is ideal for both home and travel use, fitting easily into diaper bags and purses.

Feel free to customize the size of the rectangles to suit your preferences and consider making multiple pads to have on hand throughout your home, a changing pad for a diaper bag and purse or as a thoughtful great baby shower gift.

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