How to Sew a Waterproof Diaper Clutch

With all the babies making their appearance as of late, I, Kara, thought an easy sewn waterproof diaper clutch (it’s both a changing pad and diaper and wipes carrier) would be the perfect gift for all the new moms. Whether you sew the clutch for yourself or for a friend or family member, it is a simple sewing project that will get tons of use! The best part is that you can use any fabric you want and with the simple addition of iron-on waterproof vinyl coating, can turn it into an easy-to-clean surface. So grab your favorite fabric and I’ll show you how to sew a waterproof diaper clutch.

Supplies:
-1/3 yard exterior fabric (any pattern you like, but quilting weight cotton works best)
-1/3 yard interior fabric (any pattern you like, but quilting weight cotton works best)
-1/3 yard fusible fleece (to give the clutch structure and changing pad padding)
–1 roll of iron-on vinyl
-magnetic snap
-12″ gold trim (optional)
-sewing machine and supplies (pins, needle, thread)
-scissors
–teflon sewing foot (makes sewing over the vinyl fabric easier)

Step One: Begin by cutting out all your fabric pieces. You will need the following: 1 piece 11″ by 34″ exterior fabric, 1 piece 11″ by 34″ interior fabric, 1 piece 11″ by 34″ fusible fleece, 2 pieces 11″ by 34″ iron-on vinyl.

Step Two: Iron the fusible fleece onto the back of the exterior fabric using an iron on the front of the fabric.

Step Three: Next, peel off the paper backing from the fusible vinyl and lay the vinyl tacky side down onto the right side of both the exterior fabric and the lining fabric. Cover with the paper backing (waxed side down onto the vinyl) and iron over it with an iron on the medium heat setting to adhere the vinyl to the fabric. Let cool and then remove the paper to reveal the vinyl coated, waterproof fabric.

Step Four: Lay the interior fabric and the exterior fabric with right sides together and pin along the bottom edge. Sew across this edge and then flip over and top stitch the seam.

Step Five: Fold the bottom of the clutch up about 6″ to create a pocket as shown above. Then flip the exterior fabric around and over the folded pocket so that the right sides are together once again. Pin up the sides and across the top, leaving the bottom pocket folded area unpinned. Sew along the pinned area, leaving a 4-5″ gap in the top seam so that you can turn the clutch right sides out.

Step Six: Turn the clutch right sides out through the opening in the top of the clutch. Iron out any wrinkles using the paper backing from earlier. You don’t want to iron directly over the vinyl coated fabric as it will melt onto your iron.

Step Seven: Mark the placement for the magnetic snaps on the inside clutch flap and the bottom of the clutch and use scissors to snip to small holes to insert the snap. Add the metal stabilizing ring to the back of the snap and fold the metal bars down to secure.

Step Eight: Top stitch the opening of the clutch closed and stitch on the gold trim, if desired.

Now the clutch is ready to stuff with diapers and wipes and can be unfolded to create a clean diaper changing pad and headrest for the baby.

Not only is this clutch functional, but it is totally fashionable too! My kids are way past the diaper stage, but I might need to make a shorter one for me to use as an everyday clutch! If you have any questions on the tutorial or get stuck in a spot, feel free to add a comment or message me and I will try my best to help! It really is a simple sewing project once you get into it. xoxo. Kara

Credits // Author and Photography: Kara Whitten. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.