How to make a diaper pouch

1. Materials & tools

Materials (standard size)

• Main fabric (laminated cotton, oxford or canvas) — about 70 × 60 cm (28 × 24 in)
• Lining fabric (wipe-clean fabric works best) — the same amount
• Snap fastener or hook-and-loop — 1 set
• Sewing clips

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Baby” → “Diaper pouch” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the finished width, height, gusset and flap depth. Presets cover small, standard and large.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the body (base on the fold), the flap and the handle.
2. Cut
   Cut the body in outer and lining, the flap in outer and lining, and one handle. Use clips rather than pins on laminate.
3. Finish the edges
   Laminate does not fray. Zigzag the allowances on ordinary fabric.

4. Sewing

4-1. Make the flap and handle

1. Sew the flap outer and lining right sides together, leaving the attachment edge open. Turn, press and topstitch.
2. Fold the handle in quarters lengthwise and topstitch both long edges.

4-2. Sew the body and gusset

1. Fold the body at the base, right sides together, and sew both sides. Do the same with the lining, leaving a 10 cm (4 in) gap in one side.
2. Pinch each base corner into a triangle, matching the side seam to the base fold, and sew across to form the gusset.

4-3. Join and finish

1. Turn the outer right side out and slip it inside the lining, right sides together.
2. Catch the flap at the back edge and the handle at the side as you sew around the opening.
3. Turn through the gap in the lining, close it, push the lining inside and topstitch around the opening.
4. Add the snap or hook-and-loop so the flap holds shut.

✏️ Laminated fabric sticks to the presser foot. A Teflon foot solves it, or lay tissue paper on top and tear it away afterwards. And never pin — the holes are permanent.

5. Tips & variations

• Wipe-clean lining: this is what turns it into a changing mat you can actually use on a public bench.
• Size it around the diapers: measure the pack you buy, not the baby.
• Add a wipes slot: an opening in the lining lets you pull wipes out one at a time.