How to make a baby wipes case

1. Materials & tools

Materials (standard pack)

• Main fabric (laminated cotton, oxford or canvas) — about 60 × 50 cm (24 × 20 in)
• Lining fabric — the same amount, or omit for a single layer
• Hook-and-loop — one 2.5 cm (1 in) square set
• Lightweight interfacing if the fabric is thin

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” → “Baby wipes case” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the pack width, depth and height, and the opening width. Presets cover standard and large packs.
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 and the lid, and mark the opening position on the top face.
2. Cut
   Cut the body in outer and lining, and the lid in outer and lining. Use clips on laminate, not pins.
3. Finish the edges
   Laminate does not fray; zigzag ordinary fabric.

4. Sewing

4-1. Make the opening

1. Cut out the marked opening through both the outer and the lining.
2. Place them right sides together and sew around the opening.
3. Trim the allowance to 5 mm, clip the curves, then pull the whole piece through the hole to turn it right side out. The opening edge is now cleanly bound.
4. Topstitch 3 mm from the edge all the way around.

4-2. Assemble the body

1. Fold the body into a box along the marked fold lines, sewing the corners right sides together to form the sides.
2. Leave the base open, or close it with hook-and-loop so you can swap packs easily.

4-3. Make and attach the lid

1. Sew the lid outer and lining right sides together, leaving the attachment edge open. Turn, press and topstitch.
2. Stitch the attachment edge to the top face. Sew it twice, or in a stitched rectangle with a cross, because that edge takes strain every time it opens.

4-4. Add the hook-and-loop

1. Fit the two halves to the underside of the lid and the matching spot on the top face, with the lid closed so you can see where they land.
2. Stitch all four sides of each square so the corners cannot lift.

✏️ Do not make the opening too big. Wipes dry out through it, and a large hole weakens the top face so it distorts every time you pull. Two fingers' width is plenty.

5. Tips & variations

• Magnetic snap: it opens one-handed, which is exactly what you need mid-change.
• Match the diaper pouch: made in the same fabric, the two look like a set.
• Measure the pack: brands differ. Measure the one you actually buy.