How-To Ruffled Diaper Cover Tutorial (Part I)

These are just the sweetest little ruffled bloomers! Get excited, we'll get to use bias tape, the serger, and the ruffler foot (or gathering) in this tutorial! Part 1 shows how to make the diaper cover before putting the elastic in. Part 2 will be the serging and making the ruffles, then, adding them to the diaper cover.

Supplies for the Diaper Cover:

1/2 yd. for the Diaper Cover itself
1/4" Double Fold Bias Tape
1/4" elastic for legs
3/8" elastic for waist
7" of fabric per ruffle (you can make them all the same or choose coordinating fabrics)...I did 3 ruffles for this tutorial...but, I've done 6...see part 2 for a picture!
Serger with a rolled hem (for the ruffles) and Thread (I chose a couple coordinating threads, see Part 2)
Sewing Machine and Thread

Above picture by J Marie Photography

Ok, so, find your favorite diaper cover pattern! I used this PDF from Dana Made It. She has a tutorial on how to make the diaper cover as well...I just do a couple things differently. I added an inch at the top because I wanted the the fabric to show above my first ruffle. Pattern shown below from Dana Made It!

Back side...

Pretty sides together, front on back...

Pin sides and crotch seams.

Stitch the 3 seams with a 1/2" seam allowance.

Serge or pink the seam allowances (to avoid fray).

Then, we create the elastic casing at the waist by folding and ironing a half inch down from the top.

Now, fold 3/4" down and iron.

At, this point it might be a good idea to stitch a tag in the back...or

...if you have a machine that stitches letters, stitch "back" into it...the ruffles will cover the stitching on the outside :)

Stitch this casing down (close to the edge) leaving about 2 inches to insert the elastic later. We won't insert the elastic until after we've sewn the ruffles on.

Now, you'll find tutorials that just fold the leg allowance up about a 1/2" but, I like using bias tape A LOT better...I think it looks nice too! So, open up the small side of the bias and stitch right in that crease even with the edge of the leg hole about a 1/4" from the leg hole edge (start with about a 2" tail from the top of the bias tape (you'll see why in a little bit). Stitch it to the pretty side (or top) of the fabric.

Stitch with your needle in the center (it helps...not sure why mine was not in the center when I took the pic). You can pin the bias tape if you'd like, but, I've found it easier just to line up and stitch as you go.

Ok, so, here is why we left a 2" tail at the beginning...see where my finger is...before stitching down all of the bias tape, as you approach the end, fold the beginning down as shown.

Then, overlap your ending tail over the beginning about an inch.

Clip your end tail.

Clipped...

Then, clip this tail...

Now, fold that bias tape back (keep it opened out (other small side still folded under), see below...see the one crease). It'll be about a 1/2" wide. Again, you may pin...I just pinned the overlapped area and then, adjusted the rest of it as I sewed.

Stitch close to the edge leaving a 1-2" opening for later elastic insertion.

You'll find that in some areas your fabric will bunch a little...that's ok, try to keep the bunches spread consistently, but, remember it's going to bunch up more when you insert the elastic.