Create Custom Cloth Diaper Ruffles plus a Matching Shirt, & Sock Set

Create Adorable Cloth Diaper Ruffles

...plus a Matching Shirt & Sock Set

One of the most sought after girly cloth diaper customizations are cloth diaper ruffles! Now you can learn how to make your own.

This tutorial explains what is used to create the outfit in the photos. But you can mix and match whatever fabrics you want to make your own. Be creative!

First up...Let's make the cloth diaper ruffles!

Supplies Needed:

Babyville Boutique® PUL for Diaper Outer – Pink 21” x 24”
Babyville Boutique PUL for Ruffle Strips (for size medium) – 2 ½” x 24” of White and Little Birds Print
Babyville Boutique EZ Adjust Tape – White, 1 Pkg.
Babyville Boutique Stay-Dri Wicking Fabric, White, 2/3 Yard
Babyville Boutique Pre Made Soaker
Babyville Boutique Diaper Pattern (or other diaper pattern)
Dritz® Braided Elastic – ¼”, 2/3 Yard (leg and back pocket elastic)
Dritz Mark B Gone™ Marking Pen
Omnigrid® Rotary Cutter and Mat
Omnigrid Ruler
Basic Sewing Supplies

Instructions:

1. Trace then cut PUL diaper outer and a front reinforcement panel for the tummy loop area. Glue the reinforcement panel, laminate sides together, to the diaper outer.

2. Cut a Stay-Dri Wicking inner lining.

3. Glue or tape the loop tape onto the front panel. Stitch loop in place using a straight or zig-zag stitch.

4. At diaper back, measure down 2 ½” and draw a horizontal line across back of diaper. Repeat to draw two more lines below the first, spaced 5/8” apart.

5. Cut PUL Strips for ruffle (see supply list for strip size).

6. Draw a line down the middle length of each PUL strip.

7. Using a basting stitch, stitch down strip 1/8” from line. Repeat stitching 1/8” away from other side of line. Tie off basting stitches on one end of the PUL strip.

8. At other end of strip, carefully pull both top threads to gather the strip. Work slowly and carefully adjusting gathers evenly to length desired for back ruffle.

9. Repeat Step 6-8 to gather the remaining two strips.

10. Stitch the white middle strip first. Pin the white strip along the middle marked line on the diaper back. Stitch the strip to the diaper using a regular stitch length.

11. Pin the lower side of the white ruffle up. Pin another ruffle in place along the bottom line; stitch. Pin top of middle ruffle down, then pin top ruffle in place on marked line, stitch.

12. Remove pins, then remove basting stitches from ruffles (note: a stitch ripper is helpful here).

13. Pin edges of ruffles away from diaper seam line so they won’t get caught in the diaper seam. Complete the diaper using instructions for a pocket diaper or a cloth diaper cover.

Additional tips...Run diaper through dryer for 20 minutes on high heat to seal stitching holes before using. If your baby is an especially heavy wetter, you may want to apply a partial PUL reinforcement panel to cover the back stitching area before constructing the diaper or use diaper Seam Sealing Tape over the stitched area to further seal the stitching holes.

Want to make the rest of the matching outfit?

Let's go!

Materials Needed for Tie-Dye Shirt and Socks:

Babyville Boutique® Applique – Bird and Flowers
White Cotton T-Shirt (ours had lace)
White Cotton Socks
Dylon® Dye – Flamingo Pink
Rubber Bands
Stainless Steel Bowl
Salt
Rubber Gloves (to protect hands from dye)

Instructions:

1. To create tie-dye pattern, gather a place on shirt into a bundle and secure with wrapped rubber bands. You can create circle patterns, stripes or other patterns depending on how you gather and apply bands.

2. Gather places on the socks and rubber band tightly.

3. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for Dylon Dye, mixing and adding salt.

4. Immerse the shirt and socks into the dye mixture. When color desired is reached, remove items from dye and rinse well in cold water. Dry shirt and socks.

5. Note: For first washes, it is advisable to wash dyed items separately until excess dye washes out.

6. After shirt is dry, iron the bird applique to the front of the shirt.

Finally...The Bow!