Easy Tutorial: How to Make a Diaper Changing Roll

This is one of those things that I really should make more often.  Seriously, every time I make a diaper changing roll for a baby gift, I think (and sometimes say out loud), "I should really make more of these."  They are so easy, quick and a practical gift, too.

This diaper changing roll is for a baby gift- I've got oodles of friends and family members pregnant right now, so I'm working on keeping up with the babies!  They are great to throw in the diaper bag and to always have a clean space to change baby.  Throw it in the washer when it gets soiled, or use it as a back-up burp cloth in a bind.

So, let's get started.... this tutorial is so easy and great for beginner sewers.

You will need:
1 hand towel
1 piece of fabric the same size of your hand towel (usually a fat quarter will do)
1 piece of 1/4" wide elastic measuring about 10 inches long
thread
sewing machine
pins
iron

ruler

I usually use the ReStyle brand hand towels from Target.  They measure 16 inches x 25 inches, but you can use whatever you like.  You could even use a bath towel and cut it to a custom size if you wanted.

Put your two pieces down right sides together.  If you want to embellish or embroider your changing pad, do it prior to this step.  Pin all the way around and mark about a 3" space to leave open for turning.

One on of the shorter edges, insert your elastic with both raw edges facing out and the loop hidden in between your towel and fabric.  To determine the best placement for your elastic, I fold the diaper changing pad in thirds (so that you have one very long strip), and then find a mid point on the bottom third section.  Secure with pins.  Sew around, making sure to backstitch at the opening.

Make sure that you stitch on the terrycloth part of your towel, not the hemmed edge.  This is important because it reduces bulk in your changing pad and makes it softer on the baby's skin.

Now we want to cut off the hemmed or finished edge of your towel.  At this point things will get very messy- all of the little terry cloth strands will cover your work area so get ready!

Now that you've removed all the finished edges (and made a mess!), it's time to turn your changing pad right side out.

BUT- before you do this, make sure your elastic is good and sewn in.  Sometimes I go over it a few times with my backstitch to be sure.

Now that you've tugged on it a few times, remove all your pins and use the space you left to turn it right side out.

Press out all corners with a wooden stick and iron well.

Pin the opening closed.

Check on your elastic one more time.... give it a few good pulls.  Make sure it's not going to pop on mom or baby.  :)

Topstitch around the entire changing pad, closing the opening you pinned together.

Now let's fold and roll!

Lay out your changing pad with the towel side up and the elastic away from you.

Fold the left third of the changing pad towards the center.

Fold it over one more time so that the towel is all concealed inside.  Turn the elastic towards you.

With the non-elastic short side, start rolling the changing pad towards you.

When you get to the end, wrap the elastic around the entire changing pad and give it to a new mommy!

The way the changing pad swirls reminds me way too much of a cinnamon roll!  :)

Variations:
Add a layer of batting (you will need to add more elastic as your roll will be much thicker)
Embroider or embellish the fabric
Use oilcloth instead of cotton fabric for a wipe-down clean surface

Please leave any questions in the comments- this is such an easy project that I'd love to help out any beginning sewers who have questions.  Thanks!