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    Home » Sewing Projects

    DIY Travel Diaper Changing Pad & Playtime Mat Tutorial

    May 15, 2020 By Brandy 55 Comments

    I decided that Ruby needed a changing pad the other day. One that could fit easily in my diaper bag and hold a diaper and a few things. I also wanted something that was large enough to lay out and let her play on while at friends' homes or at church.
    You might also like our fabric diaper pouch sewing tutorial or fabric baby shoes pattern!
     
    She is at the age where she really enjoys playing and chewing on toys...and rolling around. I'd prefer that she stop growing so fast and not do those types of things, but since we are here and there is no going back, I might as well cater to her needs 🙂
    onesie and diapers and wipes on changing pad

    My inspiration for this project originated from a Patemm changing pad.

    I really loved their concept and execution. It was brilliant! Theirs are made from laminated cotton (like picnic tablecloths) which is easy to wipe down. You can make this one from the same type of fabric, but I wanted something a bit softer since I was going to use this as a play mat too.

    DIY Travel Diaper Changing Pad & Playtime Mat

    So I came up with a little knock-off version that has worked out perfectly for Ruby's needs. I used 3 yards of fabric, plus extra fabric to create my own bias tape, store-bought bias tape works great too.
    When buying your fabric buy 1 yard of 3 coordinating fabrics & about 5 ¼ yards of bias tape. I used a 1" bias tape tool to make mine.
    Since my fabrics were purchased on sale and with coupons, I spent a total of $6 to make my changing pad. A savings of almost $60.
    baby laying on play mat

    How To Make A Folding Diaper Changing Mat

    making a pattern our of newspaper

    How To Make a Circular Pattern

    First, you'll need a pattern. I used my super scientific method of taping a 15" string to a marker and making a big circle that way. You can use whatever method you choose. You'll just need a 30" circle.
    You will need to cut out 3 {30"} circles from your fabrics. If you'd like to add a layer of felt, you can as well for padding, but it will take up more room in your diaper bag if you do this.
    You will see, below, that I have 2 solid circles and one with a hole in the center. To make that hole, fold your paper circle into fourths. Measure 8.5" from the edges, trace your markings and cut out that cone shape. Lay the shape on your 3rd piece of {30"} fabric, which has also been folded into fourths, and cut out that section. You should now have a nice big donut-shaped piece of fabric.
    bias tape and fabric pieces needed for changing mat

    Bias Tape

    I was intimidated by bias tape until I saw all of the wonderful projects and posts that were shared on MADE. When I saw Dana make her own tape, I immediately added a bias tape tool to my little sewing wish list. That was MONTHS ago and it sat in my sewing box until I tried it on this project! I'm hooked! If you need help with bias tape techniques, check out her post here.
    bias tape stitched onto inner circle
    It doesn't matter if you use store bought or make your own. I like the look of homemade bias tape because you can coordinate it perfectly with your project.

    Sewing On Bias Tape

    You will need to sew your bias tape onto the center of the donut shape fabric. Start by pinning the opened tape to the back of your fabric. Sew along the fold line. Flip over and pin the remaining edges along the front and stitch.
    When you have finished that, layer up your fabrics. Begin with your backing (right side facing the table), then your lining (right side facing you), then your donut-shaped fabric on top.
    stitching more bias tape around outer circle
    Sew and finish the outer edges of the changing pad by using more bias tape.
    front and back of play mat

    Easy Folds for Changing Mat

    To create easy fold lines and sections for your items, fold your pad in thirds. Starting with the left, then the right and mark your folds with a pin. And iron your fold so that you can see it clearly to stitch. Pin along the stitch line, if necessary, to see it better.  Stitch through all thicknesses starting at the top and going down on both lines (See illustration below) all the way to the bottom bias tape of your mat. This will create 4 sections. The top and bottom sections will be approx. 8x12" and the sides approx. 8x24". It is hard to see the thread in the photos, but it does create 4 nice sections and makes it easier to fold up the changing pad.

    stitching two folding lines down play mat
    play mat folded
    Your changing pad is just about complete! Fold up the left side, then the right. Fold up the bottom until it meets the center and then the top down to the center. Then fold in half one more time.
    elastic wrapped around play mat to secure

    How To Secure Changing Mat

    You can add whatever fastener you would like to your changing pad: snaps, Velcro, a button...I just used some black elastic. I measured the length, then quickly stitched the ends together to make a band. The same kind I use for headbands for the girls. I tried to enlarge one of the photos from my inspiration to see how they did their handle closure but wasn't smart enough to figure it out, and this elastic band just seemed simple.
    All of the items below tuck neatly inside the side pouch. I found that the mat folded better when the items were placed on the top and bottom of the mat pouches vs. along the sides. This wipe pouch is about ¼ full. Any thicker and it wouldn't fit as well. The plastic travel size cases would be perfect and nice and flat.
    finished play and changing mat with diapers and wipes
    The entire changing pad is completely machine washable to make for a nice clean playtime & diaper change. Perfect for this darling little gal and a fun idea to keep in mind for baby shower gifts!
    baby with toys on play and changing mat
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    About Brandy

    Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

    Comments

    1. Meelaap says

      April 06, 2024 at 7:14 am

      Namaste
      Love from India.
      Thanks for Sharing.

      Reply
    2. Polly says

      June 21, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      I tried this for new grandson and was really pleased with the result....I used some leftover bits too so I could interline on one side with waterproofed material I had, and also with a leftover piece of wool blanket from another project (made for his Mum)...it's maybe not ideal for carrying around though but it's still light. Thank you so much for sharing. Inspiring.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        June 27, 2021 at 2:20 pm

        Love this! I'm so glad it worked out for you!

        Reply
    3. Meredith says

      July 14, 2018 at 7:04 pm

      I made one of these for our youngest (born in 2013.) Last week, my husband asked me to make one for a little one coming soon to friends of ours. "That was my favorite baby gear we ever had," he said.

      So I just turned one out for our friends. Thanks for such a great tutorial, and such a useful item!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        July 14, 2018 at 7:11 pm

        This made my day! I'm so glad it worked out so well for you guys and that you wanted to make one for friends as well. I loved ours! The little lady in this photo is almost 7 years old now. They grow so fast!

        Reply
    4. Penny says

      May 09, 2016 at 5:53 pm

      So after you sew the tape to circle, you do not have to sew this to the center fabric at all? In the center I mean. Seems like it might flap up a bit. I will try just sewing it at the outer edge and see. So cute!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        May 10, 2016 at 8:30 am

        Penny! By leaving the center circle open, you have areas to store wipes, diapers, etc. inside those flaps. Good luck! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Nana Debbie says

      April 09, 2016 at 7:36 am

      I wonder how it would turn out using fleece for the middle layer? I know it would make it thicker, but would add padding and softness for a younger child.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        April 09, 2016 at 1:41 pm

        You could absolutely do that! I agree that it would add some nice padding and softness too!

        Reply
    6. Bronte Griffin says

      October 10, 2015 at 8:44 pm

      This is a great idea! I just have some questions:
      What fabrics did you use? And does it slip on slippery surfaces such as wooden floors or tiles?

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        October 11, 2015 at 1:13 pm

        Hi! I used cotton and flannel and didn't notice it slipping around on wood floors too much. Especially when weighted with a few toys on top. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    7. farah says

      January 18, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      Hi there sooo cute... currently making this.. can this fold whilst having the nappies and wipes stored in one of the sections

      thanks for this .

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        January 18, 2015 at 9:07 pm

        Yep! Should be able to fold up with a couple of diapers and a small package of wipes inside. 🙂

        Reply
    8. donna says

      August 24, 2014 at 8:32 am

      could you serger the edges with a wide wooly nylon so it would be soft instead of bias tape? It would be faster.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        August 24, 2014 at 12:50 pm

        You could absolutely serge the edges! One day I will own a serger! What a time saver!

        Reply
    9. Jessica says

      February 04, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      So cute and a great idea! Stopping by from SITSgirls! Have a wonderful evening!

      Reply
    10. Amy says

      January 04, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      I made this & love it! Great tutorial! Took me 1 naptime & 1 evening to complete. What did you do with the inside circle fabric (that was cut out)? I'm thinking a matching taggie blanket would be nice

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        January 04, 2014 at 8:54 pm

        Hi Amy! Thanks for contacting me! I'm so glad it turned out great for you. I actually just threw the fabric in my scrap box to use for other projects, but a taggie blanket would be such a nice addition to the gift!

        Reply
    11. Dawn Michaelson says

      December 11, 2013 at 3:53 pm

      I needed a fast and quick baby gift and found your blog. Great instructions! It went together in a couple hours and looks great. I am so happy with it. I'm saving the pattern to make another one as it seems that there a lot of babies coming in the next year.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        December 11, 2013 at 7:51 pm

        Wonderful! So glad it went smoothly! I love this play mat because it isn't something that they usually receive more than one of at a baby shower. Nice and original! Have a fantastic week!

        Reply
    12. Anonymous says

      March 20, 2013 at 7:58 pm

      Comment by vimax September 19, 2006 # The pocket pussy is
      now ready for use. In some cases in a bid to conquer his demons.

      Reply
    13. meandmr.com says

      March 08, 2013 at 2:26 am

      Newest follower here! I found you through the blog hop. you have a super cute blog, I can't wait to read more!

      You can find me at meandmr.com

      -Melanie @ meandmr.com

      Reply
    14. Chelsea@getyourcraptogether says

      March 02, 2013 at 6:43 pm

      This is so great. I love this idea! I'd love for you to check out our Pattern Party!
      http://getyourcraptogether.blogspot.com/search/label/Pattern%20Party

      Reply
    15. Jennifer Hughes says

      March 01, 2013 at 12:21 am

      Love this! (and the cute baby pics too!) Please share your project at http://www.creativecraftsthursday.blogspot.com each and every week and check out what other creative divas are up to.

      Reply
    16. the girl says

      December 28, 2012 at 6:06 am

      I love this idea! It's so stinking cute! So many of my friends and family are knocked up, and this would be an awesome baby gift! I am so excited to see more of your blog!

      P.S: I found Gluesticks by clicking the NEXT BLOG button at the top of mine!

      -bry

      Reply
    17. RIAZ UDDIN says

      December 18, 2012 at 5:33 am

      Planning a trip? Gathering the best and most accurate travel information about the area you are interested in is a key part in your vacations success. I have found http://www.paradiseintheworld.com to be one of the best travel guides on the Internet.

      Reply
    18. Hannah Hathaway says

      November 05, 2012 at 3:32 pm

      Wonderful Tutorial! I love it!

      I linked to it on my blog post on the best baby tutorials, here:

      http://welivedhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com/2012/11/35-baby-sewing-tutorials-ideas-found.html

      <3 Hannah

      Reply
    19. Mollie says

      October 17, 2012 at 12:10 am

      Just finished this project!! Thank you so much for the idea! Will be posting it on my blog today with your link! 🙂

      http://thegandyshomebase.blogspot.com

      Reply
    20. Danielle Wagasky says

      August 17, 2012 at 3:10 pm

      Hi there! I just wanted to let you know I featured you on Blissful and Domestic today. Stop by and check it out:>

      http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/2012/08/10-fashionable-fabric-projects.html

      Reply
    21. Marigold Haske says

      August 11, 2012 at 4:53 am

      This is so super adorable! I found out today that 2 good friends are pregnant, and I think this just might be an easy, beautiful and useful gift I can make! I'm pinning it!
      Also, I'd love to have you link this up on my blog hop. I host with 2 other bloggers, so your link will show up on three blogs 🙂 Hope to see you there! http://www.hideousdreadfulstinky.com/2012/08/eat-make-grow-thursday-blog-hop-2.html

      Reply
    22. Marie says

      June 24, 2012 at 7:03 pm

      I love this Thank You.
      I will make one too.
      And i will the happy baby!!!!!
      No, that's a joke 😀

      Bye
      Marie
      stoffsack.blogspot.de

      Reply
    23. Kathryn Pepper says

      June 02, 2012 at 2:59 am

      This is so awesome! I'm going to pin this...maybe for the next baby 🙂

      Kathryn
      destinationcraft.blogspot.com

      Reply
    24. Designed by Dawn Nicole says

      June 02, 2012 at 1:59 am

      SO cute! The baby and the project! I have a 11 week old so this is going on my to-do list for sure! 🙂

      Reply
    25. Brandy says

      May 04, 2012 at 9:02 pm

      That is a seriously cute baby! What a great tutorial, and thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    26. Wendy says

      April 30, 2012 at 3:38 pm

      What a wonderful project, thanks so much for sharing! I love that penguin fabric and the baby is beautiful.

      Reply
    27. Hannah says

      April 17, 2012 at 9:59 pm

      I LOVE this!!! I'm actually in the process of making one for my friend who's expecting and I had a quick question:

      How big are your squares on the backside? I love the checkerboard and want to do that, too.

      Reply
    28. Jen says

      March 31, 2012 at 7:21 pm

      Love it! Next time I have a baby I will have to make one. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    29. Kim says

      March 31, 2012 at 3:24 am

      I love it.. and those fabric choices are sooo cute!

      Reply
    30. Melissa @ LoveBugLiving says

      March 31, 2012 at 2:55 am

      Love the patterns. Too cute! I'll have to look into a bias tape tool.
      Melissa
      http://www.lovebugliving.com

      Reply
    31. Julie, RN says

      March 29, 2012 at 4:06 pm

      Cute idea! I pinned it to my "baby gift ideas" board for future use!

      Reply
    32. atnumber29 says

      March 27, 2012 at 9:19 am

      Great tutorial and lovely idea. It's round! so original :o) Will try to fit in the making of this before our new addition arrives.

      Reply
    33. 1lesliehart says

      March 27, 2012 at 4:01 am

      Super cute and great idea. Where the heck did you find all that for $6? I am impressed.

      Reply
    34. Hannah says

      March 26, 2012 at 4:20 pm

      SO cute! I love it! I think I'll make one for my little one:)

      I would love for you to check out my new blog~

      http://www.forcraftinesssake.blogspot.com

      Reply
    35. Lisa says

      March 20, 2012 at 1:09 pm

      Love this and I know it would come in handy! Such a cutie with the Sophie 🙂

      Reply
    36. Sara says

      March 20, 2012 at 2:47 am

      LOVE this!! SO beautiful!! Hope you can link this up at my turquoise lovin' party!! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2012/03/turquoise-lovin-30.html

      Reply
    37. Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says

      March 19, 2012 at 8:49 pm

      Super cute baby - super cute changing pad! Thanks!

      Reply
    38. Carol says

      March 17, 2012 at 5:30 pm

      Really cute idea - I'll have to make one for my new grandbaby! Thanks for sharing!
      Hugs -
      Carol @arewethereyet

      Reply
    39. 2nd story sewing says

      March 17, 2012 at 3:35 pm

      SO adorable- Thanks for the tutorial- I pinned this to my "To Sew" board

      Reply
    40. Shyanne @SHYbyDESIGN says

      March 17, 2012 at 1:17 pm

      This is a great idea! I always tried to drag along a blanket for floor/belly time, which was a pain. Thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
    41. Kristen Turner says

      March 17, 2012 at 1:03 am

      Such a cute idea...maybe beyond my sewing skills though lol

      Reply
    42. Julie Snow says

      March 16, 2012 at 3:34 pm

      This is SO amazing! Pinning it right now!I want to make a bunch of these for baby gifts - my six are too old now...enjoy it while you're in it 🙂

      Come visit me at LoveItSewMuch.blogspot.com

      Reply
    43. Christine says

      March 16, 2012 at 11:06 am

      Hi Brandy!!!

      This is SUCH A GREAT IDEA!!!!! I wish I would have seen this when my girls were babies!! Very practical!

      I really hope you'll swing by The DIY Dreamer and share this 🙂
      http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/03/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-7.html

      Reply
    44. LeighAnn says

      March 15, 2012 at 7:33 pm

      I absolutely love this! You are immensely talented! I love the idea of using newspaper to make the circle too.

      Reply
    45. Jo (@ boogaloo) says

      March 15, 2012 at 1:41 pm

      So unique! And could that penguin fabric be any cuter?? Love this!

      Reply
    46. Shannah @ Just Us Four says

      March 15, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      This is such a great idea! I love how it turned out.
      Oh, and I love seeing Sophie the giraffe in those pictures. Our son LOVES her.

      Reply

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