DiapersTurned & Topstitched Tutorial
Use the following tutorial to convert a regular "serged" fitted diaper into a "turned & topstitched" (TNT) diaper. Some people say that the serging along the edge of fitted diapers irritate their baby's skin. They prefer to have a fitted diaper with the seams hidden. It is fairly easy to convert a pattern to a TNT diaper, as long as you are able to think through the steps in the proper order. To demonstrate, I am using our fantastic Growing Cheekies fitted pattern. My steps are written as if you are familiar with the pattern.
Begin by adding a seam allowance to your regular diaper pattern. [Step 1] I am comfortable with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, so I simply tape two pencils together to guide in adding to the pattern. [Step 2] Then I check to confirm the seam allowance. [Step 3] Then I trace the pattern on the fold. (By the way, you should *always* trace your Pampered Cheeks patterns onto some type of paper to keep your originals intact and looking nice.)
{Click on pictures to see a larger view, use arrow keys to move between pictures, click and drag to move, click once to close, and you can have more than one photo open at a time.}
Cut out fabrics according to pattern instructions. If you are using the Growing Cheekies or One Size Cheekies fitted patterns, then you will also sew the sewn-in soaker and transfer elastic marks.
Next we will deviate from the pattern some. It's going to cause my step numbers to be all messed up in reference to the original pattern. The step numbers provided here are to help keep track of which picture you are on. :)
Mark all snaps. [Step 4] Mark inside socket snaps, however do NOT set them yet. [Step 5] Mark the snaps across the front for the closures, if desired (or sew on hook & loop). I used my old pattern to mark the snaps. Remember that you have added a seam allowance, so place the pattern accordingly. [Step 6] Mark snaps on the snap-in soaker. I do not turn & topstitch my soaker pattern here. (If you are not using snaps and plan to sew in the snap-in soaker, you will need another modification. Please see the end notes.) [Step 7] Set snaps across front of diaper through the outer and hidden layers.
[Step 8]Next layer right sides together the outer (with the hidden layer attached) to the inner lining layer, and [step 9] stitch using your seam allowance. [Step 10] Check your work frequently to make sure you are catching all the layers. [Step 11] Leave an opening to turn. I prefer leaving my opening on the wing.
[Step 12] Measure to determine how much elastic you'll need. Stretch the elastic (100%) between the elastic points to measure. The legs should be the same! [Step 13] Sew the elastic ends down. Trim the curves and between elastic points.
[Step 14] Turn and set inside snaps for soaker through inner and hidden layers.
[Step 15] Topstitch. As I topstitched, I left the opening for last, so that I could check to make sure the elastic didn't get twisted or caught. When stitching around the elastic, be sure to make a casing around the elastic (sorry I forgot to take a picture) so that you don't catch the elastic in the stitching and the fabric can slide evenly along the elastic. Fold the opening in and stitch it shut.
[Step 16] Add closures and finish whatever you need to. I still serged my snap-in soaker because I didn't think of it at the time. :)
end notes:
If you are not using a snap press at all and wish to sew in the snap-in soaker along the back edge, this is what I recommend:
1) Attach the soaker through both the inner lining layer and the hidden layer
2) Do not sew on front hook & loop nor attach any closures to it.
3) In this way the outer layer will be completely separate from the inner and hidden layers (like above the inner is completely separate from the outer and hidden layers), thus you will be able to turn the diaper after it is sewn together.
4) After you turn the diaper you can attach whatever closures you desire. This means if you are sewing on hook & loop it will go through all the layers, but I can't think of how hard it would be to try to sew on the snap-in soaker without it showing!
I would love to try sewing in the elastic rather than doing a casing. If you decide to try that, it should be well within the seam allowance, and you should do it between Steps 7 and 8 above.
Check out our other great patterns!
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