Prettier than plastic or zip lock bags. Washable and reusable. And super handy when you are on the go. I’m talking about wet bags! You can store not only soiled cloth diapers, but they’re also great for the pool and beach, in the car for containing messes…even snacks on the run. Welcome to the the second installment of All About Cloth Diapers DIY series. If you missed the first post on how to make cloth wipes check it out here. This wet bag tutorial is great for anyone even if you have no sewing experience!
In a few weeks, we’ll have a another post that is a little more advanced. Next step is for a zippered closure and snapped hanging strap wet bag. Be sure to follow All About Cloth Diapers by email and on Facebook so you don’t miss it!
Hi again…It’s Ellie from Babyville Boutique! I’m going to walk you through step-by-step how to easily make your own wet bags with waterproof Babyville fabric (PUL). If you are new to sewing…don’t worry! This wet bag is one that anyone can make!
Have you ever Googled wet bags? I have…an overwhelming number of links pop up. My search said 12,000,000 results!
Which style should you chose? Size? Shape? Color?
For a fraction of the price, you can make several and even coordinate them with your baby’s diapers and changing pads. Who doesn’t love a matched set? Once you’ve made one wet bag, you’ll want to make keep making more! You’ll need one for home, the car, grandma’s house, and tucked into your tote or diaper bag.
Let’s get started with this easy rectangular wet bag. It uses the same amount of waterproof Babyville fabric (PUL) as one cloth diaper.
Items needed:
- Waterproof PUL Fabric
- Good quality polyester thread
- Ribbon closure
- Cut 2 rectangles from the waterproof fabric– 10 ½” x 17”.
- Cut another 6” x 6 ½” piece. This can either be of the same fabric or a contrasting fabric for more visual interest.
- To give the edges a finished look, press under ¼” on all edges of pocket. When pressing, be sure to use only the tip of the iron or the Dritz Petite Press so as not to melt the laminate. Topstitch the top edge of the pocket.
- Stitch label to pocket. Pin pocket to right side of one rectangle and stitch along three sides leaving the top open.
- Pin rectangles right sides together (Pin across the casing to hold in place, being sure to remove pins as you go so as not to stitch over them with the machine needle). Stitch bottom seam. Stitch one side seam, on the other side seam begin stitching 2” from top edge (to leave space for the closure).
- To make ribbon casing, turn top edge to wrong side, fold under bottom edge. Pin and stitch bottom and top edge together.
- Insert ribbon use a safety pin and pin to one end of ribbon. Then thread the ribbon through the casing. Bring it through and tie the ends together.
Here we used a ribbon drawstring for closing the bag and also to use to hang on a stroller handle or door knob in baby’s room. Don’t forget to stay tuned for directions for a wet bag with a zipper closure!
**TIPS***
Use regular scissors or straight rotary blade to cut PUL.
To help prevent wicking through the holes made by the machine needle, place your completed wetbag in your dryer on hot for twenty minutes to seal the holes.
For added assurance in preventing wicking, you might want to try a great product that is easily applied to the inside of your seams to seal them. Seam sealant tape has been around for some time to seal seams in tents and outdoor fabrics, and is now available to diaper makers from our friends at Soft N Natural Fabrics.
To fuse this narrow tape to your seam, you can carefully use the tip of your iron or the Dritz™ Petite Press. With its small head it easily protects the laminated side of the fabric from melting.
We’d love to hear from you. Will you be making your own set of wet bags?
*this post may contain affiliate links*
Jenn is a long-time cloth diaper educator and a passionate small business advocate. She has worked in the reusable diaper industry for over a decade, helping millions of families via her websites All About Cloth Diapers, Thinking About Cloth Diapers and Cloth Diaper Geek as well as hundreds of small businesses during that time. Her goal always to provide simple, reliable information.
Margaret Haydel says
Where would I find these materials to make the bags. There is a Jo Anna here. Waterproof pup and the tape you menu
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hi Margaret! You can find the PUL and the tape here http://www.softnnaturalfabrics.com/category-s/1814.htm
Katie Santiago says
I have made myself and friends wet bags, they are two zippered bags that are sewn together with a magnetic closure on the pocket created in between. I love them and they have lasted longer than the bag I purchased with my diapers.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
That’s awesome! I’m slowly learning to sew myself :)
Molly says
These are cute, but I personally require a zip closure for my wet bags.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hi Molly! This is a beginner wet bag. We will have one with a zipper in a few weeks! Thanks :)