How to Make a Baby Changing Mat

A changing mat provides a clean surface on which to lay your baby no matter where you are when you need to change a diaper. You can make a baby changing mat quickly and easily from a pillowcase, or you can sew a custom mat from any fabric you choose. Select flannel-back tablecloth vinyl to create a mat that wipes clean, or choose comfortable cotton fabric and wash your mat by machine as needed. Make several changing mats to keep on hand at home, in the diaper bag or in the car. You can also give a changing mat as a baby shower gift.

Instructions

Custom-sewn Changing Mat

1

Cut two pieces of fabric and one piece of batting to 15 inches by 30 inches each. Round the corners, if desired.

2

Lay the batting on a flat surface. Lay one piece of fabric right side up on top of the batting and the other piece of fabric right side down on top of the first piece of fabric.

3

Place pins through all three layers, close to the edge, around the perimeter of the changing mat.

4

Start in the middle of one long side and sew the three layers together 1/2-inch from the edge, removing the pins as you come to them. Leave a three- to four-inch opening through which to turn the changing mat.

5

Reach between the layers of fabric through the opening, and turn the changing mat right side out. Fold the fabric along the opening neatly to the inside and stitch the opening shut as close to the edge as possible.

6

Sew around the perimeter of the changing pad 1/2-inch from the edge. Sew across the changing pad from corner to corner in both directions to form a large X to secure the batting in place. Alternatively, free-motion quilt the surface of the changing mat.

7

Fold or roll the changing mat for storage or transport.

Pillowcase Changing Mat

8

Cut a piece of batting to the same dimensions as the pillowcase.

9

Slip the batting inside the pillowcase through the open end and smooth it carefully to the edges. Pin through all three layers, close to the edge, around the pillowcase's perimeter. Trim away batting that is sticking out at the open end of the pillowcase, if necessary.

10

Sew completely around the pillowcase 1/2-inch from the edge, removing the pins as you come to them.

11

Sew along the previously open end of the pillowcase 1/8-inch from the edge.

12

Sew across the pillowcase from corner to corner in both directions to form a large X to secure the batting in place. Alternatively, free-motion quilt the surface of the changing mat.

13

Fold or roll the changing mat for storage or transport.