Introduction: T-shirt Diapers

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About: I have been sewing and crafting for several years, my children are grown so now I have lots of time to be creative. I enjoy photography, cooking, cake decorating, painting and sharing my projects with others.

Raising children is never easy and sometimes it's just downright expensive. Disposable diapers are not cheap. Here's a way you can cut down on costs, Make a dozen or so of these T-shirt diapers and save yourself some money.  Go to the thrift shop and you will be surprised how many T-shirts you can find. Look for T-shirts that have a design on the top half of the front of the shirt, if you use a T-shirt with a design that takes up the whole front of the shirt you will end up with part of it being upside down on the front of the diaper. I  got a few plain T-shirts to use for the 4th layer that is enclosed behind the lining so this doesn't have to match, it's not going to be visible when the diaper is finished. 

Step 1: Supplies

These are the supplies you will need: T-shirts, disposable diaper for pattern, elastic, velcro, shower curtian, sewing machine, scissors, pins and a newspaper. 

Step 2: Making a Pattern for the Diaper

use a disposable diaper for a pattern, have a friend help you stretch the diaper so you can trace around it onto the newspaper.  As you can see, I didn't go into great detail with all the angles and turns. Just a basic simple shape works best. Fold the pattern in half and trim so that it is symmetrical. It would be a good idea to make another pattern out of this because if you make several diapers, this will get worn out quickly.

Step 3: Cutting Out the Pieces

Cut out the front and back of the T-shirt, place the larger end of the newspaper at the top near the neck. Cut one out of the shower curtian. cut another out of the liner. 

Step 4: Sewing Panels Onto Liner

from the leftover fabric from the T-shirt or another T-shirt , cut 4 pieces 4" x 14" layer on top of the liner. sew around the edges.

Step 5: Pinning All 4 Layers Together

On a flat surface lay down in this order: the interior liner with panel (doesn't really matter which side up), plastic, outside of diaper (printed side up) and finally the inside of diaper (back of t-shirt)  Pin all 4 layers together.  

Step 6: Sewing Layers Together

Begin sewing at the back of the diaper about 3" from the center. sew all the way around and stop sewing about 3" from the other side of center. This will leave a 6" gap for turning right side out. 

Step 7: Sewing on the Elastic

Cut 2 pieces of 1/4" wide elastic, find the center of each piece and pin them to the center of the leg openings on the seam allowance. Holding it at the pinned area, stretch the elastic and pin to where it reaches. begin sewing there while stretching the T-shirt. Use a zig-zag stitch. sew as you stretch and hold the diaper tightly. when you reach the pin in the center, remove it and stretch the remaining elastic and sew it down. It helps if you pull gently from the back at the same time as you are stretching from the front to keep the fabric and elastic taut. Repeat on the other side with the other piece of elastic. 

Step 8: Turn the Diaper Right Side Out

Open the diaper at the gap that was left. reaching into between the inside and outside sections turn right side out. this will place the section with the absorbent panel and the plastic in the center of the diaper. 

Step 9: Sewing the Opening Shut

Fold over the edges 1/2" and pin. sew the opening closed using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 10: Sewing on the Velcro Closure

Cut 2" sections of velcro. On the outside front of the diaper sew the scratchy hook pieces and on the inside back sew the loop pieces.

Step 11: The Finished Diaper.

fasten the velcro.  These diapers can be washed in hot water with color safe bleach.