Instructions for Sewing a Pull-on Fleece Cover

The first step in making a fleece cover is to choose a proper fleece. This pull-on cover is one layer so it is best to choose a thicker fleece. Polartec 200 works well. I have heard that if a few drops of water bead up on the surface of the fleece it will work as a cover.

Make your pattern. I used an old Dappi Nylon Pull-on for my pattern. You can use any pull on pants that fit your baby well. Cut off the elastic and along the side seams so the plastic pants will lie flat. Trace the pattern onto a piece of newspaper. Fold the newspaper in half lengthwise down the middle and cut out the pattern. (This will ensure that the pattern will be exactly symetrical.) Pin the pattern on the fleece and cut out your cover.

Starting about 1 inch from the side seam edge sew under about a 1/2 inch hem along the leg opening edges. End about 1 inch from the other edge. With right sides together sew the side seams together with about a 1/4 inch seam.

Cut 1/4 inch wide elastic 1 inch shorter than your baby's thigh measurement. For example, if your baby's thigh is 10 inches, cut the elastic 9 inches. (Different elastics have different stretch so experiment with this a little bit to find the most comfortable fit.) Using a small safty pin, insert the elastic through the hem casing. Stitch the ends of the elastic together overlapping about 1/2 inch. Sew down the open hem edges.

Turn under the top edge to the inside about 1/2 inch. Stitch with a straight stitch, leaving an opening of about an inch to insert elastic. Cut elastic about 1 inch less than your baby's waist measurement. Insert elastic using a safety pin. Stitch the ends of the elastic and sew down the open edge.

Fleece covers can be washed with regular laundry. I have heard that hot water makes them more waterproof. If you use a darker color, like my teal green sample, it would be a good idea to hand wash it separately for the first few times until the extra dye is washed out.

The advantage of fleece covers is that they "breathe." Air can circulate reducing the chance of overheating and diaper rash. They will eventually leak but if you do not cover them with tight clothing there is less wicking to the outside. This would make them the perfect covers for hot summer days when baby just wears a tee shirt and diaper.

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