DIY: How to Sew a Diaper Strap

Did you know that in the United States, more babies are born in August and September than any other months? With that being the case, you may soon find yourself shopping for the perfect baby shower gift, and while tiny infant clothes are nearly irresistible, they’re also quickly outgrown. Skip the onesies for the next baby shower you attend, and sew the mom-to-be a handy diaper strap instead!

As a seasoned mom—I’ve survived the infancies of two kids—I count this nifty diaper strap as one of my baby gear essentials. Not only does it keep diapering necessities tidy inside your diaper bag or purse, but it also allows you to quickly hand over those items to the daycare/gym/sitter/daddy when needed.

Materials: fabric, sew-on Velcro, coordinating thread, buttons or other embellishment (optional)

Cut two pieces of fabric to 18″ x 8″. If you choose a lightweight fabric, you will want to layer two pieces to ensure the strap’s sturdiness (heavier fabrics like denim will work with just one piece). I used a whimsical printed cotton and plain white muslin.

If you’re using two pieces like I did, place the fabrics together (right sides out), and use a hot iron to press both short edges in about 1/2″.

Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, and use your iron to press a crease down the center. Open the rectangle back up.

Fold the top and bottom edges in to meet at the middle crease. Press with your iron.

Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, and press again.

Using an 1/8″ seam allowance, sew all the way around the edges of your fabric.

Cut a strip of sew-on Velcro to 5″.

Pull the Velcro apart, and sew one piece to one end of your fabric. Turn the fabric over, and sew the second piece of Velcro to the opposite end to complete your diaper strap.

If you plan to give this as a gift, it’s best to wrap the strap around some wipes and diapers to show off the ingenious design. I found this refillable travel wipes case by Huggies to be the perfect size for on-the-go. You can purchase one at Target, Walmart or online.

Also, one small tip—when using the strap, put the fuzzy side of the Velcro down first, and then wrap the rough side around to overlap it. This prevents fingers from getting scratched when handling the pack.

Decorative buttons and stenciling the baby’s name are great ways to embellish and personalize your diaper strap.

Whether the diaper strap is the only thing you bring to the baby shower or you tuck it in with an assortment of other gifts, I guarantee that at some point in the future, the new mom will sing its praises and thank you for such a useful piece of baby gear!