Change Table Cover Tutorial

When I ordered my change table, I was so excited. It was beautiful and unique. Then I realised that the change mat was longer than the standard mat, so store bought change mat covers wouldn't fit. But looking on the bright side, I get to make my own!! This tutorial is very easy and it can be altered to suit your nursery.

When choosing fabrics to use, basically anything goes!! Some things that you might like to consider though include the absorbency of the fabric and how it is going to feel on your little ones bare behind in the middle of a cold night! For these reasons I opted to go for minky fabric top, backed with flannelette. You don't really need to use a backing fabric, I just like the extra thickness and luxury that it provides (plus the flannelette was on sale at $3.00 / metre). 

The quantity of fabric that will require depends on the size of your change mat. Measure the width of the mat, add the height of the mat (multiplied by 2) and then add on extra 6". This is to enable a hem, along with room to thread the elastic. If you are lucky, the widest part of your change mat, including height + seam allowance will be smaller than 112 cm, which will mean you only need to purchase the amount described above. If it is bigger than 112 cm, you will need to purchase the length of your change mat, with twice the height of the mat plus 6". Don't forget to purchase the same amount of backing fabric (if you choose to use it) as well as some elastic.

1. Cut the fabrics to size, using formula above. You can do a quick joining stitch to join the two fabrics if you prefer (I didn't as the two fabrics, minky and flannel, have enough static to remain bound to each other). Lay the fabrics over the change mat in the approximate centre.

2. Create corner seams by pulling the two fabrics towards you and then create a 45 degree fold under the section, placing the edge of the fabric straight down, parallel to the vertical edge of the change mat. Pin in place. Repeat this for all four corners. Ensure that the cover fits snuggly whilst pinning the last two corners (this may require you to pull the fabric tight).

3. Remove the cover and turn inside out. Remove the pins carefully and reinsert along the fold line of flannelette. Sew along this fold line, removing pins as you go. This will create the corner seam. 

4. Trim the excess fabric, leaving approximately 1/2".

5. Tidy up the edges of the cover. Create a hem by folding up by 1/4" and then iron flat. Repeat, this time folding and pinning the edge of the fabric up 1/2". Sew in place, leaving a 2" gap.

6. Thread the elastic through a safety pin and then insert into the gap. Thread it through until it comes out the other end. Remove safety pin and sew the exit elastic in place. Pull the entry elastic tightly, until the hem bunches (you will need this quite taut to enable it to snuggly fit the change table). Once happy, sew the entry elastic in place and complete the hem.

And you are finished!!

Don't forget to test it out!! And send in some photos of your finished project :)

Phoebe

xo