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Diaper Bags
by Sherry Titzer - http://www.atimetostitch.com
First!! Open the “Diaper Bag Supplies” text file for supplies & pattern instructions. Text files for diaper bags
include instructions for both magnetic snap and velcro closures. For 7” wide hoops, bag side designs are
combined to be made in just 1 hooping. For 7” wide hoops the top flap lining is added to flap while in the hoop
as well. (not shown in the instructions below)
Cut fabric & soft & stable to sizes indicated in the supplies list. Print and cut out the top flap and sides patterns on card
stock. You will also need an Elmer’s or Scotch glue stick..


1. Top Flap – On right side of solid fabric, rub glue stick on
edge of sides & bottom (no glue at top). Center print fabric
on top, iron to set. Mark center at top & bottom (7” sides).
2. On WRONG side of top flap lining, mark center at top &
bottom (7” sides). Center pattern on top with tops & center
marks even. Trace pattern outline and the triangles.


3. Center fusible interfacing inside triangles, iron to fuse.
4. Center pattern on top again and mark a small “cross”
inside small diamond cutout (for magnetic snap placement)


5. TOP FLAP - Stitch placement lines on stabilizer. Spray
stabilizer with temp adhesive spray. Center prepared fabric
(top edge not glued at top) inside the top & bottom of the
placement lines, center marks even. Stitch first outline.
Trim fabric from center to reveal fabric underneath.
6. Continue stitching design following instructions in text
files provided. Remove from hoop, trim stabilizer even with
top of flap & along border of design.
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7. Center soft & stable under design piece. Center lining
(wrong side up) on top keeping tops & center marks even.
Pin together at sides & bottom.
8. Sew to flap ensemble together by stitching directly over
traced pattern outline. DO NOT stitch top closed.


9. Trim sides & bottom with pinking shears leaving a ¼”
seam allowance. Install snap through top opening.
10. Turn flap right side out, press. Top stitch around edge
of flap with 3/8” seam.


11. FRONT POCKET – Stitch placement lines on stabilizer.
Spray stabilizer with temp adhesive spray. Center 6” edge
of fabric inside placement line.
12. Continue stitching design on pocket following
instructions in text files provided. .


13. Flip opposite end of fabric up & over fabric in hoop
keeping ends even. Tape corners. Last step stitches edge
of pocket closed. Remove from hoop.
14. On pocket top fold, mark lines on stabilizer a tad shorter
than edge. Flip fabric up, trim at marks to avoid cutting into
fabric. Trim rest of stabilizer even with sides & bottom.
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15. Rub glue stick on edge of soft & stable. Center on
stabilizer side of pocket inside inner placement lines
keeping bottom even with stitched seam.
16. On soft & stable side, mark a cross 1” from top of pocket
centered. Center snap “washer” over cross & trace washer
slits. Cut slits into front fabric & soft & stable, install snap.
Flip pocket to right side, top stitch top edge.
Next, Make the bag side pockets using steps 11-15 again. Or, make side pockets (no designs) using print fabric instead.


17. BAG FRONT – On soft & stable, mark vertical lines 5”
in from both sides. Next, mark short lines to outside of
marked lines 3” down from top. Rub glue stick on inside
edge of the marked vertical lines.
18. Center fabric on top. Iron to set the glue.


19. Center front pocket over center fabric 3” from the top
centered. Pin & stitch bottom of pocket to bag front.
20. Place fabric (wrong side up) even with edge of center
fabric & pin. Secure with ½” seam. Repeat on other side.
Top stitch both seams.
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23. Lift fabric out of the way & rub glue stick on edge of soft
& stable, lay fabric flat again & iron to set. Top stitch both
seams with 3/8” seam.
24. BAG BACK – Rub glue stick on edge of soft & stable.
Center fabric on top, iron to set. Mark short lines at the top
3” & 4” from each side (for shoulder strap placement).
Mark short line in the center (for top flap placement).


25. Pin shoulder straps to back of bag back inside 3” x 4”
marks. 1” of strap ends should extend above top of bag.
Repeat on bag front.
26. Center top flap (wrong side up on back of bag & pin.
Stitch across top of bag with ¼” seam catching the flap and
the straps at the same time. Add straps to bag front.


27. BAG SIDES – Mark a line 1 ¾” down from top on both
side pieces of soft & stable. Fold draw string sleeves in half
to 2” x 3”, iron to crease. Use glue stick inside to set.
28. Use glue stick under marked line, center draw string
base fabric under line, iron to set. Next, center the folded
sleeves on each end (folds to center) & pin.


29. Center short “sides” fabric (wrong side up) at top edge
of sleeve fabric and pin. Stitch in place with 3/8” seam.
30. Center long “sides” fabric at bottom edge of sleeve
fabric and pin. Stitch in place with 3/8” seam.
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31. Rub glue stick on edge of soft & stable, smooth top &
bottom fabrics down, iron to set. Top stitch seams.
32. Place “sides” pattern at bottom & trace cutout. Cut
away fabric inside the traced cutouts.


33. Pin pockets to sides 4 ½” down from top. I used print
fabric pockets but use side pockets with designs if you
prefer. See instructions for print pockets in text files.
34. Insert ribbon through sleeves & pin at sides. Pull ribbon
up in center, tuck into pocket, pin. Stitch down each side &
across pocket bottom to secure everything at one time.


35. Pin bag side to front of bag & secure with 3/8” seam.
Repeat on other side.
36. Pin bag back to bag sides, secure with 3/8” seam.


37. Pin bottoms together with seams open and flat. Stitch
bottom together with 3/8” seam.
38. Fold & pin corner cutouts to form a straight edge. Stitch
closed with 3/8” seams.
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40. BAG LINING - On lining sides, use the “sides” pattern
again to trace cutout and trim the cutout away.
41. Lining pockets. Fold fabric in half, add fusible fleece to
one side. Stitch long edge with 3/8” seam. Turn right side
out, press, top stitch. Mark a center line on each pocket.


42. Pin pocket to lining 4 ½” down from top. Stitch sides &
bottom, stitch double seam in center to create 2 pockets.
43. Stitch lining sides to front & back same as bag. Pin
bottoms together. Mark lines 3” in from sides. Stitch the
bottom closed, using long basting stitch inside 3” marks.


44. Press bottom seam open & flat. Fold & pin corner
cutouts to form a straight edge & stitch closed with 3/8”
seams. Remove basting stitches to create opening.
45. Slip bag (right side out) into lining (wrong side out) & pin
around top (keep seams centered over each other).


46. Stitch around top of bag with ½” seam.
47. Turn bag right side out through opening in lining.
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48. Pin top evenly, top stitch with 3/8” seam, top stitch
again ½” below first seam to secure shoulder straps twice.
49. Stack 2 pcs plastic canvas, tape edges. Slip canvas
through lining opening at bottom. Stitch opening closed.


50. Cut ribbon in half. Fold center of bag sides to the
inside until draw string sleeves meet in the center outside.
Tie ribbons to secure the center fold. Cut ribbon ends at
angle & use a lighter to singe the ends to prevent fraying.
51. The draw string ribbon cinches the bag sides at the top
to make pockets more open at the top. Great for storing
baby bottles since the soft & stable insulates the bag!
You’re finished!