Picklefish Designs NZ: Make a FREE Combined Nappy and Wipes Holder

Often in our world we have to carry a spare set of nappies/pullups and a bag of wet wipes for those inevitable changes that are needed when we leave home. Its not always an easy experience, we find many random places to change that aren't always suitable but needs must. One of the things that is always helpful is having what you need on hand and easily accessible. So I came up with this design that has two zip pockets, one designed to hold the Wet Wipes packet and allow for the plastic lid to be opened and closed as needed, and the other zip pocket to house a few nappies. This one is designed to hold the larger nappies and wipes required for when you have older children. I will add sizing for the smaller version as well in case you want to make one for gift giving to family or friends who have smaller kids.

One of the features I added was a snap strap for ease of hanging off a bag, wheelchair or pram. I am sure there are many other features I could have added but this what what I came up with. It fits a size Large Adult Pull-Up like the one shown. But should fit smaller nappies and pull-ups as well. There is room for also popping in a small tube of cream and a few other items. But the wipes packet take up most of the room in this caddy.

So lets head onto the Tutorial for you.

What you will need for making the Caddy:

You will need some Printed PUL for the outer. I recommend you get some from OTY Fabric NZ (where is where I got mine)
Some plain PUL or waterproof nylon like Oxford Nylon as the lining.
Some Zipper Tape which you can also get from OTY Fabric NZ here
Clips
Ruler
Marker Pen
Scissors
Plain Sewing Machine and Suitable Thread

Cutting out your Caddy:

You'll need to cut from the Outer PUL the following pieces:

1 x Outer piece (in Print)

1 x Lining (Plain)

- 16 x 31cm for the Size Medium (average size Nappy Wipes and Nappies) or a piece 18 x 36cm for the Large Size.

Also from the Print cut a piece of Print for the Back.

- 18 x 31cm for the Medium Size and

- 22 x 36cm for the Larger Size Caddy

Plus 2 x Back Lining pieces of the same size (as above)

1 x Outer Top Strip 6cm x 31cm for the Medium or 6cm x 36cm for the Large in Print and 1 x Lining.

You will also need two strips of the print for the strap. 10cm wide by 20cm long.

Fold your outer front lining piece in half and mark the centre at the top and about 7cm down from that marker on the wrong side.

If you have a cut out plastic lid from your wipes Caddy you can trace around it (as shown in the photos) to mark where to stitch

Lay your outer printed PUL over your lining right sides together and pin the two pieces together around the marking you made for the opening. (ignore the fact I cut my hole out in the photo - I don't recommend doing that)

Stitch around your oblong shape marking to create the area to cut out. Clip the centre of your hole and trim around all the stitching leaving a thin seam allowance.

Clip along the seam allowance close to the stitching as shown to ease the seam open when turning.

Turn fabric right side out through the opening and smooth flat. Clip sides together and topstitch around the opening edges close to the edge. Cut two 3x3cm squares from the corners of each side of the bottom of your front piece away from the oval opening (and through the lining underneath as well)

Cut a piece of zipper tape (with pull) slightly longer than 31 or 36cm depending on which size Caddy you are making. Lay your zipper along the top of your Caddy front piece right sides together and clip in place. Stitch zipper in place.

Place your Outer Top piece right sides to right sides with the other side of the zipper and Clip in place. Overlay your lining piece right sides to the zipper tape as well. Stitch through both pieces attach zip as one,

Topstitch along the zipper edge and clip all the way around the front piece and lining. Baste the two pieces together.

Cut a 3x3cm square from the top of your front upper piece at each corner.

On one of the Back Lining Pieces cut 3x3cm squares from each corner as shown. Also do this for your other lining piece and the Back outer piece (Print)

Cut a piece of zipper tape (36cm) that is slightly longer than the top of your Front piece. Clip the zipper to the top of the front piece between the two squares. Also clip one of the Back Lining pieces to the other side of the zip, right sides together. Stitch to the zipper and the lining and the top of the front piece all as one.

Fold back and smooth. Topstitch close to the zipper tape.

Clip your other Back lining and the Back Outer (print) to the other side of the zip either side of it. Right side of the Print to the right side of the zipper tape and the right side of the Back lining to the wrong side of the zipper tape. Clip and stitch through all layers catching your zip between.

Smooth back away from the zip and topstitch close to the zipper.

Fold your strap pieces in half and smooth to create a fold line. Fold your edges into the centre to meet that fold line and clip.

Fold over one end so its like the picture overlapping the bits and stitch across the end. Fold back to the right side and smooth.

This is how the strap ends should look once done.

Clip along your two straps folded in half and half again. Topstitch along both sides and the folded end.

The finished Straps.

Fold out the Caddy outer and lining like the photo and clip around all outer edges. Mark an opening on the lining bottom for turning out the caddy. Stitch around all edges.

Trim away any excess zipper tape and poke your straps through the cut box corners at the top and bottom of one side. Fold up and clip your box corners and stitch across them to close the corner opening, catching your straps as you stitch. Trim away any excess strap as needed.

Stitch across the corners catching in your raw strap ends. Close all the other box corners including at the zip ends. Do this for the lining and the Outer pieces.