sew | changing table part two ~ pad and cover

As promised, here is the follow up to the changing table topper/caddy post.

If you happened to read the first post, you know that we don't really have room in our bedroom for an actual changing table along with everything else. You also know that the dresser we will be using as a changing table is a few inches short of most commercial changing pads. The easiest fix was to make one myself using high density foam. I wrote the directions below purposely without specific measurements because if you want to make one for yourself you have to customize it to your space anyways.

Materials:
High density foam (between 2 and 3 inches tall) cut to fit your dresser top/changing table (you can find foam at most fabric and craft stores)
Approximately 1 yard of PUL or vinyl fabric for inner waterproof cover
Approximately 1 yard decorative fabric for outer cover (I personally like the feel of minky fabric but any cute cotton fabric will work)
5/8 inch elastic -- the length of the elastic is up to you depending on how tightly you want your cover to fit

Take the length and width measurements of your foam and add 8 inches to each -- these will be the measurements you use the cut your fabric (see left side of diagram below). Once your fabric is the proper size, cut a 7.5 inch square out of each corner. The easiest way to do this is to fold your fabric in half lengthways and then again in half width ways and cut the square from all four layers at once (see the right side of the diagram). Make sure you cut from the corner with all four loose edges. You don't want to accidentally cut the wrong corner and end up with a hole in your fabric! Just FYI, these are the same basic principles you use when making a fitted crib sheet so check out this tutorial for a more detailed explanation and pictures.

Next, pin the right sides of each cutout together and sew with a straight seam creating 4 corners that will fit snugly around your pad (I recommend checking the fit before sewing). To create the elastic casing, fold the edge of the fabric over approximately 1/2 inch then another 3/4 inch and pin all the way around. Sew with a straight seam as close to the top edge of the casing as possible, leaving a one inch gap to feed the elastic through the casing. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed the elastic all the way around the casing. Sew the ends of your elastic together and close up the one inch opening. That's it, you're done!

Use these directions to make both the waterproof inner cover and the decorative outer cover. In fact, you should probably make a couple outer covers so you always have a clean one handy. I made my outer cover a little bigger than the inner cover just because I wanted the inner cover really snug so it won't come off when I change the outer cover.