Every time my daughter goes through the American Girl Catalog, the Bitty Baby Diaper Bag is always at the top of her wishlist. At $36 I can hardly justify buying it, so I decided to recreate it for her. I made 2 (one for each of my girls) for far less than the price of one Bitty Baby Diaper Bag. These don't come with all the goodies the real one does, but I am hoping they will still be a hit for Christmas this year. :)
Supplies needed to make this bag:
--1/2 to 3/4 yard main fabric
--1/2 yard coordinating fabric for the liner
--1/2 to 3/4 yard fusible fleece
--thread
*** Updated 2013: Use a piece of fusible Peltex instead of the cardboard.***
--Velcro
(I kinda guessed with the yardage because I just used supplies I had on hand, but if you are buying fabric specifically for this project- get a little extra just to be on the safe side! Sorry it is not more precise!)
To start, get all of the cutting done...
This bag measures 10 in(l)x 8 in(h) x 5 in (w)
If you wanted your bag smaller or bigger you can just calculate the difference when cutting your fabric
MAIN FABRIC:
8x11= 2 pieces {front and back of bag}
8x6= 2 pieces {side of bag}
6x11= 1 piece {bottom of bag}
5x11= 2 pieces {flaps for bag}
4x20= 2 pieces {straps for bag}
COORDINATING FABRIC:
8x11= 2 pieces {LINER: front and back of bag}
8x6=2 pieces {LINER: side of bag}
6x11= 1 piece {LINER: bottom of bag}
5x11= 2 pieces{LINER: flaps for bag}
FUSIBLE FLEECE:
8x11= 2 pieces
8x6= 2 pieces
5x11= 2 pieces
***Updated 2013- Fusible Peltex:
5 1/4 x 10 1/4 inch piece of fusible peltex for the base of the bag- apply this (it will be slightly smaller than the base of the bag to allow for the seam allowance to reduce bulk) to the base piece instead of the fusible fleece as I mention in the tutorial. This will work a lot better than the cardboard since the cardboard just moves around once the bag is sewn.***
Step 1: Take all of the main pieces of fabric and iron the fusible fleece to each piece (the only ones that shouldn't have fleece are the 2 4x20 inch pieces of fabric for the straps.)
Step 2: Take the 2 8x6 inch (side panels) of fabric and line them up with one of the 8x11 inch (front panel) of fabric and sew them to the sides (right side together). Then take the other 8x11 inch (back panel) and sew. When you are done, it should look like this.
Step 3: Then pin and sew the 6x11 inch piece to the bottom of the bag. Turn right side out. (I ironed the seams once turned right side out so that the bag had more of a rectangle shape.)
Step 4: (forgot to take a picture of this step) Fold and press the top edge of the bag in towards the inside of the bag 1/2 inch all the way around.
Step 5: Take the 5 pieces of the coordinating fabric for the liner and put them together the same way you did in step 2-3 except don't turn right side out when you are done.
Step 6: Measure the bottom of the bag and cut a piece of cardboard to fit exactly in the base of the bag. This will help the bag keep it's shape when there are things in it. Once the cardboard is in, place the liner bag inside the main bag.
*** EDITED 2013: if you add the fusible Peltex in here to the bottom panel- it would work better than the cardboard since the cardboard can move around!***
*** EDITED 2013: if you add the fusible Peltex in here to the bottom panel- it would work better than the cardboard since the cardboard can move around!***
Step 7: Take the 4 pieces of fabric that are 5x11 inches and use a cup to trace and cut the top edges of each piece of fabric so they are rounded.
Step 8: Take one liner and one main piece of fabric and place them right sides together and sew along all but the bottom edge of the fabric.
Step 9: Turn right side out and top stitch along the edge. Do steps 8-9 to the other flap.
Step 10: Take the two 4x20 inch pieces of fabric for the straps and fold and iron each strap in half wrong side together (hot dog style). After it is pressed nicely so you can see the line, open up so that the wrong side of the fabric is facing up. Fold each of the edges toward the center and press. After you are done pressing the edges to the center, fold back in half. (All the raw edges should be on the very inside of the strap now) Press one more time really well.
Step 11: Sew along each side of each strap to secure.
Step 11: Tuck the flaps and straps in between the outside and liner of the bag and pin.
Step 12: Sew all the way around the top of the bag to secure the flaps and straps to the bag. (take the pins out as you go so you don't have puckers in the liner underneath.
Step 13: Sew a couple pieces of velcro to the flaps.
And you are done!
I can't wait to see the looks on my girls faces Christmas morning when they open these dolly diaper bags up! :)
Check out the local dollar stores for things to put inside. :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. This is super cute.
ReplyDeletePaige
www.ribbonsandricrac.blogspot.com
Wow, you are amazing! Those are the cutest little diaper bags EVER! My girls would go crazy over them! Thanks for the tutorial! I did some sewing tonight, and got frustrating, so my sewing machine & I need a break. I wish it came a little more natural for me. I really have to work at it. :) You do a beautiful job though!
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteThose bags are just the cutest cutest little things. I LOVE the fabric and I LOVE that you put minky in them. You can totally whip up some things to go in them. I did baby doll diaper bags for my girls last year and made a little wipes case out of felt, wipes (rectangle pieces of felt), a blanket, and a little outfit. Then I just purchased plastic baby doll diapers from Target. I can't get over how much I love that pink/yellow minky combo you did. I need someone to make another one for - I love yours. Good job!!!!
xo,
stef
How fun! This is a cute idea!
ReplyDeleteI don't know the original ones, but these are sure not to beat.
ReplyDeleteThey are adorable. Plus, you know, nobody else will have exactly the same.
Great Job!
Greetings,
Tina
Oh I love this diaper bag and with the lining your girls will be so delighted, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThose are so cute!! I love them
ReplyDeletePolkaDot
www.zebrastripeandpolkadot.blogspot.com
LOVE! You are so dang talented-- seriously love all that you do! Your sweet little girls are going to love them--
ReplyDeleteYAY!! I'm not the only one obsessed with doll items for my kids! lol I'm working on a mini version of my PPB Boxy Backpack for one of my daughters for Christmas! I've pinned this. Love it!!
ReplyDeleteAloha,
Charlie
LOVE! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteaw, these are so cute!!! great job!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! My daughter is 1, and we somehow got an AG catalogue. She loves to look at it already. I'm in trouble. Ideas like these are something I pin right away, because I KNOW I'm going to need them.:)
ReplyDeleteYours is cuter than the AG one. You could easily make your own flannel diapers and wipes.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/09/19/how-to-make-a-diaper-for-a-childs-doll/
I've been wanting to make a doll diaper bag for my 3 year old daughter. I had previously bookmarked a tutorial to use, but I will definitely be using yours. The bags are cuter and the tutorial is easier to follow! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to do this!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute dolly diaper baby...thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have a diaper bag halfway finished for my granddaugter's Middleton doll that I purchased her for Christmas. Guess what? I'm scrapping that one and will make her this one. I love it and so will she. Thanks for sharing! Found you from the post on UCREATE.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you're just all over the blogosphere making these amazing things! I am very amazed at all you do with two little girls nipping at your heels. BTW, I am about to have my THIRD girly! Are you serious. Oh well, what're you gonna do?? How is Savannah? Maybe someday I'll get the energy to make something too... Keep it up cute girl!
ReplyDeleteAsh,
ReplyDeleteThese are adorable! Love them! I have got to buy a sewing machine to start learning how to make cute things, and then if someone would teach me how to buy time, well, that would be amazing! :)
So cute and much better than the 36 buck dripped in gold and bedazzled in diamonds one from American Girl :)
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable! My pumpkin would love one! Where did you find the heart print fabric?
ReplyDeleteYou know I love this! Thanks so much for linking up. I love the fabric. Your girls will be so excited!
ReplyDeleteLove the new header:>
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Perfect!! My daughter was just changing her dolly's diaper last night, she would love this! THANKS for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDarling! I'm making up a dolly kit for my neice for Christmas and this will make it perfect!
ReplyDeleteSOOOO CUTE!!! I love them!!! The little princesses will love them! What a talented mommy they have!! When I grow up....I want to be like you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for Sharing!! It's on my to-do list this month to make a Diaper Bag for my little girl. Like you, I can hardly swallow $36 + shipping cost!! Now that I ran across your's, I can repeat and not try to completely recreate my own.
ReplyDeleteOh man, this is SO adorable! You put together a beautiful tutorial, and a really professional-looking mini diaper bag! PLEASE come and link this up to the Head to Head Showdown, going on right now at www.icantstopcrafting Oh, and feel free to link up any of your recent fave projects from your blog, I'd love to see 'em! ~Jen
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest diaper bag EVER!
ReplyDeleteIf you get a chance - love for you to link up to my "Made by ME" linky party: http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/12/made-by-me-9-linky-party-and-features.html
This is just darling! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete~Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
You've been featured at my Hookin Up with HoH party!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to grab a button if you'd like.
xoxo
Allison @ House of Hepworths
These are the cutest diaper bags!!! I am definitely making BOTH my girls one of these for Christmas :) They will love them for sure! Thanks so much for taking the time to post this- I really appreciate people like you who are willing to share their patterns and talents!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to lay out the pattern with the above listed yardage. Are you sure this is correct? I can't get the pieces to fit the main fabric or the liner?
ReplyDeleteGreat dooly diaper bag!! I am making this for my toddler for Chirstmas, thank you so much for puttint this tutorial together!!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteCould you please put the tutorial of COPY CAT BAG again on your blog? I saw it couple of weeks ago on your Blog and I loved it. I want to make it for my daughter, and now I can’t find that post.
Thanks a million,
chhavi.a@comcast.net
I finished the bags I made and just blogged about them http://7craftymamas.blogspot.com/2011/12/handmade-christmas-diaper-bag.html
ReplyDeleteI gave it to my daughter this weekend - an early Christmas present - and she LOVES it!
Thanks again for the tutorial
I just finished my second bag and wanted to say THANKS!!!! for the great FREE tut--very easy to follow and put together. I'm so excited for my girls to open them on Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWorking on these now for the 4 little girls in my life! Your pics and instructions are wonderful!! Can't wait to see how they turn out! BTW, I've embroidered their names on each of their bags and I think it's going to look great. Thanks so much for taking the time to share--love your blog!
ReplyDeleteThose are so cute! You did a great job! I bet they loved'em!
ReplyDeleteA great pattern! Thanks! I whipped one up for my niece for her third birthday. I know she will love it. If you'd like to see my version, I posted pics on my blog (of course I linked up to yours for proper credit!). thanks
ReplyDeleteSo cute! The fabrics you chose are adorable. I had hoped to make doll diapers to put in my my 2 year olds Christmas stocking, but it didn't happen. Now I"m shooting for her birthday in April, and this would make a great addition. I might have to bring Grandma in if I really want it to get done though.
ReplyDeleteI am just writing to let you understand what a awesome encounter my friend's girl found viewing the blog. She came to find several details, most notably how it is like to possess a marvelous helping nature to have many more easily master specific tricky things. You really exceeded visitors' expected results. Thanks for showing the practical, trusted, informative and unique tips on that topic to Lizeth.
ReplyDeleteSteve Madden Women's Troopa Ankle Boot
Olá!
ReplyDeleteSou artesã já faz alguns anos, mas sou iniciante na parte de Blog, e estou aprendendo com as amigas Blogueiras, e estou fascinada com esse mundo maravilhoso.
Quero muito agradecer pelo tutorial, e parabenizar pelo Blog maravilhoso.
Quando puder fazer uma visitinha no meu Blog, está convidada.
anabellebrasil.blogspot.com
Beijos e tenha uma ótima semana.......!!!!!!
WOW!!! how adorable is this??? I love it!
ReplyDelete~Hannah
Check out my new blog!
www.forcraftinesssake.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I made some bags for my nieces and my daughter and they love them! Here is a link if you want to take a look. :) Thanks again for posting this!
ReplyDeletehttp://beccanelson.blogspot.com/2012/03/doll-diaper-bags.html
Ashley, I'm very sorry for posting this tutorial at my blog!!! I've deleted it. But I post one pic and your link. I hope, you don't against it.
ReplyDeletehttp://komodik.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post.html
Thank you so very much for posting this! We wanted to do something personal and special for our granddaughter's Easter gift. I made this for her and she loved it! Posting to my blog with TOTAL credit to you and a link back here!
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Ann
http://anncanscrap.blogspot.com/
So glad I found this! My daughter has a million and one baby dolls and no diaper bag. She found an old bible of mine in a handled cover and started carrying it around while pushing her babies. I instantly felt horrible that I had not thought to make her a diaper bag for her babies. So I made a blanket, and burp cloths tonight and plan to sketch out the diaper bag pattern. Thank you a bunch!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this!!! I need to make one for my daughter for Christmas. When I do bag bottoms I use craft foam sheets so the bag is still washable - you just can't put it through the dryer. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteI featured this at Sinful Sewing & Sweets as part of my 30 Sew-Made Holiday Ideas. Check it out at http://sinfulsweetsandsewing.blogspot.com/2012/11/day-2-doll-accesorries.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for the cute idea,
Kandice
Thank you so much for the tutorial!! I found your blog via Pinterest while searching for a pattern for a doll diaper bag, so glad I did!! I made the diaper bag today/tonight and just posted on it at my blog: http://homecozy.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/dolly-diaper-bag/
ReplyDeleteThanks again, I'll look forward to stopping back frequently! :)
Bridget
Very cute bag! I am currently sewing it but have trouble finishing it because of the thickness when I am sewing the straps, inner liner, and flaps. My needle keeps breaking because too thick. How do I fix this problem, I am a beginner. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteJessicawingard@bellsouth.net
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you purchase the fabric? It seems the fabric stores in my city have cute fabric, but nothing like what you have. My email is jennylayman@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you.
My baby has been on Honest diapers since she was born. They are soft, quilted, and worked really well for watery poop. I would love to keep her on Honest. When she outgrew size 3, I bought small packs of size 4 diapers for her to try. They fits babies well. They are smaller, thinner and softer
ReplyDeletehonest diapers
I just made my first diaper bag and it was a success. Well, it might not be the greatest sewing but I think it turned out well. Sewing with that minky fabric was not easy but I made it through. Thank you for the great tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI love this style of bag - any chance you could post the dimensions for a full sized bag? Have you done one with pockets inside? dlinkous @ cfl.rr.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie... I have never made a full size but I am sure you could probably do some math and calculate what dimensions you were hoping for. I have never done a pocket inside but I think it could totally be done with one! :)
DeleteIs this washable? Wondering about the fusible peltex... Super cute bags!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure... As it is just a play diaper bag I have never tried washing it... Sorry I am not more help!
ReplyDeleteWhy not leave the cardboard out, finish the bag, then make a small pillow case type cover to put the cardboard in. This would not move around and could be easily removed when the bag needs to be washed. Cardboard has a tendency to 'fall apart' when washed.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think I will try the pillowcase idea!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late to the party, but this is amazing! Thank you so very much for sharing this. I just finished one last night, and it is so stinkin' cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this tutorial! I just finished making my first one. My girls are going to flip over these when I give them to them for Easter. I made mine slightly larger than yours so that my girls could use their bag as a bed for their Baby Alive dolls, if they wish. I also added pockets to my dimple minky liner.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tutorial and photos! I make one with little arrangements for my little boy who plays with his doudou (name in french...) since I'm pregnant. I m from France. By!
ReplyDeletehttp://mesfabrications.canalblog.com/
I made this in just under 3 hours!! what a terrific project! Thank you for sharing your tutorial...my daughter turns 2 on Friday and is obsessed with dollies--she's going to be so excited!
ReplyDeleteEvery time my daughter goes through the American Girl Catalog, the Bitty Baby Diaper Bag is always at the top of her wishlist. At $36 I can ... bbabydiaperbags.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI am making this right now for my granddaughter who will be 2 on Saturday. I think I am going to add pockets inside, Willow loves her babies! I also make little diapers for my granddaughters dolls. I have 6 granddaughters so I have made a few! Such an easy pattern to follow and I love the other crafts you have shared also!
ReplyDeleteI made this adorable doll diaper bag for my 5 year old granddaughter over the weekend. She had been carrying her doll clothes in a dollar store storage bin. She had mentioned to me that she wanted a diaper bag for her babies so I decided to give it a try. I bought some purple material with butterflies on it. She kept telling me to make her something in butterflies so I found some really cute fabric from walmart and headed home, anxious to start on it. I surprised my self because I've only been sewing a few weeks making simple dress patterns and maxi dresses. I have to say I was happy that it turned out well because my granddaughter absolutely loves it!! And that makes me happy. Thank you for the free tutorial. I couldn't have made it without the tutorial. Xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI am attempting to make this adorable bag for my daughter as a birthday gift. Do you have to use minky or felt, or would regular fabric also work? Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteI so love this dolly diaper bag! You're a pro! Love your clear, easy-to-follow tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing! It was featured here: http://www.plushiepatterns.com/dolly-diaper-bag-tutorial/
ReplyDeleteI love this and was looking for a dolly diaper bag for 2 of my granddaughters for Christmas. They turned out GREAT! Thanks for the great tutorial.
ReplyDelete