EasterBunz

Free Trainer Pattern

Update 11/2009 - If you’re looking for a BETTER fitting snap trainer pattern, with more sizing/construction options built right into the pattern, I highly recommend the Tinkle Time Trainer pattern available from Ladder Hill Designs.  At $7.95 (with an instant download after purchase) it’s truly a bargain, offers sizing from 12months all the way up to “big kid” sizes, with clear instructions for constructing both pull-on/off and pull-on/snap-off trainers… they can be made underwear style, or with more diaper-like absorbency for early potty learning, or even as a trimmer diaper option on bigger kids, as the soaker design allows for a very streamlined fit without sacrificing habsorbency.  While these are not fully waterproof, an added layer of PUL can help them contain most daytime accidents, and by adding a booster and a pull on cover (like a nylon bummis cover) or longies they could be suitable for nights as well..  I have made a ton of these trainers from materials already in my fabric stash – all I had to purchase was the waist and leg material because I didn’t want to use elastic… but these can be made entirely from recycled materials by using elastic on the waist and legs.

Now onto my free pattern….

Download
free waterproof training pants pattern

Trainer.pdf (287k)

SIZING: Approximately 2T/3T, was originally sized for an 18-20″ waist (stretched) and rise of 18″  You can adjust for a higher rise by adding length at the crotch, and for a larger waist by adding length at the tabs, or by enlarging the printed pattern.

Materials Needed:

18″x18″ PUL diaper cut
1.2 yard of absorbant material (flannel, hemp, etc) – how much you need varies on the material and how absorbant you want them
4 snap sets
1.5 yards of 1″ fold-over elastic
Polyester Thread (cotton or cotton/poly blends will cause wicking)

Step 1: Cut out fabrics

To make a waterproof trainer, you will need a waterproof
body layer cut from PUL or ProCare, 1-2 layers of an absorbant material
such as flannel, terry, sherpa, and 2-4 layers of absorbant material for
the soaker. In this sample, I have a layer of Lime PUL, 2 layers of white
flannel in the body, 4 layers of white flannel in the soaker, and an inner
layer of blue suedecloth because I wanted to try it.

What materials you use are entirely up to you.

Step 2: Laying out and placing the soaker

Center the soaker on the absorbant body layers, but NOT
the waterproof layer (that part comes later)

Stitch the soaker in place using a regular straight stitch,
about 1/4″ from the edge.. if the layers don’t quite line up, or
you get puckering while stitching the soaker in place (particularly around
the curves) this is ok.. the bottom layer will still be smooth.

Step 3: Line up all layers and stitch edges

Line up all layers, and paperclip or pin very close to the
edge to keep them lined up, then using a long straight stitch, stitch1/8-1/4″
away from the edges, to secure all layers together before applying the
fold over elastic (FOE). This keeps the layers from slipping around while
sewing the FOE.

Step 4: Applying Fold Over Elastic

(Hint: If you do not have a snap press, you might want to
skip to step 5 before completing step 4, since using something such as
a snapsetter can be difficult around where FOE is sewn due to the thickness)

Using a wide zig-zag stitch, apply the FOE to the edges
of the /Trainers, stretching the elastic fully in the back and around the
legs, and gently in the front. Do not stretch the FOE on the sides where
the snaps will later go.

To turn the corners nicely, stitch to about 1/8″
from the edge of the side, then leaving the needle down and to the right
side, turn, then gently push the elastic into place around the corner
- it will pucker some now, but once stitched will lay flat.

Step 5: Applying Snaps

Mark your snap placement using the pattern as a reference,
and place your snaps. This sample is slightly different than the pattern
is marked, having 3 snaps in 2 rows on each front tab, with 3 snaps on
each back tab.

All Finished!