Somewhat waterproof trainers (on the cheap) tutorial

Over the past few weeks I’ve been trying to come up with some trainers that DC could use while out and about.  I wanted it to be somewhat waterproof, wanted it to dry quickly, and I didn’t want to spend lots of money buying materials.  I think I’ve finally come up with something that works well for us so I decided to create a tute.  Admittedly, these trainers aren’t super cute and they are a bit jury-rigged . . . but I was really going for cheap and functional here.  I didn’t create the patterns, I’m not that skilled!  So I’ve been using these patterns with modifications.  Let’s get started!

not the greatest shot, but my LO kept running away!

These trainers will hold a fair amount of pee.  They will wick in the legs since the legband is not waterproof, so eventually the outside of the trainer will be wet, too.  This means you’ll want to use wool or fleece longies/shorties.  I haven’t found this to be a problem, though, since I offer DC frequent potty stops when we are out and about.

Materials needed

• fabric for the main body – I use old t-shirts
• flannel for the soaker
• waterproof material – I use those disposable, plastic-like tablecloths that come in every color of the rainbow and you can get them at dollar stores or party stores.  You  can also use old shower curtains.
• stretchy material – I used an old maternity shirt (96% cotton, 4% lycra = stretch in both directions) (you could also use fleece)
• snaps  – I use snaps I’ve saved from cut-up onesies.  You could also probably use the inexpensive metal snaps from JoAnn’s.

Pattern pieces– This pattern fits my 22 month old (26 lbs, 18 inch waist, 11 inch thighs, 14 inch rise)

• main undies/body piece – cut 2 of t-shirt material – I used this pattern, size L modified to fit my LO
• soaker – cut 4 layers of flannel – I used this pattern, size XL – modified to fit the shape of the body
• side pieces – cut two each for front and back of cotton interlock (this is optional – I like to add a bit of stretchiness to the sides of the trainers, makes it easier to get on and off)
  • to make the pattern – decide how much stretchiness you want  (I added 1″ to both the front and back)
  • the rest is simple to do, but tricky to explain, so I’m attaching a quick video on how to do it.

From mostly waterproof trainers

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• waistband – cut one of stretchy – I used this pattern, size M
• leg bands – cut two of stretchy – used the same pattern as for the waistband, halfway between S and M

Sewing directions – I sewed this on a sewing machine, no serger needed=)  All seam allowances are 1/4″

• cut out and mark your pattern pieces

Here are all of the pattern pieces cut out

Preparing the soaker

1. sew the soaker by using a straight stitch ¼ inch from the edge, then do a wide, closely spaced zigzag (you’ll need to increase the tension for the zigzag stitch)
2. using a chalk pencil, mark the lines for the channels (two lines following the outline of the soaker and three straight lines in the middle)  (I’d like to think this helps channel the pee=))
3. sew on the snaps

Sewing the body

1. sew the snaps to one of the t-shirt pieces (the inner layer) (PIC)
2. now switch to a ballpoint needle – sew the side pieces to the other t-shirt piece (the outer layer)
   

   Of course, I sewed the side pieces on the wrong t-shirt piece. The snaps and the side pieces should NOT be on the same piece.

3. finger press the seam allowance toward the side piece and secure the seam allowance with a zigzag stitch
4. layer the body pieces in this order:  outer layer wrong side up, waterproof layer, inner layer right side up (use a glue stick to secure the waterproof layer to the t-shirt)
   

   So since I did the sides wrong, you'll just have to pretend that the snaps are on that top layer. =(

5. sew inner layer edges with zigzag or straight stitch
   

   I used a straight stitch here . . . . I'm now using a zigzag since I think it looks better.

Sewing the leg bands onto the body

1. fold leg band in half, WST lengthwise
2. match up the center of the  leg band with the mark on the body and pin horizontally, this will minimize the amount of holes in the plastic material.
3. now stretch the leg band to fit and sew

Sewing the waistband

1. fold the body, RST and sew up the sides – turn right side out
2. fold the waistband in half, RST and sew
3. turn so the waistband is right side out and the raw edges are lined up
4. mark the both the waistband and the waist of undies in quarters with pins
5. match up the pins, stretching the waistband, then sew the waistband on (be sure not to stretch the side pieces!)
6. flip up the waistband

That’s it!  You are done!  Snap the soaker into the undies and they are ready to go.  I’ve found it easier to snap the soaker in with the trainer turned inside out, then flipping it the correct way.