Training Undies – Sewing Pattern

DIY Elimination Communication Training Undies Pattern Guide

Fabric

Light colours are perfect as you can then see if they are wet, and swap straight away.

Best fabric options:

• 100% cotton interlock
• Jersey
• A combination with hemp or bamboo

You want some stretch to it, but don’t need lots, as that’s what the fold over elastic is for.

You can add waterproofing to the outside. Simple nylon is fine, but I find full waterproofing defies the purpose, as you want to be able to see when they have wet. Hence just a little bit of waterproofing the same size as the soaker pad works well as it slows down from leaking out, but you can still see if they have wet.

Size

Approx from 3 to 6 months through to 2+ years.

Depends how thin your child is. This pattern suited our thin, long babies, so this might need to be adjusted for chunkier babies.

Absorbency

I found that these were enough for one pee (or poo) and wouldn’t leak much.

With a small amount of waterproofing, usually nothing leaked.

They do need to be changed with every wetting.

Cutting

I found the best was:

• 2 layers of the full outer
• 2 layers of the extra soaker layer
• An optional waterproofing layer the same size as the soaker

Have a play with what works for you.

For boys: Extend the soaker further up the front.

Sewing

Should be straightforward.

I find overlocking the edges together before adding the fold over elastic is ideal as it stops it all from running.

If you want it to look extra pretty, put the soaker between the two full layers rather than up against your baby’s skin.

Sew the soaker to one layer of the trainer before adding the elastic to avoid bunching after washing.

Elastic

The easiest way is to measure around your baby.

You want it tight, but not too tight.

The fabric will stretch elastic out a bit, so you will need less than you think is likely.

The elastic also helps keep any accidents from leaking.

Fold over elastic stretches a lot when you sew it on, so make the elastic at least a good 10% shorter than the measurement.

How to Wear

Winter

• Wear with long socks.
• Wear with leg warmers.
• Wear with stretch pants over the top if it’s cold.

Summer

• Wear as is.

If we then went out, we would swap the undies out for a cloth nappy.

Share Your Photos

Don’t forget to share your pictures with us at @eliminationcommunicationbabiessupport