Changing Pad Cover Fabric Calculator
Calculate fabric needs for fitted changing pad covers. Standard sizes with elastic casing allowance.
Changing Pad Cover Sizes and Fabric Needs
Standard changing pads are 16" x 32" with a 2" depth. Contoured pads have the same footprint but deeper sides at 3". The formula is similar to a fitted crib sheet: add twice the depth for the sides plus 3 inches for the elastic casing on each dimension. For a standard pad, the cutting size comes out to about 23" x 39".
On 54" fabric, two changing pad covers fit side by side — so 1 yard of fabric gives you two covers. This makes it very economical to sew a set of covers in different patterns. I usually make three or four covers at once and rotate them.
Fabric and Elastic Tips
Cotton quilting fabric is my favorite for changing pad covers. It comes in endless patterns, washes well, and is the right weight. For the elastic, I use 1/4" or 3/8" wide elastic. You need about 90 inches of elastic for a standard pad — the entire perimeter plus a little overlap. Sew the casing, thread the elastic through, and you are done.
You Might Also Need
Complete your nursery sewing with these guides:
- Crib Sheet Fabric Yardage — matching crib sheets for the nursery set
- Baby Blanket Fabric Yardage — blanket fabric for the changing table area
- Baby Clothes Fabric Yardage — fabric for newborn outfits