Diaper Tricycle Tutorial

I finally took the time to make a diaper tricycle and take pictures of the steps along the way.

To begin, I use 15 (size one or two) diapers for each back wheel and 25 diapers for the front wheel. Roll one diaper up into a fairly tight roll. Then start layering the other diapers around the spacing the ends out to make the tread for the wheels. Secure with rubber bands to hold in place.

I have done this enough to have the top of the last diaper meet the bottom of a previous one. As a type A gal, I like that the orderliness of this. Use as many rubber bands as you need to keep the circle going. I think I use about three. In the end you will cover them up with pretty ribbon.

There may be a better way to secure the ribbon around each wheel but I prefer to do so with a safety pin. I personally can never find one when I need one around here so I like the usability of the pins in the final product. The wheels will be strategically placed to hide all our secrets. Rinse and repeat with the 25 diapers to create the front wheel. Once the wheels are assembled, poke your fingers through to create an opening.

I think the most fun part of this project is mixing and matching the accessories to create the trike. You will need two cotton receiving blankets (the stiffer the better), two bibs, one bottle, and a pair of coordinating socks. Individually roll up the blankets as tightly as you can. These will become what holds the trike together. Then insert one blanket through the front wheel.

Place the back wheels on either side of the front wheel. I like for the treads of my back wheel to face backwards and the front to run forward. Thread the blanket from the front wheel into the outside back wheels. Pull together tightly and secure (again I use a safety pin). Then I slide the blanket around so the pinned part is hidden inside one of the back wheels.

Next thread the other rolled blanket evenly through the front wheel. Place a bib over the front wheel to create the fender. I like to tuck my bib around to the back for added interest. Place the other bib over the back of the trike to create the seat.

If the bib is large enough I like to fasten the seat bib through the front wheel . If not I just tuck so that it is secure and orderly. Place a bottle on top of the front bib, pull up the second blanket to create bunny ears and secure with a rubber band. Work with the blanket to get the handles just right. It may take a bit for gravity to help the handle bars lay down the way you want them.

Finally add the finishing touches! Conceal the rubber band at the handle bars with a ribbon tied into a pretty bow. Use the socks on each end of the handle bars to create grippers (aren't they adorable?).

Then fluff and adjust until you get it just the way you want it.

 For a beautiful presentation, wrap with tulle and tie with a coordinating ribbon. You'll have everyone oohing and ahhing over your skills at the shower!

I hope this helps you create gifts for your friends and family. If you decide to craft one (or twelve) please shoot me a picture of how it turns out! If you are crafty challenged or just don't have the time for a project like this you can order one from me and I'll ship to you or the gift recipient!

Happy crafting!

~Southern Fried Gal

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