3. Wipe-Clean Oilcloth Mat
Some seasons of babyhood are messier than others, and during those months a fabric mat that needs laundering every other day gets old fast. Oilcloth — or its softer cousin, laminated cotton — gives you a surface you can wipe down with a damp cloth in seconds.
Materials: A piece of oilcloth or laminated cotton slightly larger than your playpen base, a thin cotton backing fabric, double-fold bias binding, and a sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle. A Teflon or roller foot helps the slick fabric feed evenly.
Sew the oilcloth to the backing fabric right sides together, leaving a gap for turning. Turn it, press the opening closed, and topstitch around the perimeter. Then bind the edges for a finished look, or skip the binding if you’re happy with a simple turned edge.
Time: About 45 minutes. Difficulty: Beginner.
This style shines in a playpen that doubles as a snack station or a diaper-change spot. Choose a small-scale print — tiny dots, checks, or a subtle botanical — since large motifs get lost once the mat is on the floor. Wipe it with a mild soap solution rather than harsh sprays, and never put oilcloth in the dryer.