How to Make Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapering is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable diapers, which are expensive and can be wasteful. However, the start-up cost for cloth diapers can be staggering. Making your own cloth diapers is an excellent alternative to buying them. Read on to learn how to make cloth diapers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine
• Fabric serger
• Pattern
• Fabric
• Thread
• Elastic
• Snaps and closures

1. Choose a style. This may be determined by your budget alone. All-in-one (AIO) diapers are considered the most convenient as no pins or covers are needed, but pre-folds and covers are the most economical. You may find you have a preference for fitted diapers, for example, and choose to sew those.

2. Pick a pattern. Look for free cloth-diapering patterns on the Internet on sites such as The Diaper Jungle and Sew Diapers Community Forum. There are also cloth diaper patterns available for purchase on sites such as New Conceptions and eBay.

3. Choose fabrics. You can use designer fabrics if your budget allows or choose bargain fabrics from clearance sales. Flannel and absorbent cotton are both great for diapers. Fleece can be used for water-resistant diaper covers. You will also need PUL or waterproof fabric if you are making AIO diapers. Consult your pattern for suggested fabrics. Look for organic hemp fabric at Enviro Textiles.

4. Cut fabric to make cloth diapers, using the pattern. Cut several diapers at once by stacking fabric pieces.

5. Sew the diapers, following the pattern instructions. Serge all edges. Use high-quality thread to maximize the life of your diapers.

6. Attach elastic, APLIX Velcro, snaps or other closures as per the pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Save money and recycle by using flannel sheets, used wool sweaters and worn terrycloth towels to make cloth diapers, diaper doublers and wool diaper covers. Cut your pattern from these items instead of new fabrics.
• Follow the pattern carefully the first several times, experimenting for your baby's particular fit only after trying the pattern in its original form.

Resources

• Diaper Sewing Patterns, Instructions and Resources
• Free Cloth Diaper Patterns
• Cloth Diaper Patterns for Sale
• Frugal Cloth Diaper Instructions and Patterns
• Hemp and Organic Fabric at Enviro Textiles

[CrunchyMama]

on 4/23/2008 *You don't necessarily need to serge the edges of your diapers. I never have and I've never had problems. It will depend on how heavily your fabric frays.
*Use polyester thread to prevent wicking
*TouchTape is an excellent alternative to Aplix. It typically costs less, and it holds more tightly in the wash, preventing "diapers chains" when all you velcro gets stuck together!
*If you are making AIO or pocket diapers, you can substitute a high-quality fleece (malden mills is the best for diapers) instead of PUL. Some people have had good luck using two layers of microfleece instead of PUL or more expensive fleece.
*If you want a "stay dry" feel on the inside of the diaper, use a synthetic material like poly fleece or poly suedecloth. The liquid wicks through the lining layer to the absorbent inner, leaving baby's skin feeling (fairly) dry.