How to Make a Nappy

Cotton nappies, or diapers, provide an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable diapers. Cotton diaper services are available, and you can also sew your own diapers using old fabric, clothing and towels. Cotton diapers provide babies with a soft layer and a thicker and absorbent soaker panel in the diaper construction provides additional protection against leaks. Cotton diapers can be easily cleaned and washed for continued use.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two cotton fabric squares (each 13.5 inches by 15 inches) Absorbent cotton terry strip (4.5 inches by 15 inches) Tailor pins Sewing machine Scissors

1. Lay one cotton square on a flat surface. Position the terry strip (soaker strip) in the center third of the square.

2. Place the second cotton square on top of the two pieces. Secure the center soaker strip to the top and bottom pieces with pins to form a guide line for sewing. Pin all four sides of the larger fabric pieces, forming a guideline of pins for sewing.

3. Sew the center soaker in place following the guidelines formed by the pins. Remove the pins.

4. Sew the sides of the larger cloths cloths using a serger stitch on your sewing machine to create a finished edge. Remove the pins.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a printed cloth for the bottom square and a white cloth for the top square. Use colored thread for finishing the edges.
• Preshrink your fabric, if needed. Use soft, cotton fabric to avoid irritation against your baby's skin and for easier washing.

References

• Sewing Cloth Diapers: Flats and Prefolds
• Diaper Sewing: Pre-Fold Diaper

Resources

• Newswire.com: Cloth Diapers Make Huge Comeback