How to Make a Fitted Cloth Diaper out of a Prefold

Cloth diapers can last the duration of your child's years in diapers.

Cloth diapering is both environmentally friendly and economical, but many of the diapers can be expensive when you're just starting out. Sewing your own diapers will allow you to build a useful and adequate stash of diapers for your child that will last until potty training. Cloth diapers can be used for more than one child and can save a parent thousands of dollars. The most common type is a prefold or a fitted diaper, and both require waterproof covers to keep baby's clothing dry. Prefold diapers consist of squares of cotton that have been layered in the center for extra absorbency. Fitted diapers are often made out of the same material, but are cut in the shape of a regular diaper and often fastened beneath the diaper cover with hook-and-loop closures such as Velcro or snaps.

Things You'll Need

• Prefold diaper
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Newspaper, one sheet
• 1/4 in. elastic, 6 in. long
• 1 in.- x 3 in.-wide hook-and-loop closure
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Trace around a disposable diaper on a sheet of newspaper. Cut your prefold diaper according to your new pattern. The best prefold diapers to use are made from cotton. Look for prefolds that are diaper-service quality or DSQ.

2. Zigzag stitch around the edge of your diaper. Zigzagging makes the seam much stronger than the traditional stitch and durability should be a factor. Babies and children do not stay still and you want your diapers to last at least two years. Because the stitching on your new fitted diaper will be exposed you need it to be as sturdy as possible. Use a serger if you have one.

3. Add elastic and fastener. Elastic on a fitted diaper should rest around a baby's leg. Cut a piece about two and a half inches long. Sew the end of the piece to the edge of the diaper, around the inside curve of the leg, approximately three inches from the start of the curve. Stretch the elastic until the other end reaches about three inches from the end of the curve. Sew that end in place. Pull the diaper so that the elastic stretches. Sew the elastic in place around the rest of the curve. This will create the gussets that keep messes in.

Tips & Warnings

• Prefolds are often white or tan in color. For gender-specific diapers, cover your diaper with material cut from an old flannel or fleece baby blanket in baby prints.

• Both fitted diapers and prefolds need waterproof covers to keep your baby's clothing dry.

References

• Sew Your Own Diapers Cloth Diaper Patterns and Resources: Pre-Fold to Fitted
• Cloth Diapers Made Easy: How to Make a Fitted Diaper from a Prefold