How to Top Stitch Diapers

Sew your own cloth diapers.

Cloth diapers are an option many families today choose in order to save money. In an effort to add to their savings, many people choose to make there own cloth diapers rather than purchasing them. Making your own cloth diapers is very easy. A simple top stitch around the edges of the diaper to keep the fabric from fraying, and they are ready to use.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton broadcloth pre-cut into the diaper pattern of your choice
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Ironing board and iron
• Ruler/measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Fabric pencil

Instructions

1. Set up your iron and ironing board. Turn the iron on to the cotton setting, or the appropriate setting for the cloth you are using if you are not using cotton. As it heats up, prepare your fabric for ironing.

2. Measure a 1/4-inch hem around the outside edges of the diaper and mark with a fabric pencil or straight pins. Mark another line 1/4-inch inside the first line, so the total hem length is 1/2 inch.

3. Fold the hem at the first 1/4-inch line. Pin in place. Iron the folded hem and repeat the folding so the folded edge is even with the second line. Fold corners at an angle and tuck them under adjacent the hem. Re-pin and iron the hem again. You should now have a double folded hem.

4. Thread your sewing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the hem under the presser foot so the outside edge of the hem is flush with the edge of the presser foot.

5. Adjust the stitch on the machine to a length suitable for your fabric if you are using fabric other than cotton broadcloth. The stitch length for cotton broadcloth is 2.0.

6. Sew down the length of the hem, keeping the edge of the presser foot even with the edge of the fabric. Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and end of each hem length. Cut loose strands of thread when you are finished sewing.

Tips & Warnings

• To make sure corners do not pull apart you may want to back stitch at each corner.

• If the corners are too thick, cut the extra fabric off the folded piece before tucking it under the adjacent hem.

• If the thread is not tight enough you need to adjust the tension (see your machine's owner's manual) or the seams will pull apart easily.

References

• "Fabric Savvy: The Essential Guide for Every Sewer", Sandra Betzina, 1999
• "Threads Sewing Guide: A Complete Reference Guide from America's Best Loved Sewing Magazine", Threads Magazine, 2011