Sewing Ideas For Embellishing Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers can save a family money because they get used repeatedly. Because they are used many times before a child is ready for toilet training, you may want to spice them up a little. Some types of cloth diapers are well-suited to several kinds of sewn-on embellishments. Others require special care when sewing on embellishments. But all kinds of cloth diapers can be made into works of art.
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Embellishing Flat Cloth Diapers
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Flat cloth diapers are simply single layers of cotton, with the raw edges serged or rolled to keep them from fraying. Make sure that all threads and embellishments can be laundered the same way the diaper will be laundered, or you may destroy your work in the wash. Test stitches on a flat cloth diaper to make sure the needle and thread combination doesn't leave large holes in the fabric.
Use your sewing machine's decorative stitch functions for a basic embellishment, but place a small strip of stabilizer on the wrong side of the diaper to keep the stitches from puckering the fabric. Flat cloth diapers can also be edged in satin ribbon, embellished with top-stitching or pin tucks. Raw edges can be over-locked with a contrasting thread.
Embellishing Pre-Folds
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Pre-folds are flat cloth diapers that are folded and stitched down the middle so that they are thicker in the center. They can be embellished in the same ways as cloth diapers, but the greater thickness in the center may make for skipped stitches if the thread or needle combination is not appropriate for the thicker portion. You can use different types of embellishments for the thinner sides to avoid this problem. The thicker center of the pre-fold is a good spot for embroidery or applique. Use a stabilizer when using applique to keep it from curling or puckering the fabric.
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Embellishing Fitted Diapers
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Fitted diapers are shaped to fit around the legs, and may be fastened with pins or have hook and loop tape or snaps to fasten them. Fitted diapers often have elastic around the leg openings. They are often thicker in the middle, but they may have a space to insert an absorbent pad. Remove any absorbent padding before working on a fitted diaper. The back part of a fitted diaper is a good spot for applique or embroidery. The tabs that fasten at the top of the legs is a good spot for small applique or decorative bows. Feel the tab to make sure that you won't be sewing through a fastener part before applying embellishments.
Embellishing All-in-One Diapers
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All-in-one diapers are fitted diapers with a waterproof outer shell, and the material used for the outer shell is usually made of PUL, a laminate fabric. Sewing with PUL creates permanent holes in the fabric, so decorative stitches and embroidery are not recommended. The best way to prevent leaks when embellishing PUL is to attach embellishments with snaps or hook and loop tape, or to embellish the side tabs, which do not normally get wet or soiled with use.
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References
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