Diapers, or nappies, are usually made from a combination of plastic and cotton. According to estimates, the average baby uses 6,000 diapers before starting potty training. Before the invention of disposable diapers a few decades ago, most families used reusable cloth diapers. Usually they buy or make their own. Today, cloth diapers are becoming popular again because they can be used many times so they can save money. You can find many patterns for making cloth diapers, from very simple designs to complex ones and with some cloth, a sewing machine and a little time, you can make your own cloth diapers.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Making Inserts for Cloth Diapers
Step 1. Prepare the materials needed
Making cloth diapers is not difficult, but you will need special tools and materials to do it. Here are the supplies needed to make cloth diapers:
- Flannel
- Microfiber towel
- Precision knife
- Cutting mat
- Sewing machine
- Overlock machine (optional)
Step 2. Cut the flannel to the same size as the microfiber towel
Place a sheet of microfiber towel on top of the flannel. Then, cut the flannel so that it is the same size as a microfiber towel. You will need two layers of flannel to lay on each side of the microfiber towel. So, cut two pieces of flannel.
Step 3. Arrange the ingredients in a stack
Next, place a piece of flannel with the motif facing down. Then, place three layers of microfiber towels on top of the flannel. Finally, place another piece of flannel on top of the towel pile and make sure the pattern is facing up.
Pin the pins in several places to prevent the fabric from shifting as you sew. Make sure the pin goes through all the layers of the fabric
Step 4. Sew all layers of fabric
The next step is to sew all the layers of fabric that you just joined with a pin. Sew a few parallel lines across the fabric to hold it together. Try to sew slowly so that there are no bulging or uneven parts of the fabric.
- Be sure to avoid the seams on the towels. This part is very thick and can break the needle if you try to sew it.
- Remove the pin as you sew.
Step 5. Cut the outer edges of the towel and flannel
Sewing needles can break if you sew through a thick seam. To prevent this from happening, trim the edges of the microfiber towel and flannel.
- Use a cutting mat and precision knife to remove these edges.
- You can also use a ruler or other straight object to make sure the piece of fabric is straight.
Step 6. Measure and cut the fabric into 10 cm pieces
Use a ruler to properly measure the width of the strip of fabric. Then, cut the fabric into several pieces. You can get three strips of fabric 10 cm wide per box. Each of these pieces will be used as a diaper insert.
Step 7. Scrape the outer edge of the fabric piece
It is important to sew the edges of the fabric or sew it with a zigzag stitch to prevent the fabric fibers from unraveling so that the diaper lasts longer. Take each piece of fabric, then sew or sew with a zigzag stitch (if you don't have a sewing machine) one at a time.
If you already have cloth diapers and only need inserts, your job is done! However, if you need an outer layer of the diaper, you should proceed to the next step
Part 2 of 4: Cutting and Sewing Cloth Outer Diaper
Step 1. Choose a fabric
Flannel diapers are popular because they are soft, but you can also opt for a soft terry, twill, or jersey fabric or a cotton blend. You will need fabric for the outside and the inside. So, buy at least 1 meter for each.
To save money, you can use an old flannel or shirt instead of buying a new one
Step 2. Look for the pattern, then print it
You can search the internet with the keyword “cloth diaper pattern”. There are many free patterns for you to choose from. However, you can also purchase cloth diaper patterns if you prefer. The diaper pattern will look like a large skein of yarn or an hourglass.
You can also make your own patterns by buying cloth diapers and tracing them onto heavy paper, such as brown meat wrapping paper
Step 3. Draw the pattern on the fabric
Use a light marker or sewing chalk to draw the pattern, then cut the fabric. Repeat this step until you have two diaper-shaped fabrics; one for the outside and one for the inside.
Step 4. Place one insert in the middle of one of the cloth diapers
Arrange the fluid-absorbing pad in the middle of the cloth so that it extends from one end of the diaper to the other. Then, put the other cloth diaper on it. Pin the pins to the diaper lining to keep it from sliding.
Step 5. Align all the edges of the fabric
Pin the pins along the edges of the diaper lining and in the absorbent pads. Make sure all the edges of the fabric are aligned.
Part 3 of 4: Sewing All Diaper Layers
Step 1. Sew the absorbent pad onto the fabric
Take the cloth diaper to the sewing machine and begin sewing along the edge of the pad to hold it in place. Remove the pin as you sew.
Step 2. Sew the outside of the diaper
Next, sew the diaper with a straight stitch between 5 and 10 mm from the outer edge of the diaper lining and don't forget to turn off the seam with a back stitch at the end.
To keep the edges of the diaper neat, you can fold it while sewing, but this step is not absolute. You can leave a bit of material sticking out at the edges, this can provide even more protection against leaks
Step 3. Fold the diaper lengthwise
Mark the location where you want to attach the 1 cm wide elastic band. You will need to sew the elastic on the top of the back of the diaper and around the edges of the leg holes. The elastic should leave about 5 cm of space from each end of the diaper, both at the top and at the foot holes.
Step 4. Attach the elastic along the marked locations with the help of a pin
Line up the elastic with the straight stitches you just made on the leg holes and back of the diaper.
Step 5. Sew the elastic at the top with small straight stitches
After deciding on the location of the elastic, sew it with a zigzag stitch. Don't forget to turn off the stitches with a back stitch a few times.
- Make sure you sew the elastic a few times so that it sticks firmly.
- Don't forget to slightly tug on the elastic when sewing to get the desired level of tightness around the waist.
Step 6. Sew the elastic on the inner outer edge of the leg hole
Do not put an elastic on the bottom of the diaper that will later be pulled over the baby's tummy. The elastic will wrinkle the fabric once it's finished sewing.
When sewing the elastic, don't forget to pull it slightly to make sure it will crease the fabric around the feet and back of the diaper
Step 7. Cover the elastic
So that the rubber does not come into direct contact with the baby's skin, you will need to sew the third layer of the diaper. Align the third piece of fabric over the inside of the diaper and secure it with the pin. Once you're ready, sew the outer edge of the fabric, elastic, and another layer of fabric.
Make sure you pull on the elastic when sewing
Part 4 of 4: Adding Velcro
Step 1. Cut the velcro
Use velcro with a width of 4 cm. You will need velcro that is long enough to cover the outside of the front of the diaper. Then, cut two small squares of velcro from the opposite side (otherwise known as the hook side).
It would be better if you use the side of the hook as a long strip of velcro as this side can irritate baby's skin. Placing the side of the hook on the outer front of the diaper will reduce the chance of contact with the baby's skin
Step 2. Attach the velcro to the diaper and secure it with a pin
To keep the velcro from sliding, use a pin to secure it along the outside of the diaper. This section will be the front of the diaper.
Step 3. Sew the velcro
After attaching the velcro where you want it with the help of a pin, sew using a zigzag stitch along the edges. Remove the pin when sewing.
Don't forget to turn off the stitches with a back stitch several times so that the Velcro sticks firmly
Step 4. Attach the two velcro boxes
Next, pin the two velcro squares on the inside of the top of the diaper using a pin. This is the back of the diaper that will be wrapped around the baby's waist and attached to the Velcro attached to the front of the diaper.
Step 5. Use a zigzag stitch to sew the square velcro along the edges
For the velcro to stick well, use the zigzag stitch again. Remove the pin when sewing.
Turn the seam with a back stitch a few times to make sure the velcro sticks firmly in place
Step 6. Use this diaper when baby needs it
Your work is now done and the diaper is ready for use when baby needs it!
Tips
- If you want to give it an extra touch, make an extra hem about 1cm on the outside after you've turned the diaper so the inside is outside.
- You will need plastic pants to prevent leaks and stains on your child's clothes.
