| Author | |
dollylima
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 31 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 149
|
| Posted: Jan 14 2008 at 9:13am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Im hoping to do some DIY cloth diapering and want to start making them now. I have about a dozen cloth pre-folds left over from when my son (now almost 8 years old) was born, but no covers. I have limited sewing skills and want to "do it right" the first time as opposed to sort of mish-mashing my own ideas together with some that Ive seen online, because I cant afford a lot of experimentation right now.
There are so many types out there -- the all-in-ones, the wool pull-on soakers...Im not even sure how they all work.
Im wondering if anyone here has done their cloth diapering strictly DIY and what types of diapers and covers you ended up using. Id hate to make a bunch of covers and find out Im not using the right inner diapers, etc etc...
I have read that organic cotton absorbs way better than non-organic, but I was hoping to use up all the cotton flannel I have (bolts and bolts) to make the actual diapers. I used the flannel to make DIY menstrual pads and they work just fine for that, but Im wondering how absorbent the flannel is when it comes to urine.
Im almost tempted to buy some "seconds" All-in-one diapers I saw online...they were a great deal, but still hundreds of dollars when if I can use materials I already have at home and make the wool soakers from sweaters from the thrift store, I feel like I really should do that or at least give it a try first.
Im envisioning myself having all these diapers that dont absorb and a wet baby with rashes all the time.
I have a talent for awfulizing, apparently.
Any advice or experience is most welcome.
Thanks for indulging me!
Heather
__________________
Heather
instantkiwi
Wife to Tim
Mama to Ian 2/27/00
Mama to MaryElise 7/22/08
Step-mom to Abby, Logan and Luke
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Lisbet
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2006
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2706
|
| Posted: Jan 14 2008 at 11:18am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I am not a total DIY'er, but I have made many diapers/wipes/covers over the past 13 years. I have made my own prefolds with thrifted baby blankets and towels. I use the towels for the soaker center. Old diapers also make good soaker centers for new diapers. If you can knit or crochet, you can whip up a wook soaker in about 2 days.
__________________
Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
8kids4me
Forum Pro
Joined: May 03 2006
Location: New York
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 328
|
| Posted: Jan 14 2008 at 11:10pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I always used flannel to make diapers. They were very soft and absorbent.
__________________
Cindy B, mama to 8 great kids, and 5 grandbabies!
http://www.magnolialane.wordpress.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Stephanie_Q
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 25 2007
Location: Nebraska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 479
|
| Posted: Jan 15 2008 at 7:40pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
This may seem kind of strange, but I use flannel receiving blankets like "flat" diapers. I just fold one in 1/2, in 1/2 again, then in thirds and lay it in a medium Bummis Super Whisper Wrap. I sometimes add a single layer of fleece for a moisture barrier/solid catcher. It's more trim-fitting than cloth pre-folds, absorbent (12 layers!), and super easy to wash thoroughly and dry quickly. I was using cotton flannel/microfiber fitted diapers for my NB, but when he outgrew those, I figured out that this was the best diapering system for us - and a Medium SWW fits for a long time...
I don't know much about sewing, but would like to think that you could just serge the edges of a large square of your flannel just like a basic flannel receiving blanket...
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
8kids4me
Forum Pro
Joined: May 03 2006
Location: New York
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 328
|
| Posted: Jan 16 2008 at 7:43am | IP Logged
|
|
|
That was what I did in my diapering days. I bought diaper flannel, ripped into the size sheets I needed, then serged the edges. I could fold for whatever size baby I had at the time, and they sat nicely in their Nikkis.
__________________
Cindy B, mama to 8 great kids, and 5 grandbabies!
http://www.magnolialane.wordpress.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
asplendidtime
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 14 2005
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 744
|
| Posted: Jan 16 2008 at 9:15am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I did what everyone else has done...  How we diapered Brad for free
So nothing really new to add, but you can look at this link, she teaches you how you can make a wool soaker with a felted wool sweater to make a nice quality soaker. Bumsweater Instructions-no knit
More diaper making links!
I also bought plastic pants, you can get them at Walmart rather cheaply. To learn how to fold flats or prefolds!
Check out consignment stores or thrift stores to find some cast offs. That way you can try some things and get an idea of what you want. Or it can cheaply help you round out your stash while you try to assemble one.
__________________
Rebecca~Mama to
Noah 17,
Katie 16,
Mary 14,
Tim 13,
Jonah 12,
Josh 10,
Zoe 9,
Will 7,
Peter 6,
Laura-Mae 4,
Emily-Joy 2,
Genevieve & Gabriella 1
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
dollylima
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 31 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 149
|
| Posted: Jan 16 2008 at 12:16pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you, ladies. Im feeling really encouraged knowing others used flannel successfully and I believe I CAN DO THIS!!!
Heather
__________________
Heather
instantkiwi
Wife to Tim
Mama to Ian 2/27/00
Mama to MaryElise 7/22/08
Step-mom to Abby, Logan and Luke
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: DIY Cloth Diapering
