AIO Cloth Diaper- Trial Attempt, Advice Please?

[elizabethsmommy]

So,  I had my almost three year old test fit the trial pair of AIO cloth diapers I made. I used the tutorial at http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/images/Wee%20Weka%20SML%20Fitted%20SM%20Pocket.pdf.

It definately appears that this pattern can be used from infant up until 2 years old. Fortunately my daughter who weighs about 33lbs in potty trained for the most part and doesn't use diapers anymore, but her sister who is due in June will and I'm ready to try cloth diapers. (We used training pants with my 3yr old and I liked that).

I want to make both the AIO and the Pocket Diaper (which you can do with this one pattern). However, I have a few questions for those who use or who have made cloth diapers.

1. Should I top stitch around the entire diaper?

In this test diaper I used nylon ripstop fabric for what will be the PUL layer and then I used fleece for the soaker pad and the inner lining.

2. What is the best type of fabric to use for the soaker fabric and the inner lining? Should they be different?

3. Would it be better to make a fold-out soaker than a sew-in soaker pad?

4. Should the back of the pattern, where it meets around the back, have elastic as well so that on the smaller size I get a better fit?

5. Also, on the leg elastic should I sew it directly onto the fabric or should I make a pocket and attach it at each end?

Thanks for all your help in advance. I will be making the real thing soon, and I plan on using snaps instead of elastic.

[happyfrog]

lloks nice.

keep back elastic.  will hold in poop explosions.

rip stop will actually work as waterproof barrier but is likely to have compression leaks.  a small spray of waterproofing spray will help - find that in camping aisle.

hth.

nice job!

bettyann
mommy to 3 in dipes

[BossyLibraryLady]

Looking good! I wish my first home-made nappy had turned out that well...

1. Should I top stitch around the entire diaper?

Nah. It's not really necessary and can cause leakage.

2. What is the best type of fabric to use for the soaker fabric and the inner lining? Should they be different?

For the soaker, I recommend hemp or bamboo; they're much more absorbent than cotton and have natural anti-bacterial properties; if you want a bit of extra absorbency without too much bulk, add a layer of microfibre; on its own it's prone to compression leaks, but paired with a natural fibre it's fantastic. The lining needs to be made out of something non-absorbent like microfleece or suedecloth; this allows the moisture to pass through to the absorbent layers whilst keeping bub reasonably dry.

3. Would it be better to make a fold-out soaker than a sew-in soaker pad?

If drying time is an issue, then yes. I have always preferred pockets to AIOs because you can pull the stuffing out and the outer will dry in an insanely short period of time (at least if you're in Australia and it's the middle of Summer, lol!)

4. Should the back of the pattern, where it meets around the back, have elastic as well so that on the smaller size I get a better fit?

Elastic at the back is very, very good at reducing blow-outs. Ever used cheap disposables that aren't gathered at the back? It isn't pretty. 

5. Also, on the leg elastic should I sew it directly onto the fabric or should I make a pocket and attach it at each end?

I sewed the elastic directly to the seam allowance rather than the body of the nappy (if that makes sense). It gives a good fit while being gentle on bub's skin.

[AbbyRose]

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Ya, what she said

Just a couple tips from experience: It is very important to use 100% polyester thread on all aio's or pocket diapers. And I've heard that putting the diapers in the dryer before first use help to tighten up the holes caused by stitching.

Very good job for your first diaper

[nikschaf]

Hi,

I am brand new to Crafster.  (First post -- I actually registered just so I could respond to your question!)

I wanted to let you know the very very best resource for all diaper sewing questions is Diaper Sewing Divas.  Here's a link: http://diaperdivas.proboards.com/index.cgi?  You have to register as a user to access the boards, but it is well worth it.  I was quite active over there for a long time, but now that DS is nearing potty training, I haven't really been going there much.  Any question you can imagine, the divas can help you with.

With cloth diapers, everyone has different preferences, so it can get confusing.  10 people will give you 10 different answers, so it takes trial and error to find your preferences.

For me, I probably wouldn't use rip-stop as an outer.  I think you'll get a lock of moisture wicking out with that, even with the waterproof spray.  Nylon isn't really meant to go in the dryer, and most folks like the option of machine drying their dipes as opposed to always hanging them out.  A lot of folks use PUL for all-in-one pockets.  I use polar fleece as an outer lot, and you can still get compression wicking with that, but it's really breathable and nice for summer.  We tend to use PUL covers (proraps) with separate cloth diapers underneath.  You also might want to make some with a stay-dry inner, such as suedecloth or crushed panne velour, but others with a natural inner, like cotton or bamboo, since some babes are sensitive to one or the other.  My absolute favorite material to use for the absorbant soaker is cotton birdseye -- SUPER trim and absorbant.

Anyway, long-winded response, but my main point was to put you in touch with the Diaper Sewing Divas board -- I found it to be a HUGE help when I first started sewing dipes.

Good luck!

[elizabethsmommy]

WOW! Thank you to all who responded. Your input was very much appreciatd and needed I hope that the hemp and bamboo is something I can buy at the local fabric store. I had to buy the PUL online, but I got a gift card I want to use! I'm so excited to sew my first pair, my first REAL pair and start using them. I am so grateful to this site and to you fellow craftsters- without you this wouldn't be possible! Best wishes, Sarah

[nikschaf]

Just wanted to add, you'll want to use the link I provided to Diaper Sewing Divas.  If you try to Google "diaper sewing divas" you might wind up finding some very disturbing adult diaper fetish sites.  Ask me how I know...

[dcsharpe]

I second DSD! It is an invaluable resource of mommas who love to help. I learned soooo much there that I was able to teach others about all I had learned. It is a forum just like craftster only it is all about diapers Have fun!
Donna S