I remember when I first told family members that we were going to cloth diaper. Most people thought I was nuts for wanting to take them on, but then again most people I know in real life like convenience, so cloth was never something they had even given thought to. Some of the older members were on board for the simple fact that they had cloth diapered and knew how much of a money saver they could be. They filled me with stories of hand washing, poking babies with pins and scrubbing for stains. I tried to explain to them that cloth diapering had come a long way, but until I was able to actually show them Natalia’s diapers, most people couldn’t even visualize a modern cloth diaper.
My first batch of homemade diapers were using the Babyville Pattern. Although we still have some in rotation, I wasn’t 100% happy with them after learning more about the fabric choices that are out there for diapers and what works best for our toddler. First, those called for a flannel inner and considering that they were pocket style, the flannel became pilly after washing and isn’t as soft as I’d like it to be right up against baby’s skin. I’ve also moved away from PUL since I look for something with a little more breathability to keep rashes at bay. I’ve made other diapers since then and learned along the way what I did and didn’t like.
As easy as cloth diapering is, it’s even easier to custom make your own stash and fill it with prints and fabrics that you not only love, but that will work well for your baby.
I decided to show the world just how easy it can be to make your own custom stash. After all, I’m in the middle of making an entire newborn stash for the little addition and trying to supplement and change out some of the diapers in Natalia’s stash as well. I use the same fabric combinations and same methods, but I do use different patterns. This tutorial will be specifically for newborn sized diapers, but like I said, the steps for actually creating it, are exactly the same that I use for the larger diapers.
*EDIT: 5/4/13 — You can see how my newborns ended up fitting in these photos.
Make your Own Cloth Diapers:
*The OS pattern is one I drafted myself. I’m hoping to offer it for free soon.
Outer print fabric- I use both wovens and knits.
Poly Fleece for hidden layer
Cotton velour for soft inner layer
1/4″ polybraid elastic
Size 20 Kam snaps and pliers
Cut out 1 diaper from outer, fleece, and inner fabrics. Mark for elastic stitching points and snap placement. I do this on the fleece layer, since I usually use white and it won’t be seen at the end.
Assembly:
Layer outer print fabric right side up on top of fleece.
Use snap pliers to apply snaps in marked positions across waist. Do not add the top center snap piece (where the cord snap-down area is).
This pattern has a single row of 8 total snaps across the front with the additional snap in the bottom center for the umbilical cord snap down.
Lay your inner fabric right side up and match with right side of your outer fabric. You’ll now see the fleece on the top layer with the back sides of the snaps and our markings.
Sew 1/2″ seam allowance and leave an opening of about 4″ at the tummy panel.
Adding Elastic:
I just want to start by saying there are different ways to do the elastic, but this is the method that works best for me and I think it’s pretty quick as well.
Tack one end of you elastic at the marked point. I ALWAYS tack mine down in the seam allowance. When I turn and top stitch later it makes for a cleaner finish and it’s easier for me to handle.
*I’m doing a leg elastic in these photos.
Hold down the tacked end and stretch elastic to other marked point for that elastic.
I then hold down the un-tacked down end and let the elastic relax.
Carefully stitch in place and be sure to go over the elastic multiple times so that it will stay put.
Once both ends are stitched down, clip the elastic and continue with the other leg and back elastic.
Once all your elastics are finished, your diaper will look like this. I also trim around the esges and leave the seam allowance area where my elastic is stitched down.
Finishing:
Using the opening we left in the tummy panel, turn the diaper right side out. Push out all the edges and kinda roll the seam in your fingers to get them to lay a little smoother.
Starting at the tummy panel (leaving the opening last to sew shut) top stitch around the edge of the diaper. When you get to where one of the elastics starts, stop your machine with needle in the down position. Turn so that you sew about 1/2″ into the diaper body and again, with needle down, turn diaper as seen below. This will create a casing for the elastic. Be sure to pull the elastic tight so that you don’t catch it while top stitching.
Repeat with back and other leg elastic. Finish by folding in tummy panel opening and top stitching shut.
Your stitching should look like this around the elastics once you’re finished.
Add your wing snaps and your top umbilical snap.
With wings and center snap done. =)
Inserts:
Using pattern piece for insert, cut 2-4 of bamboo fleece for each petal layer. (Each insert is 2 ‘petals’.)
Assemble your layers. My top one has 3 layers bamboo fleece. the one below that has 2 layers bamboo fleece and a top layer of soft cotton velour.
Using either a serger, or a wide zig zag stitch, sew all the way around each petal.
Add a snap to your bottom petal insert. This will snap it directly into the diaper and keep it from moving around while on baby.
Layer other petal directly on top and stitch around the top curve to secure the two together. Now there’s a ton of absorbency but it won’t take forever to dry in the laundry.
Add a snap socket to the back of the diaper. I center it and place about an 1 1/2″ below the back elastic. Snap in your insert and voila!
What a great tutorial. Pinned it.
I wish I could sew! This is so cool and they’re really cute!
Amazing tutorial! I bookmarked it! Thank you!
Lolli S
reinventing-lolli.blogspot.com
Great tutorial Kassie! Love the pictures.
i love it kass.. great job i read through it thoroughly and love love love!! good job.
Holy cow! This is the best tutorial I’ve seen for DIY cloth diapers. Great job. Totally pinning this.
omg tysm I think I can do this now!! thanks again!
do you need a cover? how “leak-proof” are these?
Wow, cool! I’ve wondered about makinh my own but wasn’t sure what fabrics to use or where to find them. Have you priced out what it costs to make your own, compared to buying diapers?
So cute! Would you mind sharing what pattern you used for the larger diaper? Is it the Rocket Bottoms OS fitted – or a different one? Thanks so much!
Love this tutorial! Thank you! Curious if the diapers end up being bulky on baby?
Can you give me specific outer layer fabric ideas? I am new to this and am clueless.
I’ve seen quilter’s cotton, flannel, minky, cotton knit (like t shirts)and I even saw a few brave people using lace! I personally like knit because it offers a little bit of stretch. =)