There are so many different cloth diapering systems out there. With all the AIO, pocket, AI2, hybrid, prefold, flat cover, fitted methods that are available it may be difficult to decide which ones you would like to mix into your own stash. If you’re like me then you’ve probably come to love certain fabrics over other for diapers as well. These two things are what led me to making a lot of my own diapers. I can mix and match the features I like from different diapers to make diapers that work well for my specific ladybug.
I’m hoping to be able to provide a tutorial every week for the next few weeks for making a different style of cloth diaper. The pattern & tutorial here are meant to make a basic pocket style cloth diaper and I’ll explain as we go where all your options are.
Easy Pocket Cloth Diaper Tutorial
Inner fabric –Popular options are velour, suedecloth, minkee and microfleece.
Outer fabric -PUL- You can buy this by the yard or get pre-packaged PUL from Babyville Boutique
–You can also choose to do a hidden PUL with a knit, minkee, or cotton outer print.
Elastic (Cut 2 of each)–I personally like 3/8″ width
NB: Back 4 1/2″ Leg 5″
SM & MD: Back 5″ Leg 5 1/2″
LG: Back 5 1/2″ – 6″ Leg 6″
1 1/2 inch Wide Aplix or Hook & Loop Tape (Velcro)
– (2) 1 1/2 inch of hook & loop for laundry tabs
– Loop tape for front of diaper — NB: 6 inch SM: 7 inch MD: 8 1/2 inch LG: 10 inch
—OR Plastic size 20 snaps & snap pliers
Sewing Machine & Supplies
Okayy..I haven’t quite mastered the whole downloading all pages in one doc (If you can walk me through it please email me!) =) So until then, you’ll have to download the individual pattern pieces.
Small: A & B
Medium: A, B & C
Large: A, B & C
Tape together where indicated. =)
Cut out 1 pattern piece in your lining fabric and PUL (also the outer fabric if you’re choosing that route). *For the rest of the tutorial I’m not going to mention the optional outer fabric but just keep it layered on top of the PUL.
Sew strip of velcro across the front on the outside of the PUL. (The non-shiny side)
Place fabrics right sides together and pin around edges. Because the PUL is waterproof you want to be very careful about keeping the pins along the very edge of the fabric. You want to keep the number of holes you have to poke to a minimum.
Sew 1/4″ around edges leaving back elastic flap open. For the tutorial diaper I used a PUL and a cotton velour fabric by request. I had to slow down quite a bit when I was sewing because the velour wanted to move around so much. I also found that if I faced my PUL up while sewing that the velour bunched less. On some machines you may need to use a piece of scotch tape on the presser foot to keep the PUL from sticking.
Use the X marks on the pattern to determine where to stitch your leg elastic. Only stitch the 3/8″ on the very ends.
The diaper will kind of bunch up like this when you lay it flat.
Turn right side out and your diaper will look like this. Don’t worry, you’re almost done and it’s starting to take shape as a diaper now. =)
Next thing you will want to do is fold the back elastic flap in and stitch in place. *If you’re using a fabric known for fraying, be sure to zig zag the rough edges before folding in to make the casing.
Here is where you get to make the choice of whether or not you want to topstich the entire diaper. this diaper in particular I didn’t need to because I’m making a dozen and the mama needs them quick. (Her little man is trying to come early.) She told me not to worry about it so because of the velour, I’m taking her pass and just making the leg casing. Begin stitching just above where elastic starts and sew 3/8″ – 3/4″ casing. This allows the elastic to bunch.
Stitch one end of back elastic at one end of PUL back casing. Pull through with safety pin and stitch down. Repeat with the inner fabric.
You’ve almost got yourself a diaper now. 😉
From the outside.
When you do your laundry just put your sticky tabs like so on the laundry tabs to avoid snagging and pilling.
These tiny little diapers have me wanting another little one just so I can make a newborn stash. Lol.
I’m a creative young mom, wife and entrepreneur loving life in rural Idaho and having a crazy time filling it with laughter and handmade treasures.
Awesome!
So awesome! I need to find some time to sew. Thanks for the great pictures and instructions.
Wow that is awesome!! I will do this for my next baby! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!!
Stopping by from TT&J.. I’d love for you to come by and link this up or any other project at my linky party! 🙂
http://littleinspiration.com/2012/04/create-inspire-features.html
Thanks,
Angie
Fantastic!!! 🙂
Awesome tutorial! Thanks for sharing!
We love pockets!! I am 22 and married to my highschool sweetheart too! Come visit! Here is my Making Monday Marvelous offering: http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2012/04/bell-bottom-baby.html
Awesome tutorial! my sister-in-law and I have been talking about making our own pocket diapers lately. Very timely post. 🙂
I stopped by thanks to the linky party and I’m happy to find this tutorial!!! thanks so much. I’m now a follower 😉
Great tutorial!! What a money saver too!!!
Thanks for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!! xoxo
brilliant!!! I’ve got some PUL coming in the post this week tro make wraps. I bought them last time, but because they were washed so much with number 1. I’m making some new for number 2. (I have 2 weeks before she’s due – nothing like the last mionute!) and getting brave and doing it myself. fingers crossed!
We made some fitted style diapers for my little girl when we started cloth diapering at 8 months, then bought a bunch used. I’m also using the next baby as an excuse for new diapers. =)
Just a few thoughts: 1st if you use cotton as an outer layer, there will be more wicking, which is fine, but just something to be aware of so you can make sure to change the diapers more often so there aren’t any leaking issues. Any polyester or minky won’t cause those issues.
2nd, velcro will work fine, but if you can get your hands on some Touch Tape or Aplix, it will last a LOT longer, or if you have a KAM snap press or pliers you can use snaps for closure.
LOVE making my own diapers, it’s saved us SO much money!! We used my niece’s old t-shirts to make a bunch of newborn fitted diapers, and with a few covers we saved over $100 in my daughter’s first 2 weeks of life (she goes A LOT!!)
I used PUL for the outer layer with a velour inner because I was making these for a mama in need (I don’t make them to sell)and these were the fabrics she had shipped to me. Due to cost, she chose velcro. I personally like the snaps and I use the snap pliers you’re talking about. Thanks for your added input!
Love this tute! Thanks for linkin up and sharing at the party! Pinned it 🙂
Looking forward to following your adventures!
Kristine from TheFoleyFam – Unedited
Wow, thank you! What a great tutorial, I will def be making some 🙂
Wow! Those are great. If I still had babies around I would consider making some of those puppies! 🙂
Those looks awesome. For some reason I could never make a really good diaper for my little girl ( and trust me I did try a lot of times).
I hope you won’t mind if I link to your tutorial with one of the pics from your tutorial. I’ll credit it to you of course.
What would you say the weights are for the different sizes? Thanks!
Also wondering about the size range for each size listed. 🙂 Thanks so much for the tutorial, you make it looks so simple!
Also curious about the weight range for each size. You make this look so easy! 🙂
We posted a link to this tutorial on our site! We would love for you to go check it out. http://diaperstolipstick.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-cloth-diapering-resources.html is the link to our post. thanks!
What size do I print the pattern images??? A full page size , half page size or how?
Full page. =)
Can you add snaps instead of the Velcro?
I’ve been doing a lot of research in prep for starting my stash, I’m due May 2015 :). I like this tutorial but feel like I’m missing something, is there supposed to be an insert? Did I miss it?