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: — You can see how my newborn size ended up fitting in these photos.
Make Your Own Cloth Diapers:
I use my self-created NB & OS patterns to create my hybrid fitted cloth diapers. You can get them now exclusively in my Etsy shop. 🙂
OS Pattern & Extended Tutorial
Or get BOTH for an even better deal. 😉
Outer print fabric- I use both wovens and knits.
Poly Fleece for hidden layer
Cotton velour for soft inner layer
1/4″ polybraid elastic– Newborn
3/8″ polybraid elastic– OS
TOOLS:
Basic Sewing Machine
Serger (Optional for Inserts)
*Serger is used for insert edges but you can definitely use a basic sewing machine with a wise zig zag stitch set to a short length.
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 edges 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!
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.
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?
Because the pattern calls for an outer layer of fleece, it will be pretty leakproof. Fleece is waterproof when it isn’t directly against the skin. : HTH!
I do put a cover on them if we are going to be leaving the house. The one thing about fleece and fitteds is that there can be compression leaks once you put your kiddo in clothes and they are crammed into a car seat. For everyday wear around the house, I don’t use covers. They last about 4 hours + on my 2 1/2 year old without becoming damp.
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?
I haven’t entirely priced things out but I can say they cost me less than $10.
Hi! I’m new to your site, but was wondering if you have posted the OS pattern! I am a beginner sewer and would love to make my own CD instead of purchasing more for our stash! Thank you. Kristinabrochu@gmail.com would you be able to email it to me?
I was wondering about one size pattern also 🙂 please email me! Thank you sooooooooo much! marya_ulizio@hotmail.com
I was wondering if you could send me the is pattern as well or direct me in the right direction to get one. I am wanting to start adding to my stash. And if you are willing to chat I would love if we could email about different options for night time. Thank you. My email is nicolelweirsky@gmail.com
About how many inserts per yard of fabric are there? I am going to be buying organic bamboo fleece, and wanted to know how many yards i should get if i want to make 24 inserts. Would it be cheaper to just buy inserts of the org bamb fleece online? If i did that, would they fit into the diaper?
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!
The larger pattern is one I made myself. Our scanner broke a few months ago and I’m still figuring out how to get a digital pattern on here for you guys.
There is an app you can download on your phone to scan. It is called camscanner. Please let me kn ow when you put the other pattern up! 🙂 Chelly_roe@live.com
Hello Gorgeous!
It has been a long time coming but I’m super excited to announce that my OS cloth diaper pattern is now available in my Etsy shop. There was a *lot* of interest in getting this available for you guys and now that it is, I thought I’d send this little note to you and let you know since you had commented on my original tutorial post to notify you when I had it ready.
Find the pattern here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/208486933/hybrid-fitted-one-size-cloth-diaper?
How’s that for a Happy Monday? 😉
Xoxo,
Kassie
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. =)
You can use cotton wovens which is the majority of fabrics at a place like JoAnns. I especially like to use a knit fabric because it provides a little bit of extra stretch and helps to get a good fit if your kiddo is in between the snap settings.
Hi I’m new to parenting and to cloth diapers. I love this blog and am very excited to start making these! How long/or to what weight do you think these size diapers will last? I just found out I’m having triplets and want to have all sizes made and ready to go when they get here. Do you have a pattern for the next size up? Thanks so much for any help you can offer!!
The newborn pattern in the post by Rockets Bottoms lasted my little girl until she was about 2 1/2 months. She just officially outgrew them about 2 weeks ago. Because you’re having triplets I would assume they will be smaller than my little girl was at birth (6lb 10 oz, 18 1/2 in) so they will likely last another month of two for you.
I do have a pattern for a one size diaper, but unfortunately my scanner busted about a week before I made my pattern so I’m still figuring out how to make a digital one. Until then, you could use a free pattern. The Sprout Snap pattern is a good starting point and fits really well on smaller babies. =)
Thank you SO much! I really appreciate it! Can’t wait t to start 🙂
I made three of these with an extra snap in soaker since we will be using them overnight, and I love them! They are so cute! I know you said you drafted your own one size pattern, but it’s not up yet…have you tried the rocket bottoms one size pattern? They have a petite and a regular, not very sure how they differ…and My baby isn’t here yet so I don’t know how chunky she’ll be 😉 Or better yet, do you have a free pattern you’d recommend?
I’ve used a few different online free patterns and I think one of them I liked most was the Sprout Snap. I will say, however, that the wings need to be longer, especially for chunkier babies. They seem like they should be a tad longer even on my skinny girls.
Love it!!!! I just made a tiny diaper to test on my brothers newborn to see the fit. I have a 10 month old and can’t wait till you upload your one size pattern!
I am in so need of a pattern like this my so has out grown all the throway diapers.
I cant seem to get the elastic just right I have made two diapers an failed misruabaly I cant seem to get sewing around it just right I always seem to catch it an have to ues my seam remover its tiereing an frustrating to me any suggestons would be much abliged
I’m having the exact same problem. Did you find a solution that worked? I’m new to sewing cloth diapers.
What type of material do you use on the outside? You mention knit or woven is that cotton? Thanks for the tutorial. I was thinking of using cloth diapers but if I can make them all the better. Thanks again!
You can use cotton wovens but they don’t provide any stretch, which I actually prefer. I like to use cotton/lycra blend knits and you can use poly knits as well. =)
Hi Kassie,
I had a question about the wing snaps: on the original pattern it looks like there are meant to be 3 snaps on each wing; two studs with a socket in the middle. how did you adapt the placement of your snaps to just be two studs?
Thank you,
I just used the two closest to the end of the wing. Since that’s a newborn pattern and tiny already, I didn’t see the need to have a crossover wing snap. I had done the snaps the way the pattern had them for the first diaper but I didn’t need the crossover so I saved myself some snaps. 😉
I bought the Babyville pattern and was quite frustrated with the directions. After taking it apart three times and still not getting it right, I searched Pinterest for something easier. I saw your diaper and thought I would give it a try. Less than two hours start to finish and I was done! Your method for adding elastic is so easy. I still use the Babyville pattern for sizing and elastic and snap location, but I follow your directions.
That’s awesome to hear! My pattern and method was also born out of my Babyville Frustration. I know so many people have good luck with their patterns but it was just too confusing and frustrating for me. I’m glad you were able to get a finished diaper! Feel free to show it off on our FB page. 😉
Hello. I just found your blog via pinterest and wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make this tutorial. Babyville patterns were actually designed by the same person who designs the Rocketbottom patterns. I have used her patterns, as well as the baabaababy (BBB) patterns as well. I have found that I prefer the BBB free fitted newborn pattern because it doesn’t use as much fabric so I am able to get more diapers out of it. What I like about both designers is the BOTH allow WAHM to sell products made from both their free and paid patterns, which is a huge help to me! (smile). Thanks again for the great tutorial!
I don’t think it was the pattern that was off putting to me so much as it was that I followed the instructions for the flannel lined pocket diapers. The flannel was not good for my toddler’s skin and that is more a matter of me not doing more research beforehand. I actually really like Krista’s twist pattern and I have a couple diapers from the Totally Squared pattern too. Plus, she’s just pleasant. 😉 In the end, I made up my own pattern after a year and a half of diapering that was more specific to our needs. Have you used the Babyville pattern to make covers? I haven’t done FOE before so I’ve been procrastinating.
I’m so glad that I’ve found thus tutorial. I’m a novice when it comes to sewing but I’m on a mission to buy a sewing machine and make my own diapers. I’ll have 2 in cloth pretty soon! I’ve never used a hybrid diaper but this pattern looks fun and easy. I would love to see your OS pattern… I know you said your scanner is busted. I’m not sure if you have an iPad/iPhone/iPod but I’ve been using an app called TinyScan to scan documents. You just take a pic of the document to “scan” it and then you can email it to yourself to save it… Just a suggestion. 🙂
This is amazing! Thank you! What would you estimate the cost is for each diaper?
Using a nice knit, fleece, cotton velour inner, and organic bamboo fleece for the soaker, I estimate about $8 on the high end. That would cover everything from thread to snaps and elastic too.
Where do you get your fabric from?
I was just wondering if you had a pattern for bigger sizes as well. I have a one year old I want to make diapers for and make some for my expecting as well. And I’m not sure how to go about getting bigger patterns and I don’t want one size fits all patterns. I love your patterns and tutorials diapers have turned out awesome!!! I was also wondering about how well they hold upand if you have a problem with leaking. I know there not water proof but how long do they usually go without leaking threw.
I am just starting to make a diaper stash for my baby due in May and loved your site! I was wondering if you don’t use pul fabric how do you avoid leakage? Thanks!
I really, really want to try this out. Thank you for this tutorial. It’s written well and has great pictures to make understanding it easy. Please, please, please find someone with a scanner to put up your O/S pattern too. I would love to have some on-hand for when my baby outgrows these ones.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share! Do you know the weight limits? I’m due in May and my babies are on the bigger side (last baby was 9 lbs 3 oz!). I think I may need the next size up for my little one. Any recommendations? Thanks!
Im soooooo excited we planning number 2 and im going all out DIY, these are so much prettier than the cloth diaper my mom used and so easy to make really going to try this!
Iv’e been cd’ing for over 3 years now– and with the addition of my third in cloth (at the same time) I’m just now starting to feel the need to make them myself.
Its sort of like a primal feeling.. Wearing babe in a long piece of woven cloth, co-sleeping, making milk– making my own nappies seems to be the next progression.
This said. I don’t sew. Like, no sewing machine, haven’t hemmed a pair of pants can’t sew.
But I understand your tutorial enough that, I’m actually going to try.. and however many times I need to, to get it right too!
I’m hoping that your still following this, I noticed that you haven’t responded since before the new year, but I too would like to use your OS pattern– In fact, its pretty much the only pattern I want to use lol.
Iv’e liked your facebook page, and started following you in hopes that one day sometime soon I can try making my first diaper, and I’m EXCITED!
I love your tutorial! I have a 6 month old and cant wait to try it when you get your OS Pattern up! I also like that they are a pretty waterproof while being breathable since my LO has sensitive skin.
I am also wondering where you get the fabric from. Especially the bamboo fleece. I am having a hard time finding it.
Felicia, I found some here: http://www.naturesfabrics.com/
I love this tutorial! I was wondering where you find all of your fun prints for your diapers I have been looking all over the internet and can not seem to find fun ones like I would like.
I’d love the bigger size pattern as well if you are still sending those via email. 🙂 Thank you! johnheatherryan@msn.com
I would also like the OS pattern if you are able to email it dvcook22@gmail.com
Love love love this pattern. I would love if you could email me a OS pattern please. My LO is a little over a year already. And would need a OS. Thank you.
tnicolereyes@gmail.com
This is hands down the best tutorial I’ve read. Thank you for making it so easy to understand. I’ve been trying in vain to make my own cloth diapers out of PUL and I am just not impressed.
OK, update! I have made a bunch of these now. They are adorable; thanks for taking the time to post this great tutorial, I’ve linked you in my post here: http://www.commatose.ca/2014/03/diy-make-a-cloth-diaper.html . One problem: I’m terrified they won’t last very long on my boy however because I got measured today and my doctor said he’s about 8 lbs, and still has 2 weeks to go before he’ll probably arrive. How big was your girl when she grew out of the newborn size, do you remember? Thank you!
PS I did use PUL. There is nowhere around that has great material for a decent price that ships here cheap unfortunately, so I’ve been making the best of what I could find. 🙂
I’m trying to learn to sew, I already cloth diaper but would love to make more thank you so much for this! You should make a video too! Thanks a ton!!
Love this tutorial,I was going to buy my stash but now I’m more than confident to make my own. With two sisters due this year and another and myself next year, I would love the OS PATTERN too if it’s available for the share 🙂
I was wondering if you would post the OS patter or email to me please. I love the looks of your diapers 🙂 Thanks so much! schroederfarms07@gmail.com
Oh and this is a really great tutorial! Thanks so much! Getting ready to attempt to make a few diapers myself
I like the tutorial but am disappointed because of the pattern it’s available on rocketbottoms.com and is copyrighted
The pattern I linked to is the Newborn pattern. It’s available for free from Rocket Bottoms for your personal use. =)
For my larger diapers I used my own pattern which I haven’t made available to anyone yet.
Is there a different material i could use instead of the cotton velour for the inner that will be just as effective? And what about the soaker petals, is there anything else i can buy in store to make those to be as effective as bamboo fleece?
In store, I’m not 100% sure. We don’t have the greatest local selection and I buy most of my fabrics online. You can find Diaper Fabric Co-Op groups on FB that offer the bamboo fleece for around $8/yard. It’s a steal really. You can use other materials like flannel or birdseye cotton but they’re going to need many more layers to be as absorbent and will end up being a lot bulkier. Plus, they’re not as nice against baby’s skin, in my opinion.
I read through all your comments so hopefully I’m not repeating a question here…where do you find your cute cotton knits? Like the super woman one your baby is wearing in the pic? You said you like cotton knit, right? Does that mean 95% cotton/5% Lycra/spandex? Thanks so much! I love your pattern!
We actually don’t have anything in the way of knits in our local stores. Most of the newborn diapers I made are fitteds and I ended up using wovens for most of them. The superheroine fabric is a woven that I purchased from Hancock Fabrics. If I end up ordering online, it’s usually through a co-op group on FB that focuses solely on knits. I know a lot of wahm diaper brands buy from the fabric shops on BigCartel.
We actually don’t have anything in the way of knits in our local stores. Most of the newborn diapers I made are fitteds and I ended up using wovens for most of them. The superheroine fabric is a woven that I purchased from Hancock Fabrics. If I end up ordering online, it’s usually through a co-op froup on FB that focuses solely on knits. I know a lot of wahm diaper brands buy from the fabric shops on BigCartel.
please make a video, with better step by step instructions. i cant do this and youtube has nothing similar to this diaper
I love these! I wanted to make some covers too and I was wondering if you use the same pattern or if it needs to be a bit bigger to fit over the diaper? I was going to use a layer of PUL and a layer of something softer, maybe the cotton velour? Do you put the PUL on the inside or outside? I’ve seen it both ways and I’m wondering what’s best for preventing rashes. Thanks a ton. I love the superhero prints!
If you’re wanting to make covers you really don’t even have to have the inside lining fabric. The covers will be used over other diapers (or even with a prefold) so it’s on’t be skin to skin. You should be able to use the same pattern sizing for both. =)
Hi, love this tutorial! not sure if I’m missing something but is there a measurement for the length of elastic needed? Thanks 🙂
How many yards of fabric should I purchase to make one size diaper?
You can make a diaper using most patterns with about a fat quarter. If you have about 21″x 21″ of fabric, I doubt there’s a pattern that wouldn’t fit. 😉
I loved your tutorial! I’ve made many diaper covers, but never an insert. When you made your inserts, it looks like you used a zig-zag stitch. I don’t have a serger, so I’m just curious how you made it look so awesome? Did you have to adjust the tension, and sew up and over the ends of each fabric, so they don’t fray? Thanks!
Set your zig zag stitch to be wide and short. Line up the edges of the fabrics so that your needle just barely goes past the edges of the fabric on the right side as it sews. I made one pass and then if there were any obvious places that needed trimming, dis that. Then make a second pass around the edges and they’ll look great! You may get a tiny bit of fraying as you wash them but if your stitch is set to be pretty short, you should barely notice it. =)
Hi – making some of these for my little girl. I’m a decently experience CD sewer, but I was wondering how long each piece of elastic you used was for the nb size? I want to make sure that they’ll be small enough for teeny newborn legs, but grow with her until they just won’t fit anymore. Thanks!
Hi there,
Did you find a length of elastic that works for you? I fussed around with mine a lot today and still am not satisfied with the outcome in terms of being stretchy but snug enough.
Hello!! I’m considering switching to cloth, and I’ve been researching for months and your tutorial is the best I’ve found yet! So THANKS! I just have a few questions. Is the CV layer for absorbancy at all, or just softness? I’m trying to figure out if I can make a diaper with just what I have in my stash! I have fleece and knit for the outer, could I use just those with an insert? Also, could I use cotton terry for the inserts? Like hand towels or washcloths along with fleece as a wicking material? Thanks!
Oh, and I also have minky, could I use that in place of the CV or in place of the fleece? Thanks again!
I wouldn’t use terry for the inserts only because you end up needing a *lot* of layers (8-10) and they end up bulky on baby. That’s really more of a personal preference though. & you can totally use the minky as the inner fabric!!
So I would use my knit outer, then fleece, then the minky? Is that right? Maybe I’ll order some bamboo fleece for the inserts! Thanks for the quick reply! I’ve been researching and talking myself out of doing this for months (bub is 6 months old now!), and I think your great tutorial has talked me into actually doing it!!
Hello I’m new to cloth diapering and wanted to make my own diapers. After seeing how you explained things so well I’m going to give it a try.(: I don’t have a newborn anymore, so I will try to make my own pattern and had a couple questions regarding the fabric. About how many diapers do you get from one yard of fabric, not the newborn size but something bigger? And also, how many petals do you get with one yard of fabric in the bigger size? Thanks in advance!!!
This is an excellent tutorial. Thank you so much! Two questions: I had the hardest time with the elastic, both in determining the length I should use, and in sewing around it without actually sewing into it (making it not work). It didn’t want to stay in the seam allowance while I did the 1/2 inch cut in while t&t’ing. Tips there? Also wondering of the larger sized patterns are available yet?
Do you have the pattern available? For the one size?
I’ve searched and saved MANY diaper tutorials and yours is my favorite.
I’d love to know when you are able to get the OS pattern up. I need it for sure! 🙂
Just wondering what the approximate average cost to make a CD is?
First off I would like to say thank you for not only providing a detailed, easy to understand tutorial for making my own cloth diapers, but also a template to boot! 🙂
My question is I am really interested in making them one size. From newborn to potty trained. Would that just entail adding the extra snaps down the front for the sizing? Also have read that alot of moms complain about leaking around leg area because of the skinny newborn leg syndrome:) Could I add snaps around leg, like say top part of leg opening or back side where it wouldn’t bother baby, to make leg openings tighter and thus preventing leaks? Thanks so very much for any help.
Jill
Hello,
I have cloth diapered my last (5th) baby and now I am due soon with my 6th baby and am cloth diapering again. Last time I bought my diaper stash, and sold it after my daughter grew out of them. Now that I am pregnant again, I am making my diaper stash. I made 6 AIO’s from the babyville pattern, I had some things I don’t like about the pattern, but haven’t tried any of them on a “real” newborn yet, so we will see what I think after the baby is born and I get a chance to use them. I made 6 fleece fitteds and 4 covers out of a pattern I came up with myself. I also am working on making more flatfolds out of fleece/cotton knit and other things…. Now I used your newborn AI2 pattern and I really do like it. I like the snap in soaker and how much smaller/thinner the cover is…Its not so bulky as the others. The only thing I am wondering about is If I will have a large baby and this one won’t fit. I have had two 6 lbers and two 7lbers and my last was a 10lber. The one that was 10lbs didn’t fit newborn diapers. That wasn’t of course the fault of the diaper of course, lol, it was just because my daughter was a monster sized newborn. I am hoping for a smaller baby this time, but we will see what I get! Anyhow, I do like your pattern and am interested in your Os diaper pattern. I’m not sure when you posted this but am wondering if you have a OS pattern made yet? I would love to make some if you have a pattern.
Jill
I’m excited to say that my hybrid fitted cloth diaper pattern & tutorial is finally available to you guys! It’s been a year and a half since my tutorial I originally posted and by popular demand I’ve drafted my pattern as a 21 page fully-detailed PDF. You can find details at the following link:https://www.etsy.com/listing/208486933/hybrid-fitted-one-size-cloth-diaper?
Thanks!
<3 Kassie
Oh, I also did come up with a bit of a alternative way of making the soaker…. In order to keep from making two soakers and having to snap them together, but still not making just one massively thick soaker, I made it double length following the contour of the pattern and put the snaps just below middle and fold it in half when inserting it in the diaper. That way it’s one piece, but still dries quickly and gives you double the absorbency. We will see what I like best once I actually use them.
Jill
Hi, thanks so much for the tutorial can wait to make some of these! Can you send me the pdf for the medium size too please. What weight do the new born ones go up to roughly? My emails is alex_hinds@hotmail.com
Thank you!
I’m excited to say that my hybrid fitted cloth diaper pattern & tutorial is finally available to you guys! It’s been a year and a half since my tutorial I originally posted and by popular demand I’ve drafted my pattern as a 21 page fully-detailed PDF. You can find details at the following link:https://www.etsy.com/listing/208486933/hybrid-fitted-one-size-cloth-diaper?
Thanks!
<3 Kassie
This is so awesome!! I just bought fabric online to make these and then I realized that is a newborn pattern, and unfortunately my son will not fit into that size anymore. Have you shared your personal OS pattern yet? I’m now on the hunt for a larger pattern but I’m hoping I can get yours! I loooove those diapers you make!!
I’m excited to say that my hybrid fitted cloth diaper pattern & tutorial is finally available to you guys! It’s been a year and a half since my tutorial I originally posted and by popular demand I’ve drafted my pattern as a 21 page fully-detailed PDF. You can find details at the following link:https://www.etsy.com/listing/208486933/hybrid-fitted-one-size-cloth-diaper?
Thanks!
<3 Kassie
I was wondering if you could email me some more information on the cut out sizes of the material used in this diaper? (blynndeluna@yahoo.com) Thank you so much!
Hi Brittany,
Kassie has made a pattern for the newborn and One Size diapers which she sells on etsy under homespun aesthetic.
Is it certain kinds of fleece that are waterproof or ?
thank you for the wonderful tutorial
Can you use the poly fleece fabric for the liner assuming I will put a layer of cotton velour on top?
The poly fleece acts to repel moisture and you’ll want something that can absorb for the inserts.
Hi- just found your tutorial and am going to use to make diapers for my daughters new baby. Have you found that one snap on the insert is sufficient to hold it in place? Thanks so much for your help! Kathleen
do I need to use cotton velour? Or would bamboo be just as good?
Hello!
This tutorial is fantastic, so straight forward.
Could I adjust the fabrics to have knit/woven (outer) – PUL (middle) – cotton velour(inside). Would that make it more waterproof? Ideally I would like to eliminate the need for a cover. Has anyone played with that?
If you do need to use a cover what do you make it from, and is there a pattern you like?
The issue I had with the hidden PUL is that you can’t see it if or when it starts to delaminate. It also restricts your laundry routine a bit, as you should hang dry anything with PUL, which leaves the diaper feeling a tiny bit ‘crunchy’, for lack of a better word. I know other people have done the hidden layer just fine, I think it’s really all about your preference. 🙂
Love this tip! I made these diapers with PUL outers but my kid grew out of them before I was brave enough to use them — newborn diaper changes are frightening. Grr. Haha. Good to know for next time (if ever). Glad you’ve got a O/S pattern now! <3
Hi
Fantastic tutorial. thanks ! as a very basic sewer I managed it, I think I may have it now after my 5th !! I made lots of mistakes ( wrong snaps 18 ! too small, I can’t seem to cut all three layers without one being small then the other !)
I would like to make a stash for my baby due in May. as per the last comments I’ve mixed some up with PUL on outside, PUL on inside (before I read the above comment) I was thinking of 10 petites and say 25 normal ones, what do you think? What did you use for a liner, I’m not keen on disposable for this either I’ve heard people just cut up micro fleece ?
Hello! I just went through your post and i am having a question as a newbie CD mom to be:
Is the fleece hidden layer used as a barrier so that the outside layer does not get soaked?
Thank you!
Hello! I wanted to reply to the comment about Babyville and Rocket Bottoms posted by Melissa and make a clarification 🙂 I am the owner of Rocket Bottoms. I have created patterns for Babyville but the patterns in their Cloth Diapering Made Easy Book are not designed by me. The patterns I have created for Babyville are in mini books and are The Ultimate Pocket Diaper Pattern, Totally Trainers and Simply Soakers. Your photos of a diaper made from my newborn pattern look great, thank you for sharing on your blog and spreading the word about making your own cloth diapers.
Love this! I have a bunch of minky that I’m hoping to use in place of the cotton velour. Is that possible or should I be ordering cotton velour now? lol
Thanks!!!
Minky is a great option! I always like to limit myself to making only 1-2 diaper at a time when trying a new fabric, especially on the interior, just to be sure the baby doesn’t have a skin reaction of any sort. 🙂 My oldest daughter did well in just about any cloth diaper but my second was much more sensitive to certain fabrics. 🙂
About how much does it cost to make your own cd stash from scratch?? Is it more cost efficient than buying it, even through cheap methods like Co ops?? Looking for the most cost efficient route! Thank you!
Hmm, if I had to estimate I’d say $7 or so-using thick cotton knit prints, hidden poly fleece, cotton velour inner, organic bamboo fleece boosters topped with velour and backed in the knit print. Comparative styles of fitteds go for $20-30 each easy online. I purchased my velours and organic bamboo fleece through fabric co-ops online which was another way to offset costs just as you would go to a co-op to buy the cheap diapers. 🙂
I also really enjoyed being able to create my own diapers because it’s so easy to customize for your own children’s needs.
What do you do for laundering these? Do you rinse right after use and then wash? Do they take special laundry soap. How about staining with BM’s?
I don’t cloth diaper anymore now that my kiddos are old but I would do a couple hot washes with a cloth diaper safe detergent (or just a really mild one) and if you’re concerned about residue, add another rinse at the end. Then you can toss them right into the dryer since there’s no hidden PUL that could delaminate or melt. For staining I would dry them in the sun and the sun would naturally bleach out most of the mess. If you sun dry you can toss the diapers for a quick fluff in the dryer to keep the fabrics from getting that stiff, line-dried feeling. 🙂
I’ m a grandma who used the “old” cloth diapers. Back then, we rinsed any BM off of the diaper and then threw them in a diaper pail that had a little bleachy water in it. When the diaper pail was full we threw them in the washer, spun out the yucky water, and then laundered. I did use to sun dry to help with stains. Do these work about the same?
Yes! I didn’t use bleach water because I didn’t want to accidentally bleach any of my cute prints, but I did put little diaper pail odor absorbers in there (which is just baking soda and essential oils that you mix and allow to dry completely). 🙂
I bought your pattern online the other day and I want to get started but I have no idea how much fabric it takes to make one diaper (1/2 yard or yard per diaper for each fabric?). I would appreciate any info that you can give me. Thank you for your time.
Depending on the bolt size of the fabric and how many cuts you’re wanting to get from each print or color, you should be able to get 4-6 of the One Size cuts per yard. 🙂
I am working on the NB diaper right now and this pattern is incredibly easy! Thank you!
How many NB diapers would you recommend to make for one baby. And how long do they fit this size before we go the next size up? – roughly an idea, i know all babes will be different 🙂
Thanks!
I am super excited to try these! Im not sure if you are still monitoring this blog but – if you are – is there any special care for these? Just cool water wash then dry? This is my first kid and I really want to try cloth (I am getting the same skeptical looks) but I dont know much yet about the care of these items! Also – how many would you recommend someone have on hand?
Thank you!
FTM and hoping to be making my own diapers here soon…love this tutorial, but one question….without the PUL do these not leak?