Hi my lovely readers, i have been hibernating for the past weeks. Well, you know, due to my pregnancy ;) hehe and due to my wrists condition. If my wrists worsen, i stop doing sewing and just rest.
This week's post, i wanted to show you a simple tutorial for making a pocket cloth diaper. Hmm, why in the world i wanted to use a cloth diaper for my baby? Lots and lots disposable diaper brands now at the market, ranging from affordable to expensive. Available from newborn size to xxl size. More easy, no fuzz, no mess and no cleaning.
It happened when my MIL called and informed that she wanted to buy all the supplies for my baby, such as clothes, cotton balls, etc etc and etc. Then, cloth diapers came to our conversation. She mentioned about needing 2 dozens of cloth diapers. At that time i was not thinking anything and kinda blur. So i just go for it. I believe she is more experience than me, the FTM.
Then, i started to do some research the pros and cons both cloth diaper and disposable. There are lots of opinions, arguments, suggestions from experts to experienced moms. Basically, it all depends on you and your partner wether or not you decided to cloth diaper or simply use disposable.
The number 1 pro on cloth diapering of course money wise. You can save tons of money compare to disposable. But, there always the cons: more mess and more cleaning. Newborn tends to wet like 10-12 times daily, not mentioning poo. I have to change diaper 10-12 times, more if the baby poop. Means, i need at least 2 dozen supplies of cloth diapers (as per MIL's suggested).
Meanwhile, using disposable diaper, even though the cost is more expensive, but at least no mess, and less cleaning. The only thing that concern me is the diaper rash. I have read, using disposable diapers to baby's sensitive skin, especially newborn tend to get diaper rash. This is due to chemical substance on the diaper. However, when using cloth diaper, this rash tends to less be a problem.
I still not deciding if i want to cloth diapering or using disposable for my baby later. Me and hubby still discussing about them. we'll see about that later ;)
Okay, i have been googling on making cloth diaper and surprise, cause there are lots of free patterns on the internet. Most of patterns look very complicated, with lots of snaps or as simple as velcro closure. I just have to try to make 1. Very challenging but fun :)
The pattern i am using is from Rita's Rump Pocket diaper. And it's free :) here is the link to her pattern and tutorial:
Her instruction and pattern is very straight forward and simple to follow. I love her already.
The materials needed also not hard to find. Flannel, fleece, terry cotton and for the inserts, old kitchen towels, microfiber cloths are good to go. Fantastic!
Let's Make Them.
Print the pattern and follow the instruction to tape all the pieces together.
For inner layer i am using fleece fabric. I got from Spotlight and on 50% discount, around $4 something. Comes in pre-cut.
Outer layer, i only use solid yellow cotton poplin. I can't find PUL fabric in Singapore. Have to order online and become costly due to shipping cost.
Trace the pattern onto both outer and inner fabrics. The pattern not yet include seams allowance, so don't forget to include the allowance, i am using 1cm allowance. And marks the elastic points onto your fabrics.
For the back pocket i added another 3cm seams. I am intending to add elastic to the back pocket.
Snip off for the back pocket. You may want to serge the back pocket sides, to prevent fray. Or you can use zig zag stitch.
Fold the fabric following the seams line. Press with iron.
Then fold it again, so no raw edges visible. Then stitch close to the edge. Do it on both fabrics.
Hehe, i like to add something to make my cloth diaper more stand out. I made a superman logo from felt. First, i traced the logo from internet. Cut it then transfer it to red colour felt. Then stitch the red felt on top of yellow felt using whip stitch. voila, you got a cute superman logo.
Positioned the applique in the middle of outer fabric. Use pins to hold together. Then stitch all the way using decorative stitches available on your sewing machine. I am using zig zag stitch. just go slowly around the corners.
Both fabrics right side togethers. Pins as many as you want. You will sew from 1 side of the back pocket to the other side of back pocket. You won't need to leave a gap for turning as your back pocket already act as you turning gap. Go slowly when sewing around the curves.
Done, done, done.
Time to add the elastics. Take the elastic, i usually add 1cm on both sides to for easy sewing and add the marks, following the pattern. Then you fold the elastic into half then cut. You will do also for the back pocket.
2 elastics for leg gussets, and 2 elastic for back pockets.
Then sew the elastic to each leg gussets.
Closer look on elastic sewn to the back pocket. Do the same on the fleece.
Snip off fabrics around curves to reduce bulk, and you are ready for turning then top stitching.
This is how the diaper look like after turning and top stitching. But, oups, i forgot to take photos on how you suppose to stitch around the leg gussets (sorry). It's a bit complicated, and i made mistakes the first time and ended up taking off the stitches then redo @_@
When your top stitching come near the beginning of the leg gusset or the beginning of your elastic (you either feel by touching it. you should be able to feel it between layers of fabrics with your finger), you have to stitch down around 1cm to make a casing for the elastic. You can't sew the elastic or the ruffled in the leg gussets will not perform and you don't want that. Once you stitch down 1cm to create the casing, you have to pull the elastic in order to flatten the layers of fabrics. I use pins to hold down the elastic. You have to do this until you reach the end of the elastic, then once you reach at the end of the elastic, you sew up 1cm to close the casing then continue to do top stitching close to the edge. You will have to do this steps on both leg gussets.
Sorry if this steps sound very complicated, but trust me, once you get a hang of it, it will be simple. I will show you this step with pictures on my next cloth diaper tutorial.
Back pocket opening for the inserts.
And you are finish!!
This is how you want to fold the diaper.
1. Lay flat on the surface.
2. Fold the wings.
3. Fold to meet the top.
4. Cross the long wings to close the diaper.
The tutorial mention using diaper pins or diaper safety clips.
I have not add any snaps nor using diaper pins. I ordered snaps from QOO10.SG, and hopefully next week i can add snaps to my diaper. So, this project still in progress. Stay tuned :)
I really enjoyed making this cloth diaper. It was challenging yet fun. I felt so happy after finish sewing. Yay, i can make a cloth diaper!!!
Hope you enjoy reading my post. See you on my next post.
