| One Crafty Pup

Turned Old T-Shirt Into Pocket Cloth Diaper Tutorial

Posted by Cecillia

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0 comments

Hi my lovely readers,

Before we start, i wanted to say:

"Happy Hari Raya Idul Fitri

Minal Aidin Wal Fahidzin"

Happy Holiday!!

To those who celebrate.

I am back to share my latest tutorial on making a pocket cloth diaper using an old t-shirt.

I have been practicing on making cloth diapers. Been searching so many free pattern available from the internet to try out. My favourites so far are:

Rita rump's pocket diaper (which i already share to you on how i made my first cloth diaper using Rita's free pattern).
Arfy's free downloaded pattern, here is the link and tutorials: http://prefold2fitted.blogspot.sg/2012/10/online-free-downloads.html

I love Arfy's free cloth diapers patterns. You will find lots of free patterns with varies sizes, types of cloth diapers (pocket, AIO, AI2, diaper covers, many more). Her patterns and tutorials are easy to follow. Even for beginners like me. So don't hesitate to check her blog ;)

For this week's tutorial, i will using 1 of the Arfy's free pattern called OS Squaretab AI2 Template. I tried to copy the link of the patterns, but does not seems to find it anymore. However, no worries, you can search from many free patterns available on her blog. It's Free!!!

Let's gather our materials:

An old t-shirt, preferable size: XL, the bigger the better. But since i don't have and mine was a S size t-shirt, so let's try it out then :)
The template from Arfy's website. Print, cut and join as per instruction.
Any wicking fabric. I am using my fleece.
Water resistant fabric. It is very hard to find PUL type of fabrics here in Singapore. Mostly you need to order from oversees and quite costly due to the shipping cost. I was happy enough to find a water resistant fabric from a shop in people's park complex, Lye Nai Shiong. It cost about $3/yard and it is imported from Japan. The material feels like the one they use to make umbrellas. We tested the fabric by pouring a glass of water and amazing, it retains the water from dripping.
Sewing supplies: scissor, non-permanent marker, taylor's chalk, pins, matching thread.
Velcro or plastic snaps.
Elastic.
Fabric glue (optional).

The tutorial is quite long as i try to take as many as i can for the step by step pictures. I also did some modification on the pattern.

Bear with me and let's get started ;)

This is my old t-shirt that i am going to turn into a cloth diaper.

I bought at Kota Kinabalu many moons ago during vacation.

It's size S (now, hardly fit me).

You can see why i can't wear this t-shirt anymore. Got lots of stains. I tried to remove the stains using bleach, but failed. Although i only wear it once :(

Trace the pattern onto the t-shirt. Make sure the orang utan pattern is going to the right direction where you wanted it to be seen. Mine was at the back.

Once, you are happy then cut.

Oups, sorry you can see my baby bump ;)

This how the t-shirt look like after cutting.

I fold it to make sure the orang utan pattern is in the right direction: At the back.

Attach soft side of the velcro. You can use any colours you like or matching with the colours of the t-shirt. The length was up to you. Then sew slowly. The t-shirt fabric tends to stretch while you sew.

I decided to use plastic snaps for the diaper's rise, because the pattern is for universal size, so i want the cloth to be fitted for newborn to toddler.

I made my own snaps placement. But, most Arfy's patterns already included the snaps placement.

I use the scrap water resistant fabric to cover the snaps. And attach the fabric using little bit of fabric glue.

Sorry, i have not included tutorial on how to attach the snaps. However, you can search from the internet or youtube. It's not that hard.

Okay, continue on making overlap flap pocket for the inside a.k.a the poop catcher ;))

Cut the wicking fabric for the shorter flap. This is where i modify the pattern. Actually, Arfy also have a pattern, which have overlap flap style cloth diaper for the inside. But, i find this pattern is more simple and easy to follow.

I extended the height of the height about 1.5-2 cm for easy folding. You can see my marking on the picture.

Extending 1.5-2cm.

You will need to do the same with the other flap.

Extending 1.5-2 cm.

I wanted the shorter flap to be lined with water resistant fabric.

I only extend the height about 1cm.

I prefer using less pins to the water resistant fabric, therefore a fabric glue will comes in handy.

I only apply tiny dots in few areas only.

Fold 2x from the extra 1.5-2cm of the fleece and use clips to hold them in place.

I use 3 steps zig zag stitch. This is the setting i often use. You can use normal zig zag stitch and even straight stitch.

I use the left side of my foot as the guide line. Then sew slowly.

Try not to pull or stretch when sewing the fleece, otherwise it will stretch like crazy. Just slowly guide and feed the fabric to the foot then stitch.

Do the same with the other flap.

Ta-da!!! Both flaps are finish.

Let's overlap them. The water resistant will be on the inside.

We need to stitch the overlap part together, so they will not shift or stretch like crazy.

Short stitches will do.

Okay, all fabrics are done and ready to be sew together.

Stack them: pocket fleece right side up - t-shirt wrong side up - water resistant (does not matter which side) Then pin or clip together.

I use mini pins at the edge of the seams to hold the water resistant fabric attached to the t-shirt. Because it can be quite slippery when sew. Remember to leave minimum 10cm opening. I leave an opening at the front of the diaper. Because we will sew the elastic at the waist part later on.

Sew slowly and try not to pull the fabric so often. I use the edge of my presser foot as the guide. Pay attention on the curve. It can be bulky on the overlap pocket, so sewing slowly is the best solution.

This is how it looks like. The fleece fabric will stretch a bit, even when you did not pull the fabric while sewing.

Try to flip all inside out to check everything are in order.

The overlap pocket.

Poop catcher ;)

Alright, everything look okay. Now, time to attach the elastics to both legs and waist.

Arfy's pattern already have the elastic placement markings. I marked them with non permanent marker.

Mark 2 Xs at the elastic. I usually leave few mm extra.

Fold the elastic matching the 2 Xs.

Mark the X. You will need to start stitch from the first X to the new X (the middle).

Do the same for the other leg and the waist.

At the end you will have 3 pieces of elastics: 2 for both legs and 1 for waist.

I use normal zig zag stitch.

You may want to try the setting first with fabric scraps. The width and length of the zig zag stitch must fits the elastic. can't be too wide or to long.

Important: You will have to stitch inside the seams. Therefore the width of the elastics your will be using can't be wider than your seams.

Do the back stitches few time to tack the elastic.

Now, you are going to need to use both of your hands (i asked hubby for taking pictures). Use your left hand hold the fabric behind presser foot, while your right hand must pull taut the elastic. You must do this until your reach the end of the X marking on the fabric. If you don't pull the elastic and holding the fabric, the needle will snap/break.

Sew slowly, take your time.

Let's start!! Just slowly.

The fabric will start to puckered. This is how we want ;) keep holding the fabric and pull the elastic taut.

Once you have reached the end of the X marking, do few back and fort stitch to secured the elastic. Cut any excess elastic.

Do the same to the other leg and the waist. Once done, you will have something look like this.

Snips all corners and trim away any bulks. Then flip all inside out. Time to do top stitching.

Before we start the top stitching, let us mark where the elastic start and end. Find the starter and the end with your finger, then mark. This is to create casings for the elastic. You will make 3 casings: 2 for both legs and 1 for waist.

I marked them with non permanent marker. Do the same with the 2 legs. Mark the start and the end.

Alright, do the top stitching. Close up the 10cm opening made earlier. Now, once you reach where the elastic start. Mine is the right leg part, put your needle down, lift up your presser foot...

Pivot down...

Bring down your presser foot then stitch about 1-1.5cm downward, depending how wide your elastic (the casing must be wider than your elastic ya). For example my elastic is about 0.7cm, so my top stitching will measure 1.2cm. You can draw straight line with non permanent marker before stitching. Or if not just eye ball it using your stitch guide.

This step also important. When sewing the elastic casing, you will have to pull the fabric straight. Otherwise the ruffled/gathered/puckered will not happening.

As usual, just sew slowly.

Now, we have reach the end of the elastic's mark. Do the same again by bring your needle down, lift up the presser foot then pivot up. Stitch upward 1-1.5cm. Then continue to top stitching closer to the edge. Do the same steps once you reach the start and end of the other elastics.

Almost done!!!! Do not worry if the stitching a bit messy. This is for diapering anyway ;)

Back view.

I tested the front snaps.
Now, time to attach the velcro to the both wings.
I just eyeball them for the position. I prefer to attached the velcro at the last step of sewing, because fabric tends to moved or shifted while sewing.

Prepare 2 pieces 4cm rough side and 2 pieces 4cm soft side of the velcro.

I rounded the corners, but this is optional.

After you positioned the rough side (must match with the front soft side of the velcro with sewed earlier)...

Place the soft side velcro, give it space 3mm. That is for the laundry tab.

Then sew.

Done, done done!!!!

What is the use of laundry tab for this diaper?
It's to prevent the rough side of the velcro get snatch with other clothes while washing in washing machine.
Before you put dirty cloth diaper, you need to fold the wings. Therefore, your other clothes inside washing machine will be safe from the rough side velcro (and you don't want that to happen. It will ruin your clothes).

That's it!!! Please give a round up applause for yourself :) you have just finish making a cute and one of a kind cloth diaper.

I hope you enjoy reading my tutorial.

See you on my next post!!!

Let's Make Them.

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Buying Baby Essentials: IKEA Shopping Haul!!!!

Posted by Cecillia

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2 comments

Hi lovely readers,

Me and hubby had been waiting patiently until my pregnancy reached 7 months to buy for our baby.

We waited due to Chinese old wive's tales.

Some mom to be even suggested we should wait till almost 9 months (WOW!!) I hardly imagine a pregnant woman with big belly, back pain, may leg ache have to go shopping all the baby essentials @_@

Actually, i am not a person who follow those old wive's tales. There are no medical or science explanation behind all the tales, so why bother?

We waited because we respected our family's request. And we thought, okay it was a good idea also to wait, we can do some research on what to buy for the baby, creating a list on what to buy, and where to buy. Also decided if we want to buy a brand new baby cot or buy used one. If we want to buy brand new, which brand is good and long lasting, what would be the price, will it be too expensive, do we have the budget. Same thing if we want to buy the used one: where to buy, what type of baby cot, what is the price, is it within our budget range. Everything need to be consider.

Therefore, we have a long 7 months to make a decision ^_^

Let's start on my Ikea shopping haul.

1. Our first purchase: IKEA Hensvik Cot - used cost $40

I think this was our best buy for baby cot. We bought through a website called Carousell. The seller wanting to move out, therefore they were willing to let go for $40 (Yay!!). It was an old version on Hensvik cot, which can be converted into toddler's bed (Yay!!). I have not assembly the cot, maybe later, closer to my EDD ^_^ Don't want to collect dust, hehe.

Why we decided to put baby to sleep in a cot? I had been through many motherhood/parenthood forums either from Indonesia, Singapore, USA, UK, and Europe. Asked around my friends, who already had children, is there a need to put baby to sleep in his/her own cot/crib. The answers are really diverse.

Most Asian parents mentioned, the baby will share and sleep with them on the same bed, until toddler age. I mean WOW!!! Or some just put extra single bed on the side at their bed for their baby to sleep. They said only for convenience when they need to breastfeed. There is no need to waste extra money to buy baby cot. Especially most babies will outgrow the cot very fast.

I found so many used baby cots on Singapore's website that mentioned it only been used for 2 months or sometimes they never even use the cot. Mainly reason: the baby prefer sleeping with the parents or mom only.

So, do we really need the baby cot? My answer still yes, of course. Hahaha. I believe that we all need our own privacy, not just the adults, the baby also. By putting the baby in their own cot, provide privacy for them. Baby can sleep without any disturb from the parents. For example: when mom or dad wants to get out from the bed, it may disturb the baby. Baby still sensitive to the new surroundings, they still need some adjustments, he/she could either wake up and cry and leads to lack of sleeping time. I don't think we wanted to hear if baby cries all night @_@

There are more reasonable reasons and even medical reasons why baby need to sleep on their own cot. Before decided, it is good to do some research ^_^

That does not mean i will left my baby alone. I did not mention that you can't share room with your baby. My baby will still sleeping with us in the same room, not bed. He will sleeping comfortably on his own cot, place next to my bed side ;)

I found this link from Ikea US website to take a good look on the cot, once assembly:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70248535/

2. Vyssa Vackert Mattress - brand new $100

Tips number 1 on choosing the cot mattress for baby: It must be firm. Either made from latex, foam, coconut husk, etc. It is very crucial in supporting baby's back bone and their growing bones.

To us, this mattress not firm enough, but still acceptable. We regretted never check kiddy palace first. Turned out they are also selling firmer mattress, but mostly made from foam. The Ikea is a pocketed spring mattress. Can be use on both side. The mattress has a cover, which can be removed and washed.

I will write an awesome tutorial on how to sew fitted cot bed sheet. Hopefully on my next post ^_^

3. Lattsam Baby Bath - new $15.90

I like the look of the baby bath. It's a simple design, the size also nice, not too big and not too small. Inside has anti slip green rubber and also at the bottom. Can't wait to bath my bebe ^_^

4. Antilop Highchair - new $29.90

Oups, Harley insisted to be inside the photo ^_^

Hmm, he is such a poser.

Hehe, i have not open the plastic cover and assembly. Hmm, why do we buy a highchair? Is it necessary? The answer is up to you.

Growing up, my mom always insisted that we all ate at the dining table together. She really don't like when small children, especially toddler running wild, playing or even watching tv while they were eating. She said it was very messy and you ned to clean up after them. Also not good for their digestions. And so this is become habit to me. Even though, now i seldom eating at dining table again (bad mama), but still later when bebe strong enough to sit on his own, i want me, hubby and baby all sit nicely in the dining table and eating as a family. Therefore i need a highchair.

5. Skotsam Babycare Mat - new $9.90

This is a diaper changing mat. It needs to be inflate before use.

6. Vikare Bed Guard Rail - new $15.90

To be use when converting baby cot into toddler's bed.

7. Mata 4 piece eating set - new $4.90

Hehe, i know i know, maybe it's too soon to buy eating set. But since, we already at Ikea and it's quite far from our place, so we thought hey why not, the eating set is cute.

Contain of 1 bib, 1 mug, 1 spoon and 1 bowl. All are microwave and dishwasher safe.

You can take a look at Ikea's website:

http://www.ikea.com/sg/en/catalog/products/70135595/

The only 1 item i failed to get is the octopus clothes hanging :( so so sad. I like the design, so cute and unique. I wanted to use to hang bebe's cloth diapers. It was out of stock when we went there.

http://www.ikea.com/sg/en/catalog/products/60189664/

Okay, that's all my Ikea haul. We had so much fun there. Very tiring yet fun.

Stay tune on my next post ^_^

Let's Make Them.

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Practice On Sewing A Cloth Diaper

Posted by Cecillia

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0 comments

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:

http://handmadebyrita.blogspot.sg/2007/10/classic-rrp-ritas-rump-pocket-pattern.html

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 :)