It's funny - cloth diapering has become more and more mainstream so people don't look at me as crazy as they used to when I mentioned that I cloth diaper. Sewing my own diapers is a whole nother story - people still always ask me why in the world would you do that? And I just point to cute little diapers like this -->
Seriously - isn't that the cutest!? I sew diapers because they are cute, fun and functional. I get to make any size I want with any materials. I can adjust layers for absorbency needs. I can make the sides thinner if I need or the wings longer so they fit longer. I can make fitted's, pockets, prefolds, all-in one's, one sizes and more. Plus, they are quite a bit cheaper to sew than to purchase!
My daughter is 8 months old and already almost 25 lbs. She is on the largest size of diapers but they are too big - so sewing my own allows me to adjust them for fit. I can make the wings longer and add more absorbency to a size medium to get the right fit.
You can even sew covers too!
Since I've had a few people ask me about sewing resources that I use after I mentioned my favorite wipes - so here we go --
Sew it Seams Yahoo Group - This is one of my favorite resources. You can get PUL, Cotton Velour, CDMF, Knits and more. They even do sling rings, needles, thread, rotary cutter blades, etc. This is currently closed - you have to know someone to get in. If you'd like to get in, email me and I'll give you my yahoo info so you can use me as a recommendation to be let in.
Buy the yard n' more - This one is a runner up as a favorite resource. This is where I get all of my bamboo velour, bamboo hemp, double loop terry, bamboo fleece and more. I also get sherpa from there and all my knits. They even do natural products like shea butter, jojoba oil, essential oils and more.
Notion supply yahoo group - This is a great group for snaps/accessories. This is the best resource for ordering my snap press or snap pliers and new snaps. You can also get microfiber diaper inserts and nursing clips. The group owner just opened a store where you can order directly without joining the group too. Read her manifesto to learn more about her inspiring work with orphans.
Wholesale cloth diaper supplies - This is a great resource for larger quantities of fabric (10 yards plus) plus snaps, snap presses and more. She even sells button presses which I really want to try!
Very Baby - This is where I purchased my patterns I started with and you can purchase small amounts of fabric from them. I think their fabric is a lot more expensive than the co-ops but if you really need something, this is the place to get it.
Other pattern resource - the Choe Toes pattern is highly rated. Her website is down right now to link to but I just ordered it and I'll let you know what I think. This download also looks promising but I haven't used it.
Elastic - I like to buy my Lastin from this etsy store - some lastin is made cheaply and breaks but I love, love, love hers. She will do custom listings too for yardage amounts. And if you don't want to sew your own covers I like the ones from here.
And if you like the amber baby necklaces for teething I buy mine from here.
Phew! That was a lot! Hope that helps!
PS - This diaper is one of my own patterns that I drafted. It's a one-size. This diaper is a woven outside (aka quilting cotton) with a BV inside. There is 1 layer of Bamboo/Hemp in the middle of the diaper.
There are 2 layers of snap in soakers with 3 layers each - 1 BV and 2 Bamboo Hemp - This makes it a super absorbable and super trim diaper. :)
Thank you for putting all of these resources in one place! I feel like I might finally be getting some time to try sewing a few of these sometime soon. Great timing. And, yes, that diaper IS the cutest!
Posted by: Amanda | January 28, 2011 at 02:17 PM
I love that diaper! I'm very new to cloth diapering (our first baby is one week overdue... I have yet to learn how to diaper), and I'm equally new to sewing, but soon I'll throw myself into making my own baby gear. Thank you for putting this list together.
Posted by: Melanie | January 28, 2011 at 07:40 PM
Oh my goodness, that one diaper alone is a HUGE endorsement for cloth diapering. Cutest. Thing. Ever. Even the snaps are adorable! Thank you for compiling this great list...I still haven't decided what I'm going to do about diapering, but your list will be referenced again and again, I'm sure, if I go the cloth route!
Posted by: Hilary | January 29, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Hello! I ran across your site when looking for Cloth Diaper information, Thank you so much for this! I hae a question, the diaper in the picture... you said you use quilting cotton on the outside. Do you then use a cover to prevent leaking? I am due in july and feel VERY lost by what materials to use.
Posted by: Jendebett | March 28, 2012 at 05:12 PM
Hi Jendebett - You didn't leave an email address so I can't respond to you directly... yes you would use a cover for this one. At home when I catch it so fast I don't use covers, but if you were out or had pants on the baby, you'd want a cover so it wouldn't leak.
For new babies I love the combo of fitteds plus covers or prefolds plus covers are ideal. Once they are mobile the all in one's are a lifesaver! :) Feel free to email me if you have more questions. Happy CD'ing! :)
Posted by: kmckiernan | April 02, 2012 at 04:08 PM
Hello Kmckiernan,
My wife and I are opening a gallery in SF this summer and would love to talk to you
about having some of your work in the store,
Craig.
memorycanvas@gmail.com
Posted by: Craig Zaretsky | May 14, 2012 at 12:07 PM