There is such a learning curve to babies. As the boy grows, I keep discovering all of these tricks and tools that almost make me want to have another baby just so I can use them on the new kid from the get-go. That’s how I feel about these handmade cloth diapers.
These are what our grannies used to make for their babies–a tried and true, simple, inexpensive, ecological way of diapering your tots. Unlike prefolds (which seem to be the norm these days), these diapers are slim and form-fitting while still being absorbent. This tutorial is divided into three parts: Part One consists of the directions for drafting the diapers, Part Two explains the cutting procedure, and Part 3 details the sewing process.
The following pattern is for a medium sized diaper. These are sized to get a whole lot of use from wee to mammoth so you probably won’t have to make a new batch very often. The mediums appear to fit 15-30 pounds pretty comfortably. To make size small, subtract two or three inches from the height and eyeball the shape. To make size large, add two or three inches to the length and widen the bum section of the diaper a bit.
After putting these into use for some time, it is advisable to line the diaper with absorbent material (like hemp fleece, sections cut from an old towel, multiple layers of flannel, or those super-absorbent towels that are available in automotive stores).
Supplies
In addition to your functional sewing machine, scissors, and ironing equipment you will need:
- a tape measure
- a straight edge (a rectangular ruler that is used with a rotary mat works best)
- old flannel sheets
- an old towel or two
- a marker
- a serger is helpful but not necessary
- one large sheet of paper at least 20″x20″ (a piece of newsprint will work great)
- one regular sized piece of paper at least 10″x7″
Part One: Drafting the Pattern
Take a deep breath. This will be much less painful than you think.
Step 1: Using the marker and your straight edge, draw a line down the center of your large piece of paper measuring 17 inches. This is the center of your diaper lengthwise.
Step 2: Mark and number each inch along the line. You will use these points as coordinates for the sides of the diaper.
Step 3: Mark both the top/front edge and the bottom/back edge of the diaper. For the top/front edge of the diaper, measure 6 1/2 inches from the center on each side. This line will total 13 inches. For the bottom/back edge, measure 9 1/2 inches from the center on each side. This line will total 19 inches. So far so good!!
Step 4: Ok, this part is tricky to describe. You will be using the marks on the center line to measure out and mark points on one side of the diaper. You may of course do this on both sides, but the plan is to mark the dots, connect the dots, fold the diaper down the center line, and use that to mark the other side. Got it? You guys are smart, hang in there.
Alright, shoulders back, deep breath, now go!
From each point along the center line of the diaper, mark:
- Point 1–this is already a part of your top/front edge. If you were to mark a point here it would be at 6 1/2″ (where the line ends).
- Point 2–6 1/2″
- Point 3–6 1/4″
- Point 4–4 1/4″
- Point 5–4″
- Point 6–4″
- Point 7–4″
- Point 8–4 1/4″
- Point 9–4 1/2″
- Point 10–4 3/4″
- Point 11–5 1/4″
- Point 12–5 3/4″
- Point 13–7″
- Point 14–8 3/4″
- Point 15–9 1/2″
- Point 16–9 1/2″
- Point 17–9 1/2″
- Point 18–This is part of the line for the bottom/back edge of the diaper, measuring 9 1/2″ from the center on one side.
Now connect the dots and remember that you’re making a diaper, not an atom bomb. This does not have to be super precise. The scary precise parts are all finished now. Feel better?
Step Five: Cut along the lines…
Step Six: Fold the diaper in half along the center line. You can trace along the edge of the finished side and then cut, or if you are feeling cocky and brave just go ahead and cut the other side out using the finished curve as your guide.
Well, looky there. You did it. Wooo!
But you’re not quite finished yet, sister. Hold onto your pants a minute.
In order for the diapers to be absorbent, they’re going to need some lining. This part is easy.
Step Seven: Draw a rectangle measuring 10″x7″. Cut it out and round off the corners so that it resembles the above picture. Easy peasy.
I didn’t want to overwhelm you by including the directions for cutting and sewing the diaper with these instructions, so look for that post in a couple of days. And congratulations–you just drafted your very own pattern!
For those of you with cottage industries, you may use this pattern to sell diapers as long as you provide a link to www.thepeacefulpeacock.com.
Related posts:
- Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Apron from a Repurposed Skirt
- Making a Wool Soaker from a Repurposed Sweater: Version One
- Tutorial: How to Wear an Onbuhimo (Part 2, The Tibetan Back Carry)
- Tutorial: How to Wear an Onbuhimo (Part 1, Front Carry, Hip Carry)
- Making a Wool Soaker From a Repurposed Sweater: Version Two
thank you for posting this! i’ll have to give it a shot. yes, i have to say i have also found the prefolds to be unnecessarily bulky. and since i know there are much more streamlined things to form to dd’s cute little bum, i am inclined to give this a shot!
i even get to use my drafting skills, that i learned in pre-architecture school, for twilli!!! yay!
btw, i LOVE your tutorials!!! your photos are very clear and make sense. and your written instructions are easy to follow and fun. 8-D
Thanks, Renee! It’s good to hear feedback about the tutorials from a fresh set of eyes. I’ll have the sewing instructions up in a couple of days so let me know how they turn out for you!! Julie
oh my, what a lifesaver!! i need to make cloth diapers for my niece & didn’t hv a clue how to begin. thank you, thankyou! would it be possible to get the newborn and large size? i would be eternally grateful. tku for your very clear tutorial!!! pattie
Hi there.. I am just seven weeks away from my big day and i was wondering whether i could ask for the sizes suitable for a new born…?
I would greatly appreciate your help…!!
Thanks and all the very best…!
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