The Boy in his new drawers.

In this post, I’ll be explaining how to cut the diapers. In the interest of saving some confusion, the actual sewing instructions are posted as Part 3. The patterns are now available in The Store for purchase if you are not interested in drafting your own pattern for these diapers.

Here we go!

Cutting the Diapers

This pattern was created with the use of repurposed materials in mind. A full size fitted flannel sheet (which I found at a thrift store for $2) and one or two regular size towels will yield about 10 medium sized diapers.

Step One: Prepare the fabric by prewashing and pressing. Sanitize sheets and towels if necessary by adding a bit of Bac-Out or bleach to the water.

Step Two: If using a fitted sheet, cut off the elastic from the edging and cut the corner seams so that the sheet lies flat. (The sheet is the purple fabric…don’t you love the kooky vintage fabric background? Yard sale.)

Step Three: Fold the fabric in half or in quarters–whichever way works best for you and will give you the most diapers from your sheet.

Step Four: Lay the diaper pattern on top of the fabric and cut around it. Now don’t get all excited and cut the pattern into bits no matter how much fun you think it might be. Each diaper will require two pieces of fabric.

Time Saver: As you cut out a couple of diapers, use the pieces to lay out where your next diapers will be cut. The fabric will just kind of stick there so you will not need to use pins (that’s why the patterns available in The Store are made from fabric rather than paper). This also makes it really easy to visually determine how to get the most diapers out of your fabric.

Step Five: To cut the inserts, lay the insert pattern on top of one of the towels and cut around it. It is up to you to determine how many layers of absorbency you would like. For daytime use for the average wetter, one layer should suffice. For nighttime use or for a heavy wetter, at least two layers should be used. Remember that multiple layers will create bulk.

Well, that wasn’t so bad now was it? To clarify, here are your options with the diapers:

• Buy a pattern from the Shop or
• Draft your own pattern from my instructions
• Cut your fabric (this post)
• Sew the diapers using a serger or a standard sewing machine.

That should cover it. Please feel free to contact me if you run into any trouble or need further clarification!

Related posts:

1. Tutorial 1: Making Your Own Cloth Diapers (Drafting the Pattern)
2. Making a Wool Soaker from a Repurposed Sweater: Version One
3. Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Apron from a Repurposed Skirt
4. Tutorial: How to Wear an Onbuhimo (Part 1, Front Carry, Hip Carry)
5. Making a Wool Soaker From a Repurposed Sweater: Version Two