Handsewn Mama Cloth

[mommabear207]

Is there any reason not to hand sew my mama cloth? all the patterns i see involve a sewing machine and usually zigzag stitching. I assume this is because most people have sewing machines and they are so efficient. Also would straight stitching be fine?

[rabbithorns]

I've used raw-edge pieces of flannel for years as well as "storebought" and home sewn. They all worked fine.

[thixle]

zig-zag is usually just to keep t-shirt material from puckering/stretching/going wonkey
By all means, handsew! Here is my favorite, easy pad pattern: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=34087.0
You can make it even easier by using a washcloth (with or without a soft cover sewn on one side) and adding tabs.

100% cotton is the way to go, IMO, storebought or handmade doesn't matter.

[mommabear207]

Made my first Mama Cloths!

I got my act together and made two outer shells and two inner liners/pads! Pretty good considering I sewed them by hand. I used one of ds's old baby blankets (100% cotton and really soft) and for the liner I used one of ds's old burp cloths (also 100% cotton). I didn't realize how many one baby blanket and burp cloth could make. I'll probably cut some more out tomorrow and maybe make some longer ones for the heavy postpartum flow.