Elastic types for diapers

[BananaBreadGirl]

Hello everyone. I'm working on some newborn fitteds from the Mama Bird pattern for my baby due in June. I plan on using mostly prefolds but I wanted some fitteds for something easier if/when other people change the baby. An acquaintance gave me some Lastin brand clear elastic which I've used so far, but I'm running low on it. What is the disadvange of using Wal-Mart Stretchrite "washable polyester elastic" (73% polyester, 27% rubber)? I have some of this on hand and I've used it in the back elastic of the last two diapers, thinking that if for some reason it is no good or wears out too fast, that would be easier to replace than leg elastic.

Is this a wise way to stretch my supply of elastic? If not, or when I completely run out (I probably will, as I want to make some diapers for a friend, too), what is a good place to order it online? I don't want to pay a bunch for shipping on a few yards of elastic!

[Michigan Mama]

Hi Mama.

Way to go on sewing diapers! To be honest, I have used both kinds of elastic and both have worked well for me. just note that with lastin, you need to sew it down the whole length of the elastic, while with the other kind, lately I prefer to just sew the ends well and then sew a type of casing. But I think both work fine. None of my elastic has worn out after > 1 yr of use.

[BananaBreadGirl]

Thanks, footprints, I think I will try doing a casing with the non-lastin elastic next time I use it. The backs of my diapers are looking a bit messy/bunched-up. I think they'll still work though.

My mother-in-law and my friend saw (pictures of) the diaper I made out of an embroidered 70s colored tablecloth (orange/brown on white) and laughed very hard.
I'm enjoying myself.

[simplymother]

Hey, I've never used Lastin so can't tell you about that, but I've ordered polybraid from verybaby.com as well as through some co-ops and can't really tell the difference between either of those and the stuff at Wal-mart you're talking about. I think the co-ops is the best value though, especially if you're buying a lot.

There are tons of co-ops, but one that I know has elastic all the time is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kidsinthegarden/

[gwen's mom]

I know this is a late reply but I would advise against WalMart elastic. I used it in my AIOs and within a year, with lots of diapers in rotation, it wore out. Now I had to spend more time and money to add fold over elastic to the outside of my AIOs.

[NomerBug]

My mom recently told me about a site called sewtrue.com. They may have the elastic you are looking for.

[thixle]

I had no problems with the walmart elastic. I put it in the mamabird size large and dd1 wore them for almost 2 years : I only had 30 in rotation, too.

I don't remember exactly what the package said, but it was safe for swimwear