Probably a silly question...

[mormontreehugger]

I've gone from expecting to have to stockpile disposable diapers, to expecting to have to stockpile prefolds and covers, to wanting to try EC but have flats on hand in case I need a break. So then I looked around for some unbleached flats. And today I thought, why do I need to buy them? Can't I just MAKE them? It requires what, a pair of scissors and some good fabric?

Anyway, I figured I'd have to edge them or something too but I guess I just wanted to know what kind of fabric is best? Is it more cost effective to buy some nice unbleached cotton somewhere and cut them up myself? What's a good measurement to cut? How much should I get?

I'm new to this stuff, in case you couldn't tell. DS1 is due in September so I guess I should maybe... get my butt in gear...

TIA!

[JamieCatheryn]

Birdseye cotton. 27"x27" is a common size. They shrink a lot in the first wash so they get down to size. I double or triple them when I actually diaper with them. If you buy them premade they'll be about $1.50 each. If you find 54" wide birdseye for under $3.75/yard you can save something making your own, but that's an unlikely deal. Now, if you want fitted diapers or you want covers, that's where DIY will save some cash.

[mormontreehugger]

I found a website that will sell me 42" width at $3.15/yd if I buy at least 10 yards. The discounts go up as the quantity bought does. Is that a good deal?
http://www.verybaby.com/unbleached-birdseye42.html

Honestly I'm having a hard time just finding unbleached flats in stock anywhere. It seems like everyone ran out at the same time and are expecting to restock in the fall. Since Baby will be here in the beginning of September, I'd like to have something on hand before then...

Oh yeah! I guess I'll need covers! Or something. Haha can you tell how clueless I am?

[JamieCatheryn]

Nah, at $3.15 for each 42" wide yard you're paying $1.58 per flat diaper, more than for premade, and you'll need to sew 2 widths together to use 42" wide fabric up. But if unbleached is very important to you and they're unavailable, it's better than nothing. Prefolds aren't much more expensive though, maybe you could just go with unbleached diaper service quality prefolds? If you can sew I'd say totally go for making your own covers, the great ones of those really are expensive.