How long before your flannel wears out?

[MittensKittens]

OK, topic title says it all . Most of my home made flannel fitted dipes have worn out now, after 6 months of use, and before they have become too small. I bought the expensive flannel made for diapers, you know with the cute prints and stuff. They get little holes in them and then the little holes become big holes, even if I sew the holes up again. Is it me, or is this normal? What should I be using instead?

TIA

[Nicole730]

All of our diapers are flannel and I haven't gotten any holes... The ones I'm using now I've been using for almost a year. Maybe it's because we have so many though? They get rotated through a lot. I'm not sure. My flannel is mostly just the snuggle flannel from JoAnn's. And they are all pockets, does that make a difference? Sorry I am not much help.

[fwlady]

That was going to be my question for you too, how many do you have? I know that when I have more diapers, they last longer. I have used WM flannel for many years, or I recycle (or upcycle ) old flannel sheets and receiving blankets. I have been able to use my diapers for more than one child, but they are wearing out by the second child on the inside if they are AIOs. Since I usually make new covers for fitted diapers, I guess I haven't paid much attention. But, I really think that the diapers have lasted through a full year or two of one baby (when I have made all one size diapers even).

Are you using bleach? You shouldn't be using anything harsh on them, especially bleach. If you can get them half dried on the line, and finish them in the dryer, that will help them last longer.

This time, I am using the flannel from JoAnn's, so we will see how that works out. And, these will be all one size too. Kymberli

[MittensKittens]

Not using bleach - just soap nuts and "normal" detergent once in a while. Mmmm.... Why does stuff like this keep happening to me? Must be something I'm not doing right then...

[MittensKittens]

Oh, and I have about 30-35 dipes in total.

[SleeplessMommy]

How many layers of flannel for a home made fitted dipe? (assuming it will be used with a cover)

[fwlady]

I also wonder if you are using a top loader? I know that it didn't take long for my top loader to wear diapers out. We have had a front loader for 6 yrs now, and the clothes are suppose to last longer and stay nice for a longer time. I would guess maybe that it works the same for diapers. I don't know why this is, I think because of the middle thingy cleaning the clothes is more abrasive, but in a front loader, the clothes rub each other to clean them.

I don't know how many ppl use front loaders, but they are the newer "greener" way to go. And, if it weren't for those, I don't save ANYTHING on doing cloth vs. paper. So, if you have to replace your washer soon, you may consider one of those. I am not trying to sell it on you, but with our large family, we saved 33% on water and 15% on electric when we switched over, while doing cloth. They are a hefty investment though.

So, just as an idea. Kymberli

[MittensKittens]

Yes, I have a top loader. Hadn't even thought about the difference that might make. There is no way I am going to buy a new washing machine any time soon, but thanks for giving me probable cause

[fwlady]

Originally Posted by MittensKittens

Yes, I have a top loader. Hadn't even thought about the difference that might make. There is no way I am going to buy a new washing machine any time soon, but thanks for giving me probable cause

I hope you get more time out of your diapers. To spend all that time making them and having them wear out, it is frustrating. I feel your pain. OTOH, if I had all the money in the world, I would love to keep making them, just that I live on a budget. I have found that even the cheapie stuff and the recycled fabrics have made no difference in how long they last. I do think that the washer made a difference for us.

Actually, usually, my Dh talks me back out of cloth, so I give all my dipes away, and then I have to make them all again when I want to go back to cloth. Gives me an excuse to make them though. LOL Kymberli