How much fabric?

[Astraia]

I want to make one-size pocket diapers, so I just need to buy PUL and... microfleece? Is that what it's called?

I'm going to buy microfiber towels from the dollar store to use on the inside of them because I've heard it's messy stuff to cut.

I just can't figure out how much fabric I would need. My SIL has a pattern for fitted diapers that I'm borrowing and turning into a pocket diaper, but the yardage requirements in the pattern include 3 layers for the main diaper plus extra for the stitched-in soaker so I can't figure out from the pattern what I'd need.

I'm planning to make 20 one size pocket diapers.

I'm new to this sewing business and have never bought fabric before, so hopefully this isn't too stupid a question!

[fwlady]

I am not too familiar with pocket diapers, but I did cut 54 one size diapers (so it is cut to a 35-40lb child) just recently. I could get 2 diapers, that have 2 full bodies for each, out of a yard. And, then I could also get the top and back of a medium pad for each diaper out of it. But, I placed them opposite of each other rather than side by side. Of what I can see for pocket dipes, the outer is one body layer like PUL or heavy fleece, and the microfleece (or they have used this poly velvety stuff that looks gorgeous) in a full body layer. Always buy just a little bit more, because if you get an extra diaper out of it, that is better than having less. I thought I was calculating for 40 diapers and ended up with 54. LOL Because I thought I could get only 1.5 diapers out of a yard.

For soakers, you can get a good absorbant prefold out of one yard. So, if you were folding that type of soaker in it, then I would gather it would take about that much (if you are calculating flannel which takes more fabric to absorb urine output than say bamboo or hemp). So, you would probably want to calculate 1.5 yds of fabric for each diaper in total. When using different fabrics, then you have to calculate it that way. Kymberli

[Astraia]

Okay, that definitely helps.

I think one of my problems is that- and this is stupid- I've never bought fabric. I cannot conceptualize what a yard is and currently we only have 12 inch ruler so I'm not going to go figure it out on my own, lol.

It's kind of scary to spend money on fabric when I really and truly have NO idea what I'm doing!

[Astraia]

Holy cow, fabric is expensive!

Now I'm more scared.

[fwlady]

I know, I know, but it still saves money over sposies. ONe thing I forgot to mention, flannel comes in 45 wide. That was what my measurements is on. Cotton knit comes in 60 wide unless it is noted differently on the end of the bolt. It is more expensive, but there is more fabric. You can also go to Little Lions and get PFs pretty cheap and make them into prefitteds. I know that there is a wonderful tutorial on DiaperSwappers on how to do that. If you can get seconds or used (or just prepped) PFs, you can make them into prefitteds. No math there.

With knit, I could probably get 6 diaper bodies (3 diapers) in 1 and 1/3 yds. The soakers you can use upcycled fabrics. If you don't have stuff around your house, the thrift shops are good for that. And, auto towels cut right make them really cheap. But, you want that in the middle of your diaper.

If there is anything else, I can probably help you with it. I have been making diapers for 12 yrs on and off. Although there is so much more available now than I had ever imagined over all these years. Kymberli