Prep before or after I sew? and other questions

[jildez]

I used a diaper service up until recently (it was a gift that was much appreciated, we didn't have a washer). Since the move, I have made a few diapers from materials around the house and figured out the size and shape that works best for my big almost 8 month old and I think I am ready to "make" the bulk of what we will be using. I say "make" because I am not a seamstress by far and I will be using prefolds for most of my stash.

I have about 20 used infant sized prefolds and 18 toddler sized new prefolds. I think i will just keep using the infant prefolds as extra layers (they dont really fit and i have just been laying them in the covers while i try to get more diapers made), but I want to fit the toddler prefolds- I plan to cut out the sides and add elastic and add longer tabs on the sides. However, I am not sure if i should wash first or wash after i do the cutting and sewing.

Finally, I have been making the other diapers with t-shirt and sweatshirt material . I have a bunch of different fleece materials that my husband and i aren't using anymore and would like to make some more absorbent diapers with that- is it a good idea? How can I tell if a fabric is a good one? We use all free and clear on all our clothes and no fabric softeners, so i figure that there shouldn't be buildup that would keep the fabric from absorbing, but I am not sure what else I should consider if I am going to make diapers from them.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

[lalemma]

I would prep the diapers before sewing, in case of shrinkage that would throw your measurements off.

Have you seen this? http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html

You should absolutely be able to sew diapers from upcycled materials. I would just look for things with a high percentage of cotton (say 80%) for absorption.

Have fun!

[jildez]

Originally Posted by lalemma

I would prep the diapers before sewing, in case of shrinkage that would throw your measurements off.

Have you seen this? http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html

You should absolutely be able to sew diapers from upcycled materials. I would just look for things with a high percentage of cotton (say 80%) for absorption.

Have fun!

Thanks, Lalemma,

So far i have used 100% cotton t's and sweats, but i thought that fleece (the poly kind) would be good for absorbent centers for some inserts/other layers, I guess you are saying not so much?

I saw fern and faerie, and am doing something like her fitted with some elastic around the crotch-but she serges everything, and i am using my cast iron machine, i just have straight and zigzag seams, so its a little different and not so quick and easy.

[lalemma]

All my fitted diapers so far have been turned and topstitched, not serged. It's totally doable! And I sometimes wonder if maybe the edges on serged fitteds wouldn't be a little harsh on baby skin, anyway.

Re: fleece - sorry, I thought you meant sweatshirt fleece, hee!

Fleece won't absorb liquid. Some fleece will provide a moisture barrier, and some fleece (microfleece) will act as a stay-dry layer, actually wick liquid through to another (absorbent) layer behind it. I'm pretty sure that all the fleece I have around the house is the former type. I would test it by dripping a bit of water on it and seeing what happens!

[jildez]

well that helps me- i can definitely "test" what i have and see if any of it will make a good next to skin layer or if its better for other re-purposing.

thanks!!!!