Hidden waterproof diapers

[Gabberella]

Hello all, I am new to this site/forum. My hubby and I are expecting our first little bundle of joy Sept 23rd! Anyway, I am new to making cloth diapers and had some questions.

So far, I have made two cloth diapers. The first one was Rita's Rump Pocket pattern, a very nice, simple pattern- just to get the feel of making cloth diapers. But I would like to make all in two's. The waterproof kind with a pocket soaker. I would also like to have the waterproof part hidden inside the diaper so that I can use cute cotton prints on the outer. So far, I have made one of these diapers. I tested it out by inserting a soaker and pouring some water on the inside. I poured a lot (not sure how much babies pee pee yet, lol). The outside rump part of the diaper stayed completely dry. However, on the inside where the water started spreading toward the outer edge of the diaper (close to the leg area) and touched that outer cotton fabric, it started wicking through to the outside cotton.

Is this inevitable with cotton outer diapers?
How would I be able to stop this?


P.S. I used flannel for the inner fabric closest to baby and just stuck a terry washcloth in as the soaker to test it.
Also used 100% polyester thread.
Thanks so much!

[e_roehm23]

This is a popular question. There are a lot of mamas who make/sell such dipes, and it is certainly debatable. However, I think there are more who have had this same problem. The two most reasons are:

You have cotton flannel touching cotton outer either where it is t&t or where it is serged. If it is not that, then another common problem area is where you topstitch around the leg elastic. Even if you use poly thread, that seam punctures little holes along the pul which CAN cause wicking onto the outer cute cotton print.

Did you wash and dry on hot before testing the dipe? Sometimes the heat will help seal up those holes.

Here is a website that shows an alternative sewing method. I haven't tried it.
http://makingitlittlebylittle.wordpress.com/

Scroll a little more than half way down that page and you'll see the tut.

Good Luck & let us know how it turns out!!

[Gabberella]

Thank you for the link! And yes, my inner flannel is touching the cute outer cotton print. I will check out that link and tut for details to see if there is a way I can separate the two. Also, thanks for the tip on washing and drying in hot, I definitely did not do that and would never have thought of it, but now that you mention it makes perfect sense! Thanks so much!