Help me be a more discriminating consumer. :)

[ShadowMom]

This seemed like the most logical place to post this, so here goes.

I'm kind of learning to sew, but really I know nothing about it. So, until I become an expert seamstress :LOL I was just wondering...

what all do you look for when you get/make a diaper? How do you know it's well made? What are the mistakes to look for?

For instance... do you look for uneven stitching somewhere? Loose threads? Really, I don't know enough to even have a "for instance" I guess.

This would really help me review diapers better and hopefully, eventually make my own. So please share your thoughts.

Thanks!

[Sophiasmomma]

well for one you look it over and see if theres any visable flaws- loose thread, uneven wings, is the stitching even on the diaper.. is the elastic tight enough and even. are the snaps all working intact, or is the aplix all sewn down around the edges? I always look to make sure all the layers are sewn together because Ive gotten a few dipes where the Mama missed an edge here or there...
I never sewed anything other than a pillow(and it was bad) and now I really enjoy making diapers.. It has taken about 15 or so to really love the ones Im making but Im finally there I think :LOL It is very basic to do and fun. I alwasy feel so accomplished after I finish one!

[boingo82]

I look for:
symmetry
quality materials
serging ends pulled through - if they are left loose on the outside the serging may unravel
All layers sewn
On aplix, I always liked to zigzag around it twice to be sure it isn't going anywhere.

But mostly when you get a GOOD diaper you will just know.
I have a Valor Kids fitted and a Sugarbums AIO that were just so immaculate, they didn't look home-sewn at all. They have also held up marvelously over many washes.

[peekyboo]

I start with the overall look. Does it look "professional" or does it look like something I made? :LOL

Stitching is important, it should be all evenly spaced, straight, etc. Even, no threads hanging (though Fuzzi Bunz are notorious for threads all over the inside.)

Snap placement is also important. I got one diaper once where snaps were even and all, but they were just too low at the waist and the diaper never did fit my dd right. I have since come to learn that staggered snaps work better on my dd than those that are two rows evenly spaced.

Good fabric that's cut properly. I got one pocket diaper where the fleece wasn't quite cut evenly and it has bugged me. Doesn't affect the diaper though. And you don't want a striped diaper where the stripes go crooked.

[boingo82]

Originally Posted by peekyboo

... And you don't want a striped diaper where the stripes go crooked.

Which is a good reason to avoid even trying to sew stripes. :LOL

[peekyboo]

Originally Posted by boingo82

Which is a good reason to avoid even trying to sew stripes. :LOL

Exactly! I love striped material but you won't see any in my fabric box just yet!

[whimsy]

EEK! I like to sew stripes cuz I can use 'em to line the pattern up!

[boingo82]

Originally Posted by whimsy

EEK! I like to sew stripes cuz I can use 'em to line the pattern up!

If you can do them, more power to you! :LOL

[marasmum]

I look at the serging when I inspect a new diaper because it seems like that is one of the most common areas for "OOPS" issues. I agree that when you get an immaculate diaper, it seems to just shine. My last bit of "diaper perfection" was a RB fitted. I use this one as inspiration for my own diapers!