basic materials..elastic, inners, etc?

[Leilalu]

Ok ladies, I have decided to branch out into my own diaper making :Bouncy

Mostly because I have tons of fabric to use up, I would love to pick out fabric, cheaper, etc, etc.

So, I am pretty adventurous and somewhat of a do-it-yourselfer anyway. Plus, I disected a BottomBumper gone wrong that I bought used: So I now feel like I HAVE to make some:LOL
I will most likely make my own pattern.

I plan on buying lots of fabric, and using organic velour inners.I'll probably use some old experimented on prefolds as doubler inners.ANd buy some hemp. I want t&t diapers as I have no serger. I don't know which elastic to buy, or which thread(I am a guiterman addct) to use. Or if sending my dipes off to have someone snap them is insane or not.Please offer suggestions and help!?
TIA!

[Kari_mom]

I think you pretty much have it figured out. You know how to sew, you know what you like in a diaper, guitermans is fine. I think you should consider buying a snap press if you like snapping diapers, they aren't outrageously expensive, you can chose your own colors and you can have hidden snaps if you want. Mine is from the Snap Store, I like it fine. Personally, sending my diapers off to have snaps applied would drive me nuts waiting. Or maybe you can find someone local with a snap press.

Your plan to practice with stuff you have is good, it takes a few dipes to tweak your own pattern and it gives you something to do while waiting on all your new fabric.

So go girl! Best of luck, don't forget to post pictures.

[Kari_mom]

Ooops, forgot elastic.

You basically have three choices for T&T diapers. Braided elastic, available at the fabric store. Swimwear elastic, also available at the fabric store. And Lastin, purchased online. The clear stuff at the fabric store is not Lastin.

I like swimwear elastic, 3/8 inch, for T&T diapers and pockets. It is really personal choice. I would buy some of each, in 1/4 and 3/8 inch widths, and see what you like. I don't know what kind of Lastin to buy, but wherever you buy your OV will probably carry it.

HTH!

[Jes'sBeth]

You need 100% polyester thread for anywhere you are sewing through your waterproof layer so that the thread won't wick, so now you have a GREAT reason to keep buying the super nice guterman thread (I Guterman thread too. I recently switched over to Mettler thread though to save myself a bit of cash. I like it too. It's not like it's cheap thread either though...)\

I use 1/4 inch woven elastic. It's cheap and easily accessible and works fine for me. I buy it online when I buy my aplix etc. I like the stuff I buy online better than the stuff at the fabric store, it's got a nicer feel to it.

other than that, you sound ready to go! I made my own patterns from existing free internet patterns and from looking at the diapers I have that fit my daughter well. They worked out really well especially my side aplix closing diapers so I think you're in good shape to start sewing! (I especially love turning found fabric into diapers. I get such a bang out of realizing that I have spent so little on my diapers AND gotten rid of fabric that was just taking up space in my house )

[JLav]

I just wanted to mention nylon monofilament thread, also known as invisible thread is a great option for sewing diapers. I switched to it when I ran out of Guttermanns and I've been pretty happy with it. It takes a little getting used to using, but it saves time as you don't have to change thread colors for different color fabrics. Also, nothing beats it for sewing on Aplix...if you decide to go that route.
I agree that if you want snaps on your dipes sending away would get irritating. A snap press is a bit of an investment but it retains it's resale value if you decide to sell it.
I also prefer to use polybraid swimsuit elastic...I get it when it's on sale at Joann's.
Good luck with your diaper making!

[Leilalu]

thanks guys!