Prefolds & VB AIO Pattern & Snappi questions

[Daisie125]

Just a couple questions...

Where the heck am I supposed to sew the elastic on the VB AIO pattern? Everyone says not to sew it to the pul, and if I sew it to the inner wouldn't that make it roll out instead of in and wick? Anyone got any good CLEAR photos of where to put it?

What are the different sizes of prefold diapers? Would someone be willing to measure the length and width of each size for me so I can make up some in each size for some emergency diapers? I'd want to make everything from preemie size up to the largest.

If I were to make a few covers out of the the VB AIO pattern to go over the prefolds would I just make them a little bigger than the pattern calls for or something?

Do snappis work on flannel or would I be better off with pins?

Thanks!

[Jes'sBeth]

Hi... Sorry, I don't have photos BUT... Here's what you do!

After you've sewn the sides you sew the elastic into the seam allowance (So, you'll be sewing between the seam you just put in and the edge of the fabric.) You sew the elastic to the PUL side through all layers in your seam allowance. Because the PUL is baggy when you sew the sides because you cut using the extension lines on the pattern for the PUL layer, When you flip everything right side out the extra PUL will roll in through the leg opening. I sew my side seams so that I have a bit extra in the seam allowance where I'm going to sew the elastic to get it in easily.

For emergency diapers... I would suggest getting a some prefolds or making prefolds because they fit for longer and then make a couple of covers and throw a snappi in the emergency stash. Somewhere online there's this great chart with the dimensions of all sorts of different fitted diapers. There's no real industry standard so to some extent it's up to you.

Snappis don't work on flannel. They do work on cotton jersey or interlock.

Finally, I love your sig and just wanted to mention that 100 wipes is way more than you need. We have something like 30 or 40 and have leftovers on wash day.

[Daisie125]

Originally Posted by Jes'sBeth

After you've sewn the sides you sew the elastic into the seam allowance (So, you'll be sewing between the seam you just put in and the edge of the fabric.) You sew the elastic to the PUL side through all layers in your seam allowance. Because the PUL is baggy when you sew the sides because you cut using the extension lines on the pattern for the PUL layer, When you flip everything right side out the extra PUL will roll in through the leg opening. I sew my side seams so that I have a bit extra in the seam allowance where I'm going to sew the elastic to get it in easily.

OHHHH! Thank you! I get it now! Wow am I obtuse or what?! haha!

For emergency diapers... I would suggest getting a some prefolds or making prefolds because they fit for longer and then make a couple of covers and throw a snappi in the emergency stash. Somewhere online there's this great chart with the dimensions of all sorts of different fitted diapers. There's no real industry standard so to some extent it's up to you.

K, I'll have to look for a chart... I at least want to make some sort of "standard" sizes just so they fit the way they are supposed to.

Finally, I love your sig and just wanted to mention that 100 wipes is way more than you need. We have something like 30 or 40 and have leftovers on wash day.

I figured I didn't need that many, but small stuff like that seems to disapear (like somehow we don't own a single washcloth after buying a pack of 20 in July ) Figured it couldn't hurt to have extras!

Thanks again!

[boscopup]

Originally Posted by Daisie125

Where the heck am I supposed to sew the elastic on the VB AIO pattern?

What Beth said. Sewing through PUL is not necessarily a no-no, especially when you're just sewing to the seam allowance. Just remember to DRY ON HOT before you use it the first time.

Originally Posted by Daisie125

What are the different sizes of fitted diapers?

Every pattern/brand/etc. is different. But you can use your VB AIO pattern to make fitteds, then use the same pattern (but enlarged a bit) to make covers that fit the fitteds.

I also second Beth's recommendation to get some prefolds for emergencies. They're also the BEST burp cloths. If you have a spitter upper (I did), you will really like the DSQ prefolds vs. the so-called "diapers" you get in the stores to use as burp cloths. There is just no comparison in absorbancy!!!

Originally Posted by Daisie125

If I were to make a few covers out of the the VB AIO pattern to go over the fitteds would I just make them a little bigger than the pattern calls for or something?

Yes, just enlarge the pattern by about 1/2" all the way around (although I usually leave the tabs the same size, then redraw the leg a little bit to meet the new tab size - otherwise you have huge tabs). The nice thing about using the same pattern for your covers and fitteds is that you're pretty much guaranteed that the cover will fit over the fitted (assuming you've enlarged the pattern appropriately like I suggest).

I don't know about Snappis and flannel... I didn't use pins or Snappis for my newborn, and only finally bought a Snappi when DS was around 17 months old. It's too small for his wide waist with a regular sized prefold. I guess I'll just wait until next time I have a newborn! I used Bummis SWWs to hold my prefolds on when DS was a newborn, and I used the newspaper fold. Now I like the bikini twist quite a bit, but it doesn't always hold the poopies in (the cover catches them, but then I have to wash my cover!). An unfastened prefold will work, but will result in heavy cover usage with a runny poo newborn.

[Daisie125]

Wow... I'm a MORON! When I asked about sizes of fitteds, I meant PREFOLDS! Duh, no wonder I couldn't get an answer!

[boscopup]

Ok, for prefolds, I think if you go to any site that sells them, you'll get a sizing list. But be forewarned... Unless you're making your prefolds out of materials you already have (like T-shirts and such), it might be cheaper to just order them. You can get them through co-ops for like $10-12/dozen. That's cheaper than buying fabric to make them. Of course, if you're wanting hemp prefolds or OV prefolds or something that tends to be more expensive, it might be cheaper to make your own. And if you're using stuff from around the house, that's always cheaper!

[Daisie125]

Yep! Going with stuff from the house! Although I may order some too... depends on how many of DH's shirts I can get out of him

[boscopup]

Judging by your sig, you'll need alot of T-shirts for those "emergency" prefolds! Get to work on those AIOs!

(I shouldn't talk... My sister's Christmas present of a dozen training pants for her son are still waiting to be sewn, and I've sewn a few diapers for my own son since I last worked on those training pants at all... goal for tomorrow - sew a training pant!!!)

[cathiasplace]

This site has instuctions and sizing for prefolds. HTH!

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/mothers...ds/mypatt.html

[Daisie125]

Originally Posted by boscopup

Judging by your sig, you'll need alot of T-shirts for those "emergency" prefolds! Get to work on those AIOs!

(I shouldn't talk... My sister's Christmas present of a dozen training pants for her son are still waiting to be sewn, and I've sewn a few diapers for my own son since I last worked on those training pants at all... goal for tomorrow - sew a training pant!!!)

Yeah, still waiting on that tax return to buy the rest of my supplies!

[earthenware]

Originally Posted by Jes'sBeth

Finally, I love your sig and just wanted to mention that 100 wipes is way more than you need. We have something like 30 or 40 and have leftovers on wash day.

: 100!!! OMG! I made 40 and we use them for everything (runny noses, sticky fingers, bums) and we still have plenty. I think the thing is, when you lovingly make them and they are soft and delicious and beautiful, well, you keep tight track of where they are in the house and make sure that they all come home again after a big day on the town!

I'd say, don't burn yourself out mama, sew 50 and store the rest of your fabric away for 'in case'. That's what I did since I found a velour/flannel combo I loved and was afraid that I would never find it again if/when I needed to sew more wipes... cause you *know* you have to have a matching set. In 18 months I've only lost 1 wipe. and yes, I count them occasionaly, so what?