Anyone use FOE?

[Wyattsmommie04]

I love the look of diapers that have fold over elastic. But, I have never used one or even seen one IRL. How do you use it? Where do you get it? And, it doesn't wick? Also, what width should I try out?

[brogansmomma]

I just picked up a small amount on ebay to try out. It's 1/2" but I think 3/4" might be an easier width to work with. I guess I'll see how I do with the 1/2" when it gets here. I know I have to order it online as my Fabricland and Walmart don't have it but maybe some stores do.

[Rachel Flores]

I use 1'' FOE for covers and AIOs It' works really well for me, no wicking. The only thing I have to complain about is that it can get pretty pilly if you use aplix instead of snaps. I really want to try the OSDS's 3/4'' FOE cause it's not supposed to pill as much. I got my FOE through a co-op, I don't know of any B&M stores that offer FOE, I think you have to buy it online.

[boscopup]

I've used 1" FOE so far, and it's very easy to use, but yes, it gets pilly when washed with hook & loop. Not a huge deal - just doesn't look as pretty. The OSDS stuff that is supposed to not pill is the 5/8". I don't know if the co-op 5/8" FOEs are the same or not?

Using it is easy. You just fold it in half (it very easily folds in the middle), place your fabric up against the fold, and sew it down. When you get to an elastic area, sink the needle, give the FOE a good stretch, then continue sewing until you are leaving the elastic area. Release the FOE at that point and continue on. As you're sewing, just stop every 2-3" and make sure the fabric is still up against that fold. Curves are pretty easy - the FOE will look like it's going to be all wrinkly and icky, but once it gets out from under the presser foot, it looks great.

I started out using a straight stitch until I got better at sewing in general. My last cover, I used a 3-step zig-zag, and it turned out great! I think that's supposed to be more sturdy, but the straight stitch worked fine on my covers too. The only one where the FOE is coming off is the one where I used Talon Surelock serger thread that you can get at Walmart. That stuff breaks horribly for me. So I have broken threads on that one (as well as a couple fitteds I made with it). I don't have that problem with Maxi-lock serger thread.

[JunebugsMom]

I'm not a big fan. I got some 1" from a co-op. For me, it's a PITA to sew on and I don't like how the wings curl. It also does get very pilly and ratty in the wash if you have aplix diapers. It works great on the crib sheets I've been making, though

[Wyattsmommie04]

Wow Vera! That sounds so easy. I think I will go ahead and try to get ahold of some.
Also, I had never thought about using it for crib sheets. Awesome idea Junebugsmom, Considering how hard of a time it has been trying to find store bought crib stuff to match my son's room. Thanks mama's!

[Wyattsmommie04]

One more question...What is OSDS?

[boscopup]

I'm about to make a crib sheet for my DS too. I just pre-washed the fabric today! I'm not using FOE for it though. I'll be just serging and using regular polybraid on the corners.

OSDS = One Stop Diaper Shop

[our3boys]

I don't have a LOT of experience sewing FOE, mostly b/c it really is a pain for me. But I do still like the look of it. I find that if I am using more than one layer of fabric, it is best to serge the layers together first. Then I don't have to try to get all the edges lined up together while getting the FOE in place at the same time. It is probably easier with the 1" FOE, but I would imagine the thinner ones would sew on curves easier.

For wing curl, make sure not to stretch it, and if you are using snaps, you can place the snaps slightly overlapping on the FOE to keep it from curling. However, I have found it is easier to crack snaps when I am applying them in this position.

You can cut down on Aplix/Velcro snagging the FOE by putting fold-back laundry tabs on. You will still get some snagging, but it will be a LOT less. They are really worth it, even if you are not using FOE b/c then the diapers rarely get stuck together in the wash.

[our3boys]

I also wanted to say that I have seen FOE in all the fabric stores, but it is a very cheap quality and I would never use it on diapers b/c I doubt it would hold up to the washing. There is one exception - I have only one decent fabric store left around here (quality-wise) and they do carry some, but it is much more expensive than what you can get at the online diaper stores (I think it is around $4 a yard; it is meant for decorative use).

[boscopup]

Originally Posted by our3boys

I find that if I am using more than one layer of fabric, it is best to serge the layers together first.

:

I think the hardest one I've made was one where I put the cotton print on the outside of the PUL. I find one-layer PUL diapers MUCH easier. You could also use a washable glue stick to stick the layers together. I used tape to add reinforcement areas to where my snaps were going to go, and that turned out awesome and wasn't any harder than applying it to a single layer (although I forgot to remove the tape on one tab before applying a snap right through the middle of the tape ).

[Wyattsmommie04]

OSDS is sold out of 1 in. And I found a co-op. But, they want like $26 for a roll. A roll ends up being about 100 yards. I didn't really want that much. Maybe I will check e-bay. Also, I was wanting to make a fitted with the FOE, but I also didn't want to use PUL. What are my options? Thanks mama's you have all been a lot of help!

[Rachel Flores]

PMd you!

[boscopup]

Check the diaper supplies sticky for FOE. I know I got some from diapercuts, and there are other places that have it too.

You don't have to use PUL for covers. You can use fleece. Should still work ok, I'm sure.

[Wyattsmommie04]

What if you want a really cute fitted with a patterned fabric outside, what other layers do you use to keep it from leaking? With out using PUL? I have used fleece. But, it was just one color and was really bulky.

[JefsJen]

i bought mine off the internet and I heard or read somewhere that someone had bought some at walmart. maybe they just don't all carry it. I used it and like it. BUT, my preference is to get the kind that is shiny on one side and plain on the other side. That way you can use the plain on the outisde (showing) of the dipe and I don't think it pills as bad. I really like using it alot.

[Wyattsmommie04]

I also heard of Wal-mart having it. But, I was also told that it wasn't really good quality like the stuff you would buy online. But, once again I haven't tried it yet. I have ordered some, and I am waiting on it. I found a co-op run by the same woman that sells the PUL on e-bay at her online store, Daigle fashion? (sp?) Anyway, if anyone wants to know about the co-op, I need to look it up, but let me know.

[Mongoose]

I have tried the local fabric store brand (Joannes) FOE on diapers....it does wick horribly and the OSDS is so much easier to sew too! The fab store stuff is really slippery and also in my case was more expensive than the OSDS stuff. I have used OSDS 1 inch and the 5/8 inch. 1 inch was easier, but the pilling with Aplix issue is making me go back to the 5/8. Both are easy to sew with though....

I am rambling today, maybe I sould eat breakfast?

[brogansmomma]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

1 inch was easier, but the pilling with Aplix issue is making me go back to the 5/8. Both are easy to sew with though....

Even with laundry tabs? Or do you not have them? I like the narrower width of 3/4" but 1" would probably be easier. I plan to use laundry tabs so the Aplix shouldn't really touch it that much.

[boscopup]

I used laundry tabs, and my FOE still pilled. This is the 1" type. It doesn't hurt the diaper/cover any. Just doesn't look as pretty with the pills.