hidden PUL

[rebeccalizzie]

Okay, I want to make some hidden PUL AIO's and covers (like Lucy's Hope Chest). I have a half yard of 1 mil PUL and I think 2 yards of FOE, so enough to make maybe two of these until my co-op order comes. A few questions:

First, I used some FOE from Hancock that wasn't super stretchy, and I ended up putting hidden elastic in the legs because it just wasn't going to be very snug. I haven't used my new OSDS FOE because I'm now traumatized against FOE. Any FOE tips? These are going to be size small...

Second, what do I use for outer fabric? Can I use anything I want? Because most of the cheap baby prints I'm finding are 100% cotton. I want to use my cute baby fabrics!

Third....would it be better to skip the FOE all together and just serge this together? Or would that just be weird because of the hidden PUL layer? Or use something else for binding? I've hunted for nylon tricot to use for binding everywhere I can think of, and I can't find it. I'm hitting Hobby Lobby today or tomorrow, but they are my last hope!

I you guys...where else could I ask such weird questions???

[boscopup]

Originally Posted by rebeccalizzie

I haven't used my new OSDS FOE because I'm now traumatized against FOE. Any FOE tips?

The OSDS FOE is probably much nicer than the Hancocks stuff. I use OSDS FOE, and the stretch is awesome, and I find it very easy to work with. You will NOT need to add elastic to these.

One tip I have is to make sure you elasticize the front panel of your covers at least a little bit. When I made my first FOE-bound PUL cover, I didn't stretch the FOE when doing the front panel, and it is so huge and baggy. It really needed just a little bit of elastic. That same pattern in a fitted works fine without the elastic, but for the cover, it just needs elastic. It doesn't have to be as gathered as the back waist and legs, but just a little bit will help.

Other than that... Go slow, readjust your fabric often so it's touching the fold of the FOE, and enjoy your sewing!

Originally Posted by rebeccalizzie

Second, what do I use for outer fabric?

Cotton is fine for the outer fabric of FOE bound (or serged) covers/AIOs, but it will wick quicker than a 100% polyester fabric. Just take care to keep inner absorbent layers from touching outer fabric, and you should be ok. I can use my cotton print outer PUL cover for naps and everything, and don't get wicking. I've only done one AIO with cotton print outer so far, and I serged the layers before binding in FOE. DON'T DO THIS if you're using an absorbent inner layer. I had cotton print on the outside and velour on the inside. Serging causes the two layers to touch. Not good! I haven't used the diaper, since it's too small for DS, but I know it would wick. I can tell by just looking at it! It will require DWR added to be at all useful, I think.

Originally Posted by rebeccalizzie

Third....would it be better to skip the FOE all together and just serge this together? Or would that just be weird because of the hidden PUL layer?

It's not weird at all. In fact, LHC AIOs are serged with hidden PUL. I suggest microfleece or suedecloth as an inner material though, to avoid wicking. With FOE, you can use flannel or velour or other absorbent interiors, as long as the inner and outer layers aren't touching, but with a serged diaper, if you used an absorbent inner layer, it'd wick at the ruffles where the ruffles touch the clothes.

Since you're doing size smalls, I assume you have a baby that's not eating solids or not alot of solids yet, and thus still has those wonderful runny poops. For containment, FOE might work better than a serged diaper... Just a guess though. I say try it both ways and see which way you prefer! Some people like FOE bound stuff, and some people don't!

[rebeccalizzie]

I knew I'd get a great answer from you, bosco! Thank you!

...the babe that these are for hasn't been born yet I'm working on my nb stash for my baby due in August. So I think I'm going to do both to see what I like--a couple of FOE's and a couple of serged. I've got some microfleece and suedecloth, although I think the suede might be the wrong kind--I have to play with it to see.

I just want all my dipes to be super cute! And since solid colored PUL is boring...I have to put the cute prints on the outside!

I need more PUL...