newbie to making diapers

[CableGirl]

Ok, I'm usually a needlepoint girl,not a knitter, a crocheter or a clothing maker. However, I'd really like to ge tinto making some of my own CDs. I've looked through the links on the stickies for patterns, but what I'm asking is this: does anyone have any suggestions for a newbie diaper maker with no sewing machine? I'm hoping to be able to get a machine for christmas, but that will greatly depend on DH's work bonus (I'm SAHM for the next few months so we're down one paycheck). Suggestions? Links? patterns?

[love2bmom]

My aunt did some test sewing for our diaper site, she used a machine that I think is older than me (I'm 32). She even used a straight stitch for the elastic because her zigzag stitch wasn't working. I think any reliable machine is great to use. Straight and zigzag stitches make it even better.
If you're looking for names, I use a Husqvarna/Viking Quilt Maker II for sewing and a Pfaff serger.
HTH! Good luck with diaper making - it can be addictive...

[curly_mommy]

I know I've seen links about some mamas who sew their diapers by hand, if you want to try that before you get a machine. I think it would probably take a lot of time, but it can be done. It would probably be very easy to make some prefolds or contour diapers by hand. That way you wouldn't have to add any fasteners or deal with elastic, and you could get a taste of diaper making.

That said, when you get a machine, I've found the patterns listed in the sticky to be very easy, and I'm relatively new to machine sewing. I'm a big fan of the free Mama Bird pattern (actually, I'm a fan of free patterns in general), but I've tried several of the others, too. You will probably want to try a few of the patterns out to see which you like best.

As for machines, you could look into a refurbished machine. I bought a new Singer, but the store where I bought it also sold used machines that were relatively inexpensive, and machines like Singer seem to last forever. Stores like Target and Walmart also sell sewing machines (Brother and Kenmore are two brands I've seen) that my friends have had good luck with. Some fabric stores like Joann's also sell sewing machines, so you could look for sales at any of those stores.

Good luck! I know it's hard wading through all the choices - just wait until you start making diapers and get to choosing fabric!

[Kari_mom]

I think you should consider learning to knit. I love knit soakers and longies, they are beautiful and work so well and are more $$ than fitted diapers, so learning to make them will really stretch your diapering dollar.

If you want to try sewing some diapering stuff by hand, I would suggest recycled wool covers, either soakers or pants, and flats. Flats are just large squares of absorbant fabric like flannel or jersey knit. If you use knits, you don't even need to hem the edges. Flannel would be easy to work with and hem the edges by hand. You can pin or snappi most flats if you chose the right fabric.

But honestly, in your position, I would so be learning to knit. I bet the cats would like it too!

[CableGirl]

Thanks for the great suggestions...

I can knit... sort of.. by that I mean I can do scarves and the like, but I've never tried anything more complicated... but a question about wool diapers... I live in south Florida.. wouldn't that be very hot and uncomfortable for a baby.. I mean it's over 80 degrees here most of the year...

which patterns (for the machine) do you find the easiest for a newbie to work with? I'm thinking that anything that requires adding elastic etc would take a while to work up to...

[love2bmom]

There are free elastic tutorial Quicktime clips on my site - they would apply to any diaper pattern you use that requires elastic.
http://diaperkit.com/sewing-help.htm
Wool diaper covers are awsome! Wool is actually very breathable and I don't think it would be too hot. Just be sure that if you buy wool fabric that it has not been treated to prevent shrinkage. You want wool fabric to shrink - the tightness of the fibers is part of the waterproof effect (along with the natural lanolin).
I hope that helps!