I want to make my own CDs but I'm LOST!

[mom2anangel]

I need a diaper making shopping list. What do you need to get started making your own diapers?? I went to the fabric store today and was completly lost, the attendants were no help so I left empty handed. Here is the list I had in my head when arriving at the store:

Fleece (what kind, how much??)
PLU (waterproofing stuff right? the store had none)
Terry cloth (for stuffing pockets or doublers)
Thread (what kind won't absorb??)
Pattern (they only had patterns for infant covers)
Velcro or Aplix (for securing diaper)
Elastic (how thick? how much?)
Seam Ripper (for mistakes)

That is all I could think of needing. If there are any money saving ideas that would be great also. All I have right now is a sewing machine still in it's box, it only has the basic machine parts included. If I am missing anything please let me know. I really want to get started on making diapers soon before I lose intrest. Is there a good place online to get any of the things needed like special thread or PLU? Please help, I'm totally lost. Also do I have to use fleece, won't it be hot? I welcome any and all help. Thanks ladies.
Jen

[Isaac'sMa]

You don't need to use fleece! You don't need to use PUL either if you'd rather go with a more natural option...wool is great! You can use flannel, old T shirts, old towels, etc too if cost is an option. If drying time is an option (like if you'll be air -drying) you can sew the soaker pad seperately or make it a large single piece of flannel that you fold to the size of the inside of the diaper.

If you use wool, you can use old sweaters and make "bum sweaters" out of them! http://www.geocities.com/cyndiegran/...eaterpage.html You do NOT have to felt the wool if it is the right thickness.

One Stop Diaper Shop has lots of great materials and they're online.
http://diapershop.com/

If you're doing pockets, you can use old washcloths, prefolds, or microfiber towels as stuffing. You can get these towels for $1/piece if you look in the automotive maintenance section of most chain stores. You don't really need to use fleece for the inner of a pocket dipe even though most mamas do. I don;t see why cotton flannel or any other fabric wouldn;t work. Baby will feel drier with fleece, but that not what some mamas are after.

It all depends what works best for your lifestyle/needs, but I think you could do it on the cheap! And make a lot of cute diapers to boot!

[ReneeC]

Originally Posted by mom2anangel

Fleece (what kind, how much??)
PLU (waterproofing stuff right? the store had none)
Terry cloth (for stuffing pockets or doublers)
Thread (what kind won't absorb??)
Pattern (they only had patterns for infant covers)
Velcro or Aplix (for securing diaper)
Elastic (how thick? how much?)
Seam Ripper (for mistakes)

Is there a good place online to get any of the things needed like special thread or PLU? Please help, I'm totally lost. Also do I have to use fleece, won't it be hot?

Fleece: "alpine" or "polar" for covers, "microfleece" for wicking inners if you want to make pockets. if you have Joann's Fabrics in your area, the "anti-pill" fleece works great for covers (use two layers, though).

PUL: polyurethene laminate. this *is* "waterproofing stuff", but it isn't something that you can buy and apply to fabric yourself. you have to either order fabric that as already been treated (http://www.diapercuts.com is one place to find it) or else send in fabric yourself or with a co-op to the company that does fabric coating (the company is called Fabrite, but I don't know how much it costs or how much the minimum order is)

Terry cloth: great for stuffers! you can buy any kind of terry, but the I find the thicker, more closely woven stuff works the best. use 3-4 layers, depending on thickness, for a stuffer/soaker.

Thread: use polyester thread. cotton will wick wetness.

Pattern: better to buy online! some stores have a pattern available from New Basic or Simplicity or one of those companies, and it isn't very good. What kind of pattern are you looking for? Do you want to make covers or AI2s or pockets or AIOs?

Velcro: I use the regular Velcro brand in a 2-inch width.

Elastic: I use Stretchrite in a 3/8-inch width. Some people swear by Lastin or clear swimsuit elastic.

Seam ripper: useful to have anyways!

No, fleece won't be too hot. It's *really* breathable. I live in AZ, and my son uses fleece pockets almost exclusively. The only time he's ever sweaty/warm when I change him is when he's wearing the PUL covers (PUL is **not** very breathable!)

Some links:
FREE DIAPER PATTERNS:

http://www.geocities.com/rew4birth/Diapers.html

http://www.diapersewing.com/index.html

http://www.geocities.com/gabrielbaby1/fuzzibunz.html

http://mayna.livejournal.com/198548.html

http://www.ottobredesign.com/en/print/pdf/vaippa_en.pdf

http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/diy.php

EVERYTHING YOU NEED, PRE-CUT, TO MAKE A DIAPER:

http://www.diaperkit.com/catalog/

ONLINE FABRIC STORES THAT SELL FLEECE, MICROFLEECE, PUL, AND OTHER DIAPER-MAKING STUFF:

http://www.maldenmillsstore.com/defa...24116228817164

http://www.zoodads.com/

http://www.diapershop.com/

http://www.sewzannesfabrics.com/index.html

http://www.sewshoppe.com/index.shtml

DIAPER-MAKING TUTORIALS:

http://www.geocities.com/mytafadhali...gTutorials.htm

http://www.sistersofbreastfeeding.co...=65&Itemi d=1

http://community.webshots.com/album/262005662xKCumw

http://community.webshots.com/album/262014292xArJuQ

Oh, and a warning: One Stop Diaper Shop is great, but their online store is currently closed--they are moving physical locations.

[RoseRed]

Renee pretty much covered it

If you are just strating and worried about making mistakes use old stuff from around your house. I made some awesome all in ones out of old Cotton Flannel receiving Blankets, Fleece baby Blanket, and a towel. And I don't feel bad if I mess up cause I didn't spend a fortune on the fabric

[Jenlaana]

awesome awesome thread. Wish we could sticky it!

[jlwagner]

this forum is sooo helpful!

http://diaperdivas.proboards57.com/index.cgi#general

[mom2anangel]

Thank you thank you thank you and thanks again!! You have all been so helpful!! I do have a few more questions... If I use wool how do I wash it? How thick is thick enough for wool? Also could I just trace my bummies whisper wraps for a pattern? What kind of velcro lasts? I keep hearing horror stories about the velco going out and the babies dirty diape falling off. Thanks
Jen

[jessieann]

I'm so glad that I stumbled across this thread! I've been curious about cloth diapers, and this makes it so much less stressful for me. Thanks ladies