Serger needed for sewing dipers?

[lorelei]

I'd like to make some cd for my babe on the way, I'm not due until July. I have a singer quilting machine, but I want to know if I really would benefit from purchasing a serger. If I do, I would also want to use it to make clothes and other things for the baby, as well as for my 2 dd's, etc.

Can anyone suggest a reliable, relatively cheap starter serging sewing machine that I should look into? I looked at the kiosk at our local Joanne's and they started at around $400, and went up to $1600. Are there any good ways to find gently used, still totally functional machines for sale cheaper? I don't need brand new if I can save significantly buying used.

TIA, mamas!

[cristeen]

There are very few things that you really need a serger for. Making dipes isn't one of them.

But if you do want to buy one... I got mine off ebay for under $100. Used of course, but still in working condition. I never could have afforded to buy one new (or justified the expense to my DH).

[TrishWSU]

A serger is not necessary, just nice to have. I got mine at Hancock Fabrics for around $250 onsale. It's a Janome Harmony and it seems to work fine for my needs.

[jessielove]

T&T is just fine for diapers.

I bought my serger on Amazon for $216. It's a Brother 1034D ~ I love it. Very user friendly, does everything that I need it to do and works very well.

[AllieFaye]

One of my customers gave me feedback on my T&T diapers. She said that one of the reasons she bought from me (instead of another diaperkit mom) is that I don't use a serger. She said that she had tried them and didn't like them. As cute as they are, they wick more than the T&T. Not everyone has that problem, but don't consider T&T a lesser choice!

[lorelei]

Thanks, mamas!


I feel like such a NOOB, but what does T&T mean?

[TrishWSU]

T&T means turned and topstitched. Some people like, some prefer serged. I for one really don't like using serged diapers-I think they look cute off of the baby or without a cover, but the ruffles just seem to add bulk and the possibility of wicking once you add something over it. I like the clean trim look T&T diapers have.

[lorelei]

Ahah! Thanks for the illumination.
I really appreciate everyone chiming in here- not having to buy a serger will free up more moolah for dipe-making! woot!

[lorelei]

I think the t&t look neater, too.


Do you just straight stitch them wrong sides together first and then turn them right side out and topstitch?

How much of a yard of fabric do you need to make a diaper?
Any good/fave patterns you can recommend?
TIA!

[TrishWSU]

Originally Posted by lorelei

Do you just straight stitch them wrong sides together first and then turn them right side out and topstitch?

Yes, I use a 3/8" seam allowance so I have enough room to sew the elastic in the seam allowance.

Originally Posted by lorelei

How much of a yard of fabric do you need to make a diaper?
Any good/fave patterns you can recommend?
TIA!

I have my own pattern that I've come up with, but in general I can get 6 body cuts out of 1 yard of 45" wide flannel. I cut mix of all 4 sizes I make, though. I think I get 2 small & medium, and 1 each of large and extra small. I think if I was just cutting larges I would probably only get 4 full body cuts out of 1 large. It will of course depend on your pattern and how you lay it out. I have to use a full pattern and lay it out in several different ways to figure out the best way to maximize my yardage. I can't visualize how to make my cuts if I'm trying to use a half pattern and folding the fabric.

There are a lot of free patterns listed in the sticky at the top of this thread. I suggest printing a few off and making one or two of each to see which one you like and/or which parts you like. You can always change and adapt them to fit your needs.

Have fun!

[lorelei]

thanks, Trish.

I'm trying to make my way through the links in both of the stickies right now!

While I have a million questions, is it ok to use an outer layer of something soft over the PUL? I'm guessing it feels kind of plastic-yucky.

Thanks again, mamas!

[TrishWSU]

With PUL the icky plasticy side is the wrong side so it will be facing the inside of the diaper and not touching the baby's skin at all. The outside {or right side} is a smooth soft fabric {usually solid colored PUL is made of a polyeseter fabric.} If you try to make an AIO with an outer layer of something like cotton and a hidden layer of PUL your diaper will wick like crazy unless you are binding the whole thing in FOE. Trust me, I have tried and ruined many diapers this way before I figured it just out it just doesn't work!

[lorelei]

Ah-hah! That is good to know.
Can you do an outer layer of fleece or minkee without it wicking?

Thanks again for all your help, this noob sure appreciates it!

[tiffanniwi]

I have always T&T'd my diapers too.

The last diapers I made were 9 yrs ago when expecting my #2. Now that I have a baby again, I'm getting back into CD'ing and working towards making my own I love it!