Old Sheets as Cloth Wipes?

[swd12422]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but this is the problem:

Our dog loves to nest on our bed, which frequently results in torn sheets. He usually manages to tear the bottom sheet as he's digging, so I'm trying to find uses for the fabric so I don't have to toss the entire sheet.

I'm thinking I could make cloth wipes (like 2- or 3-ply) out of the ripped sheet. Has anyone done this, or would the fabric not be absorbent enough? Any other suggestions? Diaper liners, maybe?

[dumplingrrl]

This sounds like a good idea. I might give it a try although I'm not sure if the fabric would be absorbant enough too. I've got a few old sheets too. I made a pair of pyjama pants out of one and it's sooo comfy. Like sleeping nekkid on the sheets but warmer! So I'm thinking maybe make sleepwear? Pyjamas for the baby?

[thixle]

Check the cotton content first-- 100% cotton is excellent for 1 or 2 ply wipes (that's what dd's wipes are!). 50% cotton, 50% poly is great for 2 ply as well, but I wouldn't want more poly than that It's not really asorbancy, the 'sposie wipes aren't absorbant, it's more feel.

I've also made a robe, pj's, and complete bed set (2 crib sheets, pillowcase, comfortor backing) out of a queen sized sheet set for dd... and I have leftovers

I re-using sheets

[swd12422]

Wow! I guess I should have added that I've never sewn anything before in my life, so a robe or even PJs might be a stretch for me! I'm getting my first machine soon, so easy things like stitching together a few squares for wipes shouldn't be too hard, and I was thinking about also using the fabric for a crib sheet or changing table cover.

Thanks for the tips!

[bbraymom]

hmmm, good ideas! When you made your wipes (2 ply) did you stitch then turn or did you just leave the edges on the out side? I tried last night to make some out of an old dish towel. 2 ply, stitching turned in and it was way to thick.

[thixle]

My favorite wipes are flannel sheet on one side and t-shirt on the other, stitched and turned. The flannel is good for the smeary "butt-cheek poo" and the t-shirt is soft enough for the bits. I've also made (and about to make some more) that are just cut out with pinking shears and stitched so they won't fray. Really it depends on the thickness of your fabric and the look you want.

Don't forget- you might want to cut a sample, wet it, and try it out on yourself before you make up a huge set (some fabrics are amazingly harsh when wet!)

IMO, crib sheets are harder because they are all straight lines- topstitched : But they are really good practice, and you can learn to attach elastic, too.
Honestly, you'd be suprised at how easy a bathrobe is to make, out of 2 old towels and some old sheet! And pjs are a piece of cake.

Don't worry, a couple hours figuring out your machine and you won't be at a loss for projects

[swd12422]

Originally Posted by thixle

Don't worry, a couple hours figuring out your machine and you won't be at a loss for projects

Oh, believe me, I already have a LIST! I just need to learn before the baby comes so the first words s/he hears from me won't be all four letters long.

[bbraymom]

Originally Posted by thixle

Don't forget- you might want to cut a sample, wet it, and try it out on yourself before you make up a huge set (some fabrics are amazingly harsh when wet!)

I've learned this with a dollar tree towel that was soft when dry but nasty hard when wet

[Mumse]

I have several old cotton jersey sheets that fit beds we no longer own. I simply cut them into small rectangles (7 inch by 4 inch). They didn't need sewing or serging or anything. I now have a huge overflowing basket of them on the bathroom counter. We're using them for everything -- wiping bottoms, wiping noses, wiping up toothpaste. They stand up well in the wash -- no fraying. I made some more from old t-shirts -- some of them work well, some don't depends on how the knit was made -- some the edges curl and some the edges fray.


I know this thread is for the more ambitious, though, you know, those who actually turn their sewing machines on.

[swd12422]

sorry if I was misleading....

Originally Posted by Mumse

I know this thread is for the more ambitious, though, you know, those who actually turn their sewing machines on.

Ummm.... I don't even OWN a sewing machine (yet)! And I've never used one. So really, no ambition here at all, and your ideas were great! I never thought to use them just as "wipe-ups" in the bathroom -- that's a good one!

[anjasma]

I just need to learn before the baby comes so the first words s/he hears from me won't be all four letters long.

Well, good luck with that one! I've been sewing since I was 8 and today when the machine jammed yet again from sewing a three layer fitted...well lets just say it was good dd was sleeping or her vocabulary would have been deviantly enriched!

I cut up some old flannel pillow cases and made them into diaper layers. I do have some leftovers that I was planning on pairing with t-shirts for wipes, just haven't gotten around to it.