Recycling tablecloths

[Da WIC Lady]

Has anyone used vinyl tablecloths as the waterproof layer in a cover? How did it come out? It may not be as soft as PUL, but would it work between two non waterproof fabrics as a barrier?

Anna

[MyLittleWarrior]

I don't think it would hold up to repeted washings as well as PUL, and I would worry about moisture wicking to the outside of the cover through the holes punctured by the sewing machine needle. Are you looking for something that would be cheaper than PUL, or just something you could find locally?

[mehndi mama]

I think the best you'd be able to do is make pull-on vinyl pants with it. Anything else, and you'd be wasting your time and resources (elastic, snaps, etc.) because vinyl pants have to be thrown away after a while - they tear and get holes in them pretty easily.

If it's the fuzzy-backed vinyl tablecloths, that would be a definitive NO.

[Da WIC Lady]

Originally Posted by mehndi mama

I think the best you'd be able to do is make pull-on vinyl pants with it. Anything else, and you'd be wasting your time and resources (elastic, snaps, etc.) because vinyl pants have to be thrown away after a while - they tear and get holes in them pretty easily.

If it's the fuzzy-backed vinyl tablecloths, that would be a definitive NO.

Why would it be a no? Even if it were sandwiched between two layers of something else? I know that they would have to be thrown away after a while, but would it make something serviceable for at least the use of one child? I was thinking something to reinforce a cheap fleece that might not be up to keeping things dry on it's own.

Originally Posted by MyLittleWarrior

I don't think it would hold up to repeted washings as well as PUL, and I would worry about moisture wicking to the outside of the cover through the holes punctured by the sewing machine needle. Are you looking for something that would be cheaper than PUL, or just something you could find locally?

I'm looking for something not really cheaper, but locally available. I'm also looking for cheaper in a way because I was hoping to make cloth look a little more affordable on the front end for some of the low income moms I know that don't have internet access and therefore access to miracle diapers. I've been seeing the cheep-o fleece blankets at Dollar Tree and thinking that maybe those together with a layer of vinyl table cloth and a towel might make a serviceable cheap dipe what would last for at least one child. I was thinking that using that would make diapers that cost about $2 each to make for smalls.

I'm totally new to the realm of sewing cloth diapers. Sewing I'm old hat at.

Anna

[MyLittleWarrior]

Originally Posted by Da WIC Lady

I'm looking for something not really cheaper, but locally available. I'm also looking for cheaper in a way because I was hoping to make cloth look a little more affordable on the front end for some of the low income moms I know that don't have internet access and therefore access to miracle diapers. I've been seeing the cheep-o fleece blankets at Dollar Tree and thinking that maybe those together with a layer of vinyl table cloth and a towel might make a serviceable cheap dipe what would last for at least one child. I was thinking that using that would make diapers that cost about $2 each to make for smalls.

I'm totally new to the realm of sewing cloth diapers. Sewing I'm old hat at.

Anna

If you're looking for locally available and not to expensive, I'd go with fleece from JoAnns. If you're using the thick Alpine fleece, I think one layer should be fine for a day time cover. I use wool or PUL, so I don't have a lot of experience with fleece. Some other mamas may be able to help more with what kinds to get. I would guess that the doller store fleece wouldn't make a good cover, but maybe a good stay dry inner for a dipe. Or check out your thrift store for 100% wool sweaters, and use those to sew a diaper cover out of. I've found recycled wool can be a very affordable answer for a diaper cover. Wool and fleece both make great breathable covers. They force the diaper underneath to absorb to capacity before you will start feeling dampness through the cover.

[mehndi mama]

You may get some good use out of my Dirt Cheap Diapers site, then. http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html
It doesn't get much more inexpensive than that!

[mehndi mama]

I forgot to answer your question about the fuzzy-backed tablecloths.
I wasn't really thinking in terms of sandwiching the vinyl between other fabrics, mainly because I don't think the vinyl would last as long as you think it would. I don't think you could get these to work for the duation of diapering one baby in a single size, and once the vinyl splits, there goes the time and money spent on the other fabrics you put into the cover. If you're thinking of using fleece blankets from the dollar store as a cover, and would be using 2 layers to sandwich the vinyl between anyway, just omit the vinyl and make a 2-layer fleece cover. That usually does the trick anyway.

I'm more partial to using wool, though. It doesn't have to be washed very often, can be done in the sink when needed, and you can make pants that double as diaper covers out of wool sweater sleeves.

[Masih_Mama]

Originally Posted by Da WIC Lady

I'm looking for something not really cheaper, but locally available. I'm also looking for cheaper in a way because I was hoping to make cloth look a little more affordable on the front end for some of the low income moms I know that don't have internet access and therefore access to miracle diapers.

Just wanted to let you know that people do not need to have internet access to apply, some of our applicants apply online through the library or a friend's house and then we do the rest of the process through the US Mail or phone calls. Also, if someone has a local chapter to them, their local chapter manager can help them apply. Miracle Diapers has a new chapter in Ohio (Big Prairie) and one coming soon to Cincinnatti. I just sent our Big Prairie chapter manager some information cards about us to hand out locally to spread the word.

I do think it's great that you are trying to come up with an affordable option. If you are successful, and have a website, let me know so I can post it on our links page along with our other affordable diaper links.

Ruth

[thixle]

I have tried it, don't bother. Shower curtains, tablecloths, etc all shred worse when you sandwitch them between something else. I couldn't even make a suitable changing pad with the layers you described (fell apart after four washes). Even the vinyl pants from Gerber don't last longer than 2-3 months : "Plastics" aren't very rugged. Trust me, unless you are just stubborn I was and had to find out for myself!

I do like repurposing wool seaters for covers (super quick and simple to make) and thrift-store sheets, t-shirts, and flannels for dipes. Depending on season, the thrift store will have 2nds that they will either give you or sell for a very, very small fee-- be sure to tell them you are making cloth diapers and can use torn, staned, or over-worn 100% cotton and anything damaged with wool on the label. Sure, you'll get some "useless" fabric, but you are saving a lot from a landfill, getting reduced cost materials, and you would be using local resources

[OO7Kermit]

fleece...

I second the advice for fleece... the no sew version I recently posted works great! I'm even using it as a night cover, just doubled.
I'm with you on wanting to get back to the cheaper emphasis of CDing... it's just ridiculous how much it costs to deal with our kids waste for a couple years!! Cost is actually what brought me to CDing, which I know is common, but it's not because I can't afford disposables, it's because I was delivering diapers to a needy family and just thinking, there must be a better way. Then there's the whole, you can give a man a fish, or TEACH him to fish.... you go for trying to teach!!