knitting wool dipes

[mizznicole]

Hi,

I can do a basic knitting stitch - and that's it. I'm wondering if you moms think that trying to learn how to knit wool covers & soakers would be a big learning curve. I found some cool patterns here:
http://www.littleturtleknits.com/sto...dex&cPath=1_77

I'm trying to be cost conscious too...it's $12 for pattern, plus the needles, plus the wool. Do you think it's better just to buy stuff already made?

Thanks for your opinions!

[serepartera]

I used this pattern and found that it wasn't thick enough to do much "soaking". Cute, but not too useful. And, I tried felting it to make it thicker, and then it lost its shape. And yes, the pattern plus needles plus wool is expensive.
If you really want to make your own, then this is a good pattern for daytime use. Or I guess you could stitch a piece of wool/ old sweater to the inside to thicken up the wet zone.
Its really early here, so I hope I'm not rambling too much have fun!

[lifeguard]

My very first knitting project was a soaker (sorry I cannot find the link) & it turned out pretty well.

[duckpond]

I'm a big fan of wool soakers. They do a wonderful job keeping everyone around the baby dry, as long as they are lanolized properly. They're even great for night. But they are only as good as the diaper underneath, so if you're getting actual leaks, try stuffing the dipe more. I'm not sure which of those patterns you were actually thinking of using, but they all get really good reviews. None of them are so complicated that you need more than knitting and purling.

I recommend the Yahoo group Wool Soaker Group for more information on choosing, knitting, lanolizing and using wool soakers. It's a wealth of information, and really friendly!

In terms of cost, it's not going to be more expensive to knit soakers... in the long run. If you only do one, and start with nothing, it will cost a bit, but not more than buying a handknit soaker. In my opinion, though, knitting them should be because you want to. I do knit them, and I love it. I was sad when I finally had so many that I couldn't reasonably justify making more.

I say give it a shot. It's fun! And a wool soaker is a wonderful thing to have, much nicer than PUL.

Oh, and if you're worried about cost and whether or not you'll use a pattern enough to justify buying one, there are all sorts of lovely free patterns available for you to get started with. That being said, the Ribby Wrap is a pattern I intend to purchase when I can. It's really cute and practical.

Amy's Flat Knit Soaker
Pea Patch Wool Diaper Soaker

and this one, which I also love, which is only available on Ravelry
Itchy Fingers Longies

Hope that helps!

[mizznicole]

Thank you!

I had 2 Imse Vimse wool wraps that were so-so. Then I bought a bunch of "recycled wool" soakers. I like them, but they tend to get disfigured. It seems like the knit ones might be more form fitting...?

I'll check out those links. Thanks again!

[Twinklefae]

I started knitting soakers with just knowing the "knit stitch" too. I love the sheepy pants pattern. Also, www.knittinghelp.com is big. Visit the Yarn Crafts forum for help.

[earthknitter]

I think it is better and less expensive to knit your own soakers. I bought almost LTK's soaker patterns, and since the pattern is a one time purchase, I think it is cheaper than buying wool soakers. Yarns like cascade 220 and nature spun are not too expensive, and don't forget wool of the andes yarn from knitpicks!