Sew Your Stash
Cloth Diaper sewing patterns, tutorials and more!
It took me about 2 years to perfect my pattern, which is a one-size (OS) and can be used to make pockets, AI2s, AIOs, PUL or fleece covers, and even fitted diapers! I am pretty proud of it and love how the diapers fit on my kids. One day, I will share that pattern with you, but until I have figured out a good way to digitize it, I will show you some resources that I found helpful when I started researching making my own stash of cloth diapers.
It's a good idea to start slowly. There are many adorable and beautiful PUL prints out there, but don't run and buy 3 yards of it if you have never sewed PUL before, and are a novice seamstress. You might try it and decide it's not for you or you don't have time for it, and you might lose money.
If you are new to cloth diapering, you may or may not already know what PUL is. If not, the short answer is: polyurethane-laminated waterproof fabric that is baby-safe and machine washable. It has a soft polyester side that comes in hundreds of different prints and colors, and then a vinyl-like backside, which is the polyurethane laminate. This fabric is what waterproof covers are made out of, and all pocket diapers have a layer of PUL, either on the outside (a diaper with only two layers that you stuff an insert in between) or sandwiched insde between the inner and outer fabric (in the case of a custom diaper that has a cotton outer but still needs to be waterproof). AI2s and AIOs will also normally have a layer of PUL to make it waterproof and not in need of a cover.
If you have a Joann Fabric store locally, you might check out their Babyville line (Hobby Lobby also sometimes carries them, and I have even seen some random BBV items at Tuesday Morning, occasionally). They sell PUL and other diapering materials BTY, as well as snaps, snap pliers, touchtape (aka Velcro), foldover elastic (for covers), and even an instruction book that includes a pattern and directions on making your own cloth diapers.
Additionally, there are plenty of places online to buy printed PUL, such as Diaper Sewing Supplies (one of my favorites). At DSS, you can order PUL fabric by the yard, or by diaper cut, which is a cut of fabric that is just large enough for one diaper. This is a great option if you are sewing a small stash and want a variety of prints.
If you don't care what they look like and only want solid colors, you will save money. You could use solid colors for a hidden layer of PUL and choose a cotton print for the outer shell. Keep in mind, however, that if you do this, there is a chance that your diaper will "wick", which basically means that the moisture will not be held in effectively, and can sneak its way past the PUL due to the cotton and inner fabric touching. There is a way around this, called "The Chelory Method", which you can view here. It is a very effective way to make a cotton outer diaper with hidden PUL and avoid leaks around the leg openings.
There are a couple of groups/forums that I have found helpful, and you can find tons of information through them on where to get materials online for cheaper, get and share sewing tips, share your creations and brag...!
BabyCenter - Cloth Diaper Sewing 101
Facebook: Cloth Diaper Sewing
Below are some free patterns that can be found online. Some of them have tutorials but if you feel lost or stuck, feel free to shoot me an email with your questions. I would be happy to help!
It's a good idea to start slowly. There are many adorable and beautiful PUL prints out there, but don't run and buy 3 yards of it if you have never sewed PUL before, and are a novice seamstress. You might try it and decide it's not for you or you don't have time for it, and you might lose money.
If you are new to cloth diapering, you may or may not already know what PUL is. If not, the short answer is: polyurethane-laminated waterproof fabric that is baby-safe and machine washable. It has a soft polyester side that comes in hundreds of different prints and colors, and then a vinyl-like backside, which is the polyurethane laminate. This fabric is what waterproof covers are made out of, and all pocket diapers have a layer of PUL, either on the outside (a diaper with only two layers that you stuff an insert in between) or sandwiched insde between the inner and outer fabric (in the case of a custom diaper that has a cotton outer but still needs to be waterproof). AI2s and AIOs will also normally have a layer of PUL to make it waterproof and not in need of a cover.
If you have a Joann Fabric store locally, you might check out their Babyville line (Hobby Lobby also sometimes carries them, and I have even seen some random BBV items at Tuesday Morning, occasionally). They sell PUL and other diapering materials BTY, as well as snaps, snap pliers, touchtape (aka Velcro), foldover elastic (for covers), and even an instruction book that includes a pattern and directions on making your own cloth diapers.
Additionally, there are plenty of places online to buy printed PUL, such as Diaper Sewing Supplies (one of my favorites). At DSS, you can order PUL fabric by the yard, or by diaper cut, which is a cut of fabric that is just large enough for one diaper. This is a great option if you are sewing a small stash and want a variety of prints.
If you don't care what they look like and only want solid colors, you will save money. You could use solid colors for a hidden layer of PUL and choose a cotton print for the outer shell. Keep in mind, however, that if you do this, there is a chance that your diaper will "wick", which basically means that the moisture will not be held in effectively, and can sneak its way past the PUL due to the cotton and inner fabric touching. There is a way around this, called "The Chelory Method", which you can view here. It is a very effective way to make a cotton outer diaper with hidden PUL and avoid leaks around the leg openings.
There are a couple of groups/forums that I have found helpful, and you can find tons of information through them on where to get materials online for cheaper, get and share sewing tips, share your creations and brag...!
BabyCenter - Cloth Diaper Sewing 101
Facebook: Cloth Diaper Sewing
Below are some free patterns that can be found online. Some of them have tutorials but if you feel lost or stuck, feel free to shoot me an email with your questions. I would be happy to help!
Rita's Rump Pocket
This was the first pattern I attempted when I started sewing diapers. It is very easy and versatile, wonderful for beginners.
This was the first pattern I attempted when I started sewing diapers. It is very easy and versatile, wonderful for beginners.