the peaceful peacock

Here are the actual sewing instructions for the diapers. If you would like to draft a pattern, you will find my tutorial here, and if you would like to see instructions for cutting the fabric then check here. You can easily make these diapers using a serger or a standard sewing machine, instructions for both are included in this tutorial.

A little tip: If you are making the diapers for a girl, place the insert toward the center of the diaper…

…and if you are making the diapers for a boy, place the insert toward the front of the diaper. A simple matter of anatomy, folks.

Constructing the Diapers with a Serger

Step One: Sandwich the insert(s) between the two layers of flannel, pin the insert in place, and serge around all edges.

A little tip: Rather than trying to follow the curve, you can just serge off…

…and start a new path where you left off. Remember: your kid is going to poop in these, not graduate college in them. Hopefully. Anyway, they don’t have to be perfect so don’t stress about it.

Step Two: Now move yourself on over to your regular sewing machine. You are going to stay-stitch the inserts in place so that they do not end up in a wadded ball in the corner of the diaper when you wash it. Don’t ask me how I know that.

You will be able to feel it with your finger to guide you. Sew around the entire insert.

All done!

Constructing the Diaper with a Sewing Machine

Step One: Place the insert on the wrong side of one of the pieces of the flannel diaper. Sew in place using a 1/4″ or 1/2″ seam. If you are using two layers of insert, apply one to the wrong side of each flannel piece.

It should look like this.

Step Two: With right sides together, sew the two pieces of flannel together with a 1/4″ seam. It’s easy to gauge a 1/4″ seam because it’s exactly how wide the point to the edge of the foot is on the machine. You can use a larger seam allowance but keep in mind that it will create a smaller diaper.

Be sure to leave a four inch opening so that you can turn the diaper right side out.

Step Three: Turn the diaper right side out and press, folding the open edges under so that the folded edges match up with the seam.

Step Four: Topstitch around the entire diaper using a 1/4″ seam. Make sure that the open edges are secured into place with this stitch.

A little tip: How to sew a curve with a sewing machine:

Topstitch up until 1/4″ inch away from the edge of the curve…

…pick up your presser foot with the needle securely embedded in the fabric and rotate so that everything is heading in the right direction…

…return the presser foot back into position and continue topstitching.

All done!!

To clarify, here are your other options with making these cloth diapers:

• Purchase a pattern from the store
• Draft your own pattern using my instructions
• Cut out your fabric
• Sew your diapers using a serger or a sewing machine (this post).

Now go make some nappies.

cloth diapering, free diaper pattern, how to make cloth diapers, repurposing

The Boy in his new drawers.

In this post, I’ll be explaining how to cut the diapers. In the interest of saving some confusion, the actual sewing instructions are posted as Part 3. The patterns are now available in The Store for purchase if you are not interested in drafting your own pattern for these diapers.

Here we go!

Cutting the Diapers

This pattern was created with the use of repurposed materials in mind. A full size fitted flannel sheet (which I found at a thrift store for $2) and one or two regular size towels will yield about 10 medium sized diapers.

Step One: Prepare the fabric by prewashing and pressing. Sanitize sheets and towels if necessary by adding a bit of Bac-Out or bleach to the water.

Step Two: If using a fitted sheet, cut off the elastic from the edging and cut the corner seams so that the sheet lies flat. (The sheet is the purple fabric…don’t you love the kooky vintage fabric background? Yard sale.)

Step Three: Fold the fabric in half or in quarters–whichever way works best for you and will give you the most diapers from your sheet.

Step Four: Lay the diaper pattern on top of the fabric and cut around it. Now don’t get all excited and cut the pattern into bits no matter how much fun you think it might be. Each diaper will require two pieces of fabric.

Time Saver: As you cut out a couple of diapers, use the pieces to lay out where your next diapers will be cut. The fabric will just kind of stick there so you will not need to use pins (that’s why the patterns available in The Store are made from fabric rather than paper). This also makes it really easy to visually determine how to get the most diapers out of your fabric.

Step Five: To cut the inserts, lay the insert pattern on top of one of the towels and cut around it. It is up to you to determine how many layers of absorbency you would like. For daytime use for the average wetter, one layer should suffice. For nighttime use or for a heavy wetter, at least two layers should be used. Remember that multiple layers will create bulk.

Well, that wasn’t so bad now was it? To clarify, here are your options with the diapers:

• Buy a pattern from the Shop or
• Draft your own pattern from my instructions
• Cut your fabric (this post)
• Sew the diapers using a serger or a standard sewing machine.

That should cover it. Please feel free to contact me if you run into any trouble or need further clarification!

cloth diaper pattern, cloth diapers, free diaper pattern, make your own cloth diapers, sewing tutorial