If you truly want to cloth diaper, you have the resources to do so probably already in your own home. Any 100% cotton fabric will work. Consider using old dishtowels, pillowcases, flannel receiving blankets and old t-shirts. These can easily be folded and pinned onto your child. Need a diaper cover. Again rely on the knowledge of your great-grandmother who probably used a 100% wool soaker. Shrink an old wool sweater (preferably L or XL) and cut out the largest triangle you can. To use as a diaper cover simply use two points of the triangle to wrap around the waist from the sides and the third point of the triangle to come up from the crotch. Pin the triangle on like this and make sure the diaper is completely tucked inside.

If you are able to sew then you have the ability to create wonderful modern day diapers from recycled fabrics. Although simple rectangular shapes will work you might enjoy the creativity of the Fern and Fairie Recycled Diaper Pattern. Another great resource is an online Yahoo Group: Sew Your Own Diapers.

Another great site for starting out is http://www.diaperkit.com where you can find diaper kits ready to sew and detailed instructions including videos to help you construct your own one of a kind creation.

Creating Super-Cute Diapers

from Recycled Materials

Before making diapers, I had never sewn anything in my life - except maybe a few buttons. A friend gave me a used sewing machine, and after looking at it sit there for several years I figured I had better use it. I had another friend show me how to load the thread and change the stitching pattern - but beyond that I was on my own.

I purchased a pattern from Fern and Fairie online and after my son cleaned out his closet, I had 3 baskets full of clothes to use. I began cutting the seams on his old jeans.

I began by making fitted diapers out of his old jeans with t-shirt linings and old towel terry cloth on the interiors. I altered the pattern to use snaps similar to the Kissaluvs - these work great!! They were easy to do and look "professional" - I even sewed a back pocket on the back and they look super cute. These are especially useful when I let my daughter run around in just a diaper. I have only made 3 so far however as I have to limit my sewing time to infrequent short nap periods.

I also used their pattern to create 2 pocket diapers and 2 diaper covers. I am also very pleased with these. I did alter the pattern on the pocket diapers to snap more like a Wonderoos or Kissaluvs. I use the pocket diapers as "covers" during the day and as pocket diapers at night to keep my daughter drier. These have a fleece lining, which is super soft and keeps her really dry.

I made one diaper cover for a friend's son out of an old pair of camo pants that had seen better days an awesome solution on how to get dads to like cloth diapers.

If I had known sewing was this easy I would have done it years ago. Finding time to sew is a problem however. Remember though - I am also homeschooling a 12 year old, on the city council, run a field biology club for teens, coordinate 2 community youth gardening projects, on the McLean county master gardener board of directors, raise and process our own food, etc etc, etc - if I can find time, anyone can.

Mary - Kappa, llinois

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