Cloth Diaper Patterns
Patterns for cloth diapers are easy enough for beginners. Patterns for flat-fold, T-shaped, fitted, pocket, and all-in-one diapers are readily available. Patterns for training pants and diaper covers, and instructions on how to make fitted diapers out of pre-fold cloth diapers are making a fashion statement about babies' bottoms. All you need to get started is a sewing machine, needles, thread, scissors, non-permanent fabric markers, ruler, fasteners, and elastic. Then, it's all about the fabric.
The best cloth for diapers
Polyurethane laminate (PUL): Used on cloth diaper covers. Classic PUL is soft polyester backed with a waterproof film; breathable PUL is a microporous waterproof laminate; sandwich PUL is two layers of soft knit with laminate sandwiched between.
Cotton flannel: Inexpensive, durable, soft, absorbent, and often bulky; best for daytime cloth diapers.
Birdseye cotton: Breathable, absorbent when layered, but often bulky; moisture consumes the layers, so a diaper cover is necessary.
Wool interlock: Double-layered, durable, soft, absorbent, perfect for nighttime diapers; pre-shrink on hot in washer and dryer.
Wool jersey: Single-layered, absorbent, soft, not bulky; pre-shrinking is necessary.
Microfiber terry: Super-absorbent, traps moisture between the fibers, lacks softness, works well with wool jersey, flannel, or hemp linings.
Hemp: 3 times more absorbent and stronger than cotton; environmentally friendly, breathable, recyclable, non-allergenic, has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Fleece - is 55% hemp and 45% cotton and resembles sweatshirt fabric.
- French Terry - is 55% hemp and 45% cotton; fleece with loops on one side and knit on the other, and more absorbent than fleece.
- Knit Terry - is 55% hemp, 43% cotton, and 2% lycra for stretch; knit on one side, loops on the other; less bulky, works well for nighttime diapers.
- Knit Jersey - is 55% hemp and 45% cotton; very soft and resembles a heavy T-shirt fabric.
- Muslin - is 55% hemp and 45% cotton; the most durable hemp fabric; lacks softness and should have an inner lining.