Is Sewing Your Own Cloth Diapers a Good Idea?
Sewing a cloth diaper can be rewarding, and some people find it a way to customise fit and fabric. It is also more technical than most baby projects, because a diaper has to be absorbent, comfortable and leak-resistant. A badly made diaper may leak, so it is worth reading carefully, testing before relying on one, and starting with a tested pattern.
If you are new to sewing, try simpler items first, such as a baby swaddle blanket or other items from our beginner friendly sewing patterns guide.
Common Cloth Diaper Styles
- Flats: a large square of absorbent fabric that you fold. Simple to make because it needs only hemming, and they dry quickly. They need a separate cover.
- Prefolds: rectangles with extra layers in the centre for added absorbency, also used with a cover.
- Fitted diapers: shaped and elasticated diapers that are absorbent throughout. They generally need a waterproof cover.
- Covers: a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer that goes over a flat, prefold or fitted.
- Pocket diapers: an outer waterproof layer with an opening for an absorbent insert.
- All-in-two and all-in-one styles: more complex designs with built-in or snap-in absorbent layers.
Sewing flats and simple covers is easier than sewing fitted or pocket styles, which involve elastic, snaps or hook-and-loop tape, and several layers.
Fabrics for Cloth Diapers
The usual structure is an absorbent layer plus a waterproof layer, with something soft against the baby’s skin.
What fabric to use for cloth diapers
Absorbent layers
- Cotton: widely used, absorbent and easy to launder.
- Bamboo or bamboo-blend terry or fleece: absorbent, though construction and quality differ.
- Hemp blends: absorbent and hardy, but often slower to absorb at first.
- Birdseye or flannel: often used for flats and prefolds.
Waterproof layers
- PUL (polyurethane laminate): a common waterproof fabric made for diapers.
- Wool: used for some covers, with specific care requirements.
Next to the skin
- Fleece or other stay-dry materials that let moisture pass through to the absorbent layer.
Because some fibres, like cotton, are heavily treated or must be prewashed several times to reach full absorbency, follow the fabric supplier’s instructions. Avoid putting fabric softener or heavy fabric treatments on absorbent layers, since they can reduce absorbency.
Notions
- Elastic (for legs and waist, in fitted and pocket styles)
- Snaps with a snap press or pliers, or hook-and-loop tape
- Polyester thread, and a ballpoint or stretch needle for knits and PUL
- Clips instead of pins for PUL, since pin holes can leave leaks
Patterns
Free and paid cloth diaper patterns are available from sewing blogs, independent designers and pattern companies. When you choose a pattern:
- Pick a size range that matches the baby’s weight or measurements.
- Read what fabrics the designer tested.
- Check whether it uses elastic, snaps or hook-and-loop fasteners.
- Look for instructions with photos or video.
- Make one diaper first and test it before making a batch.
Many patterns are commercial products with their own licences, so check whether you may sell items made from them.
Sewing Tips
- Prewash absorbent fabrics before cutting, since they shrink.
- Use clips on PUL and a longer stitch length, and avoid unpicking where possible.
- Test elastic tension on a scrap before attaching.
- Topstitch with a stretch stitch on knits.
- Test with water before the first real use, to check for weak spots.
Is Cloth Diapering Worth It?
This depends on your situation. Reusable diapers involve an upfront cost and extra laundry, but can reduce the number of disposables you buy. Whether you save money depends on how many diapers you buy, how often you wash, your water and energy costs and whether you reuse them for other children. Many families use a mix of cloth and disposables. Because the comparison varies so much, calculate it for your own circumstances rather than relying on a general figure.
A Note on History
People asked about diapers before modern products. Throughout history, many cultures used natural, absorbent, locally available materials such as soft plant fibres, cloth or animal skins. Details differ between peoples and eras, so for specific traditions consult sources from those communities.
Safety and Skin Care
Check diapers often, change them promptly, and talk to your paediatrician if the baby has persistent diaper rash or skin issues. Follow care instructions for fabrics, and wash new diapers before use.