Sew Your Own Cloth Diapers

It doesn't matter if you have been hit with economic bad times, have a "green" conscience, or just plain love the idea of Cloth Diapering. If you have access to a few spare bucks and a sewing machine you can easily start saving money, saving the environment, and satisifying your inner desires all at once.

Step 1: GATHER MATERIALS

Cloth Diapering is becoming a pretty big hit again. You can most likely find all the materials you need quickly and easily at your local craft store. My mom got me these diaper cuts for Christmas. Typically, I buy my fabric by the yard from www.diapersewingsupplies.com (it's cheaper), but these diaper cut packs from Babyville make cutting your diaper pattern a little easier. The prices below indicate the prices for ONLY what you see used to make this type of diaper.

Here I am making a One-Size, All-In-One cloth diaper. This is a diaper that will grow with Katelyn, and does not require any insert stuffing.

PUL Fabric (Waterproof lining) 3pk = $14.99

Fold Over Elastic = $6.99

Snaps (bag) = $7.99

Snap Tool Set = $19.99

Thread (polyester) = $3.29

Scotch Tape = $1.00

Suede Cloth (keeps baby's skin dry) = $3.79/yd

Flannel (not pictured, soaker pad) = $1.27/half yd

Diaper Pattern= $0.99 (on-sale Hobby Lobby)

I used a diaper cover pattern from McCall's Pattern M6108. I cut it on the Medium size for the All-In-One diapers which still runs a little large to size.

Regular elastic width that I use is 1/4in

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Step 2: Trace Diaper Pattern

You'll notice my pattern is not the thin easily torn brown pattern that you have. My mom taught me a VERY LONG time ago that I should always cut my patterns out onto a cloth before using them. I have traced this out on super cheap Muslin fabric. It is only $0.99/yd, and has saved me from having to buy new envelopes of the same pattern a hundred times over, but is not something you must do.

To start, you want to lay your PUL fabric out face up and fold it over the top to fit half of your diaper pattern on to. (Notice my pattern has the center line traced.) Put a piece of tape at the top, bottom, and in the middle of your pattern to keep it from shifting, and trace around your pattern onto the backside of the PUL fabric. I find that my diaper is more symetrically sound when I cut it this way.

Whalah! You are going to have extra PUL, do not throw it away. You'll be using a tiny bit of it with your snaps in just a moment, and just because you never throw good fabric away. Never know when that piece is going to come in handy for another project.

***NO PICTURE*** ===== BUT======

You are going to want to go ahead and cut your SUEDE CLOTH using your diaper pattern as well. This is going to serve as layer that will be next to the baby's skin wisking away the wetness to keep the skin dry.

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Step 3: Mark Snaps Placement

Now, tape the top of your PUL down so you can keep it straight, and measure out the placement of your snaps. I try to center the ruler as best I can between my two ends, and start at 1 1/2 inches. I then place a mark every 1 inch from there till I reach the 10 1/2 inch mark at the other end.

If you are looking to make a One-Size diaper that will grow with the baby, then you'll need to add snaps below for sizing. I put my first row under the 3rd snap in on both sides with the top row, and then my third one is directly in the middle. I have made these exactly 1 inch apart, but I've made some that I put and inch and half between them. I haven't had to use the bigger sizes yet, so far an inch seems to be good spacing when I bring the bottom up for snapping. (This means my top two rows are sockets, and my lower row is caps.)

This is why you want to mark on the back and not the front. It is easy to get thrown off slightly and have random pen marks (notice my X's). This way no one see's if you have a hard time lining up your snaps. (I suggest making a pattern that has your snap positions already on it, so all you have to do is tape and poke.)

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Step 4: Poke Holes

Now you want to go ahead and use the poker tool that came with your snap pliers, and open them spots up for the incoming snaps.

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Step 5: Organize Your Snaps

You want to be sure you have your snaps organized for easy assembly. You don't want a variation of caps and sockets in the same role, because we all know a cap won't snap to another cap. You can choose to put either one in which ever role you choose. (The waist is one role, the flaps are the other.)

For this diaper I have 10 sockets (female) going across the top for my waist size.

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Step 6: Cut Extra PUL & Poke it

I have cut enough of the extra PUL fabric to give me one square for each snap. This adds support to the fabric for snapping and unsnapping. You can also tape a piece of PUL across the area where the snaps are going to inserted, but I found this way to be the best for me.

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Step 7: Insert Snaps

Now, you want to put your stud through the PUL square you just cut, and then put it through your diaper from the backside of the fabric.

Once your stud is through the fabric slide the cap/socket (whichever you chose for the waist) on to the stud, and use your pliers to seal together (below).

Use caution when using the pliers. You want to be sure that your snap is centered perfectly on the bed of the pliers before you squeeze down. If it is not centered correctly, you risk breaking the butt of your snap and it trying to replace it can most easily rip your PUL fabric.

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Your finished front should look similar to what I have here. Notice how I have the sizing snaps lined with the third snap in like I mentioned previously.

This is what your diaper should look like from the back. This is going to be hidden, so no worries about it not looking fabulous.

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Step 8: Making the Soaker Pad

Your Soaker Pad is simple, and can be done with a wide variety of fabrics. I chose to purchase new Flannel that was on-sale from JoAnn Fabrics, but you can easily use old t-shirts, dish towels, bath towels, flannel shirts & sheets, recieving blankets... basically any cloth that absorbs liquid.

For this particular diaper, my soaker pad should be about 14 inches in length and just under 5 1/2 inches in width. I folded my fabric so that I have 4 layers of absorbent material.

Now, I sew around my soaker pad, being sure that I catch all four layers to prevent the fabric from bunching up in the wash.

***NO PICTURE**** (I can't believe I forgot this one, guess that happen when you keep stopping to play with the baby.) -

=====BUT=====

You are going to pin  the soaker pad to the middle of the back side of the Suede Cloth. (The non-fuzzy side). With this you will try to sew as close to the edges as possible.

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Step 9: Preparing to Sew 

Sewing PUL can be alittle tricky. You do NOT want to use pins because you'll be putting holes in your waterproof fabric! I have used paper binder clips before, but I have misplaced them. No worries, because a little Scotch Tape does the trick as well. You don't want to use too much tape, because you'll be taking it off as you sew. I usually tape in the center top and bottom of the diaper, on all rounded edges, and then one one each side of (what will be) the leg holes.
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Step 10: Marking the Diaper

I have been known to sew my entire diaper closed when I get locked into a sewing trance. So, now I have the best way to prevent that is to mark my diaper. At the top on the what is the front half of the diaper I give myself about a 6 inch margin for flipping my diaper after stitching. Makring the open sapce as you see above. I will start sewing at the one mark, and finish around at the other mark.

Next, I mark my elastic when putting it on the inside of the diaper. You can see that I start and finish the leg elastic well into the flaps. (If I get around to making a printable diaper pattern for you, I will have this measured out) - Unfortunately, I just kind of "eye-ball" it. You also want to put elastic along the back of the diaper to help hold everything in and keep it from sliding up the back and all over that pretty outfit.

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Step 11: Sew the Diaper

Sew all the way around from your Open to Open marks. Straight stitch where there is no elastic, and zig-zag when using elastic. Be sure to back peddle when you first add the elastic to give it a secure hold for stretching. As you sew over the elastic, pull it tightly fromt the front and back to give you the most stetch for fit. (I am using Fold Over Elastic with this diaper, so I am not putting any inside the diaper.)

Just for fun... You can always tell when I have been sewing diapers by the scotch tape stuck to the side of my machine.

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Step 12: Turning the Diaper

Once you sew all the way around to your stopping OPEN mark,you're going to turn the diaper out the right way. .

Just use your fingers and push it through the opening.

It is important to make sure that you reach in there and get your corners all the way out, because once you seal it up it is very difficult to remove your stitch and fix it.

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Step 13: Closing the Diaper/Top Stitch

Whether you go with FOE or the inner elastic, you need to close your diaper. This is simply done by folding a small amount of the top of each side into the diaper and stiching across to seal it closed.

If you used the inner elastic, continue stitching and give your diaper a nice Top Stitch to finish it off. (If you are using FOE - Keep reading)

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Step 14: Applying Fold Over Elastic

FOE is simple to use with a little practice keeping all your fabric inside it. I'm self-taught (and a little mom taught) when it comes to sewing, so I thought it is good to tell you that I haven't seen this method used anywhere, but I found that I feel more secure about pulling my elastic when done this way. basically, I stitch my starting point of FOE length wise once up and down like you see above. I start this on the backside, about even with where the inner leg curves in.

When stitching the FOE on the back and legs you want to pull it tightly from the front and the back to give it stretch. Stitch close to the bottom of the elastic for best pull and the best finished look. You don't want to pull the FOE around the flaps, or across the front of the diaper. Go slowly around your corners, it can take a little practice, so don't be too hard on yourself if it bunches up. It will still work. (See my goofs, below)

(bunching)

(Too High on my corner)

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Step 15: Flap Snaps

Now fold your flap over the front of the diaper, and position your poker tool right in the center of a snap and make the hole for your first snap. Be sure not to put it too close to the outter part of the flap, but being sure you have anough room for a second snap behind it.

Our snaps are exactly one inch apart You can meausre an inch back and put a second snap there, or you can do it like I do, and snap the first snap to the diaper, and feel for the inner part of the following snap and just put the hole right there while my first snap is still closed. (This helps me know I have my flap snaps in the perfect position.) Complete on both sides, and your DONE!

The Shuffle Roast

 Shuffle Roast

No, your eyes are not playing trickery. It really does look that good, and it tastes even better. I now call this the "Shuffle Roast," (because I  cheated on the rub). Enjoy.

What You Need:

 Boneless Roast

Potato Wedges

Onion Wedges

Baby Carrots

Celery Cuts

My meat is only about 1.5 lbs, because it is just Chris and I - so we like to portion out meats so we're not stuck wasting a bunch of good eats.

Start by putting your favorite dry rub all over your meat, and place it in the center of your baking dish. (In this case, I used *just a little* Bad Byron's Barbeque Seasoning.) And bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes.

Next, add your chopped veggies to the baking dish, and continue baking for another 35-60 minutes (till the Meats temp is 160F).

For the yummy gravy (Yes, I stole most of your Gravy Amanda) -

Take your veggies and puree in the blender with a little water till it is at the gravy consistiency you desire.

**If you'd like to save some veggies to have with the meal feel free to do so, but as you see, I served ours up with a Crescent Roll and Corn... **   YUMMY.

So Cozy

This one you can find on FaceBook, but I thought I would share it here as well. Daddy and his baby being comfy and cozy in the back room.

This morning Katelyn and I slept till almost 9AM! We were really tired from a long week of chilling at the house. Next week we hope to get out and visit our favorite store....Hobby Lobby. And maybe a trip to the library.

....Laugh Now....

This is what happens when I try to get chores done while the baby sleeps...she wakes up and distracts me with her cuteness. <3 U Miss Katelyn.

Loving the Winter/Spring Weather

Oh, Goodness. Today was one of those days when I didn't really feel like going much anything. The weather was so nice that I couldn't resist taking Katelyn for a stroll around the block. We passed a neighbor from the next block, and after a short chat we agreed to arrange a brunch date soon. She homeschools her children (I think she has 5), and the oldest one had gotten married this past year.

However, I also did a slight amount of work.. laundry, put the rest of my scrapbook stuff away so that I can get the sewing stuff out tomorrow, and soaked, washed, and then ran over 70 Mason/Canning jars through the dishwasher for Chris. They have just been sitting in tubs in front of the house since just after Katelyn was born. We bought them all for $20 from a lady cleaning out her father's garage after he passed away. She shared a delightful story of remembering she spent hour after ofter in the garden with him, and hopes that the jars get to continue being used. We plan on it. This is the year that we begin to plant our Vegetable Garden.

I did put the food menu together for next week, so I guess that can be counted as work too. It does take some time now that I am putting the menu together to match the items on sale at the grocery. It is not much, but we have saved $23 in groceries (only spending $53) for the first 2 weeks of January. Next week will be a little more because it is a stocking week with ground beef on-sale for $1.89/lb. Last time I bought about 15lbs, and there is still some left in there, but we just can't pass up a good deal anymore (that's what we got the deep freeze for).

I think I can muster the energy to finish cleaning my mess from cleaning the jars, and with a little a little more energy get the donation bags out to my car. I hate that I never remember them, and then when I am driving around I think, "Darn. Again, I forgot!" I am taking the nicer clothes to a donation site called BASICS that allows people to come in and just take what they need for nothing. It's really great. Kind of llike the Hope Chest that Heartland has going.

New Orleans Pictures

I forgot to post a link to the New Orleans vacation photos. We had a great time celebrating Grandpa West's 60th Birthday. This was the third year in a row that Chris and I have enjoyed this beautiful (though sometimes smelly) city. CLICK HERE to be directed to the Walmart Photos Album to see lots of fun pictures.

Thinking about a trip to New Orleans? Where We've Stayed:

2011: New Orleans Marriott @ 555 Canal St.

My mother-in-law chose this one, and if you enjoy all the luxury of big-brand hotel right in the heart of the hussle of the city, then you'll really enjoy this hotel. The rooms have that familiar hotel feel that keeps you close to all the places you want to be. Breakfast is pretty pricey, but Arby's is right there out the front door with a McDonald's down the block, and numerous restaurants around every corner.

2010: St. Christopher Hotel: Best Western @ 114 Magazine St.



My sister-in-law chose this one, and if you really want the amenities and the staffing of a big hotel, but want that rustic feel of the New Orleans spirit, then this one might be a good choice for you. It is just off Canal Street, and still within walking distance of every where you want to be in that downtown area. It offers a delightful breakfast, but again, fast food is only a block or two away.

2009: Prytania Park Hotel: 1525 Prytania Street

If you really want that simple 'old time' New Orleans feel with exposed brick walls without the fancy hotel flare, than Prytania Park is one you may want to consider. It is off the beaten path of Downtown located in the Historic New Orleans Garden District, but the St. Charles StreetCar picksup and drops off right out front of the hotel making transportation from here to Canal St or the French Market quick, simple, and hassle free. It offers a free breakfast (but there is a BK just down the block) and free parking which will have saved you $28 - $32 dollars a day in comparison to the other two we stayed at.

Prytania Park was my favorite of the three that we have stayed at. I loved the location which made me believe that I was really experiencing New Orleans and not just a tourist in the city with all the noise. It was quiet and easy to sleep. It was not staffed like the bigger hotels, but there is a front desk attendant 24hours, and we had no problems.

Sloppy Joe's

The decision for what to make for dinner last night was pretty simple. I had a taste for Sloppy Joe's all weekend, but Chris likes to cook on Sunday's - so I got my Sloppy Joe fix as soon as I could.

I'm sorry that I don't have any real measurements for you. I just throw a little in, taste, and then improve where I can. There truly is not a better way to cook than to just taste, taste, taste. If you're like me then you really just use a recipe as more of a 'guide' anyway, tossing in more of the stuff you like, and less of the stuff you don't. (Plus, you really can't screw up Sloppy Joe's.)

Ingredients You'll Need:

Ground Beef  

Onions (diced)

Peppers (diced)

Ketchup

Brown Sugar

Garlic

Worchestire Sauce

Salt & Pepper to taste
Yellow Mustard

(to offset if you make it too sweet like I did) 

Bread

Step 1: COOK your meat, onions, and peppers then drain.

Step 2: ADD lots of ketchup, garlic, (a little) brown sugar, worchestire sauce, (a little) Mustard, and salt & pepper. Mix to taste, slap on some bread and enjoy.

If you find that your mixture is tooo sweet for you, add a little more mustard. (Don't go crazy, but I don't suggest going hog-wild with the brown sugar. Just add a little, mix, taste and repeat if desired.)

Three Months

Katelyn passed the 3 month mark last Friday. I can not believe how big she is getting. She changes and grows everyday. She loves to sit and play in the Evenflo ExerSaucer we bought for her. She hasn't been able to actually sit in it for very long, but she's getting the hang of making the toys talk to her. just a little more practice needed.

It sells for $119.00 at Toys R Us, but we bought it from one of the nurses in ours doctor's office for $30. It is brand-spanking new clean. Chris was surprised that she even took it out of the box, because it looks as though it was never used. There is also a bar with a hanging Butterfly and Koala Bear that arches over the birds in the back, but it is on the matching play mat right now, along with a dragonfly the hangs out in the open spot you see there on the side. This saucer is designed for birth - 2 years. It has the mat that you put the Koala Bear and Butterfly over, then they grow into the saucer itself as she is pictured in above, and then you "unwind" it for when they start toddling around as shown on the website. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3420756. With a little care, this toy could be around for a long time....exactly the way we like to spend our money....smart.

Weekend Round Up

This weekend was a busy calm. We cleaned, went grocery shopping, and Chris made my homemade noodles for his Beef-N-Noodles dinner. I am planning on Making Zuppa Toscana soup this week for dinner, but we still found ourselves at Olive Garden for the $6.95 Soup & Salad. Chris loves the Chicken & Gnocchi soup - We'll be trying to duplicate this recipe soon!

We also had a great time at the John's house. They don't eat red meat, but DiOnna makes some killer Turkey Burgers that I can not wait to eat again. She grounds the Turkey meat and mixes it with onions, garlic, salt & pepper. We took a Creme Pie for dessert (of course). They also cook their own sunflower seeds, because the store bags have too much salt. How Yummy they were. We'll be baking up some seeds in no time here.

The Dairy Blues

We've been noticing that every time I eat a dairy product Katelyn will projectile vomit it out within minutes of nursing. So, to keep her beautiful smile happening - I've been learning to like Soy milk...-Or should I say WE to some extent. We have been using it for cooking, so in a sense Chris is adapting to it as well... even though there is no taste difference in the cooked meals that we have noticed so far.-

I had a coupon for $1 off Silk brand - I bought Original, but have read that Vanilla is apparently the best thing ever. Original has done alright by us, but I suppose I will break down and by a Vanilla carton on our shopping trip this week with the coupon from this weekends paper. The Pros and Cons of Soy Milk still seem to be up for debate from what I have read, but from what I read it all seems to wash equally. Plus, if it allows me to drink milk and not cause my baby girl to toss her lunch, I'm all for it.

In my research on Soy Milk I found a simple recipe for making your own Soy Milk. It's not something that makes me want to jump-up and get-to-making, but I may try it at some point, plus, it may interest you.

Making Your Own Soy Milk

Here are some basic steps:

1. Clean the Soybeans.

2. Soak them in water for several hours.

3. Grind the soaked Soybeans with some water in a blender.

4. Filter the mixture through cheesecloth by squeezing and keep the soy milk.

5. Boil the soy milk for about 10 minutes.

6. Let the soy milk cool.

Happy New Year!

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

Katelyn was wide-awake celebrating the ball drop and ringing in the New Year with us. We first celebrated the EST time zone, hoping we would all be asleep by the Central timezone midnight - but she was still wide awake come midnight.

Chris found a Latin America tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight. One for each month of the year. If they are sweet it will be a good month, if they are sour that is going to be a "sour" month. It is kind of funny that while we were eating our grapes we BOTH had sour ones for May! I don't think I'll be getting on any plane with him for Germany in May now. I'm kind afraid since the 5th grape was sour for both of us. I guess we'll keep you updated come May.

The Lengths He Goes

Nothing is better than a daddy who loves to entertain his precious baby girl!

Katelyn loves to be hauled around the house in her Baby Bjorn. Usually we stick her in this or the Moby Wrap while we clean and cook.