If you use cloth nappies (or are planning to) and you can sew, then you may think about starting to sew cloth nappies for yourself, but where should you begin? Here are our top tips to get you started.
Sew cloth nappies
- Before you begin, decide what type of cloth nappy you want to make. A fitted nappy that needs a cover is far easier than a pocket nappy or all in one style.
- Choose a pattern; there are lots of patterns available on line, (check out our list here) later on you may want to draft your own pattern, but it’s easier to use someone elses while you are still learning.
- Start simple; make a basic nappy to begin with, rather than cutting into you favourite fancy fabrics before you have learnt how to make cloth nappies.
- Don’t be worried about making mistakes, we all do, (my first attempt was terrible) but we’ve all got to start somewhere.
- Get all of your materials and fabrics together before you begin.
- Cut everything out and then place it all together before you start sewing, sometimes it takes a while to get your head around the way everything goes together before you start sewing.
- Pre-stretch your elastics before you sew them in.
- Avoid using pins if you are sewing with PUL, clothes pegs are a good alternative.
- Top stitching can help give a really professional finish to your nappies.
- Don’t be afraid to give it a go.
DIY cloth nappies
Cloth nappies are reasonably easy to make, once you get the hang of it. Most of the difficulties are due to the natures of the fabrics that are used. The knit fabrics such as microfleece can be quite stretchy and difficult to sew at first, laminated fabric like PUL have their own issues, as they can stick or not travel through the sewing machine very well. With a little bit of practice though, most people can sew functional, cute nappies for their own use. You don’t need any special equipment to make them, a basic sewing machine will usually have all of the functions that you need. Good luck and feel free to share pictures of your creations with us on our facebook page.
