Diaper Sewing, or why one reason blogging has been so sporadic lately
A few months ago, I realized that I did not have very many large-sized diapers for Annalise, who was beginning to outgrow her medium Fuzzi Bunz. (I had replaced the elastic from Josiah using lastin and did them a little too tight so they didn’t last as long for her chunky thighs and longer rise.)
I thought about buying some used, large Fuzzi Bunz, but figured that I would need quite a few since all of my Bum Genius diapers are on their last legs. They all need new velcro tabs and elastic, but I am tired of replacing velcro and have decided never to purchase a velcro diaper again. After looking at a few diaper patterns online, I began the process of sewing and designing the diaper of my dreams. It didn’t come out quite as perfectly as I imagined, but I like them and they will serve me well. And for $4.50 a diaper, I’m not complaining!
I used the DDU pattern and have been very impressed. If you are looking at sewing diapers, this pattern is a fantastic resource with great directions for the beginning diaper seamstress. I took my favorite aspects of the Bum Genius diaper and put it in my diaper–snap sizing on the front and an inch or so of PUL on the inside of the top to prevent the leaks that come from pants and shirts getting tucked into the top of the diaper. I used PUL for the outer, waterproof material, and suedecloth or velour for the inner, wicking fabric. I had several hand-me-down inserts that work quite well in these diapers.
I ended up making 21 diapers total. I definitely bit off more than I could chew with that number, and it took two months to finish. I made nine of those diapers for a friend about to have her fourth baby with one already in diapers. I am looking forward to sewing something besides diapers for a change!
Here it is on the largest and then smallest sizing:
Ok. Now that is amazing! We’ve got a full supply of bumGenius for June, but I’m very excited to have this option (one that looks like a real diaper I would buy) as an alternative when the BG’s retire. Thanks!
Wow, that is awesome! Go, Rachel!! I also have to say, even though it isn’t the point of this post, that I don’t think that Annalise could possibly be ANY CUTER!
P.S. Where do you get your PUL fabric?
Rachel, I got most of my supplies at sewzannes.com or greenacredesigns.com. I like the 2 mil PUL much better than the 1 mil, it is much easier to sew with. Let me know if you have any questions, I’m happy to help.
Can I just say that I have no idea how you do it? I have several “mom heroes” and you are among them….
rachel!!! are you kidding me? this is awesome! and for such a nominal cost. i am speechless! come on baby #3- i have some diapers to make!
thanks for this- it is VERY inspiring!
you are amazing!
Rachel,
You could totally pass those off as Fuzzi Bunz! Great job! I am thinking of sellings my BGs…the velcro had deteriorated so much before the first year was up, that Cotton Babies replaced them for me. I really think it’s because I only had 8 in my rotation, so they got too much washing, but still. I never used them when they came in because I liked the FBs so much better. I might try ebay to sell them. I may contact you for directions and such one of these days…my mom’s a fabulous seamstress!
Rachel,
You could totally pass those off as Fuzzi Bunz! Great job! I am thinking of sellings my BGs…the velcro had deteriorated so much before the first year was up, that Cotton Babies replaced them for me. I really think it’s because I only had 8 in my rotation, so they got too much washing, but still. I never used them when they came in because I liked the FBs so much better. I might try ebay to sell them. I may contact you for directions and such one of these days…my mom’s a fabulous seamstress!
I’m impressed!!
You did such a good job. I still haven’t tried to sew any yet, trying to finish other prodjects first. would you be interested in making some for profit in a few months?? Just wondering, i have seen your sewing skills, i loved the hymp and the cute fitted. Carlos and i think they work so well!!
Wish I had your motivation Rachel. Just the other day I pulled out those Fuzzi Bunz with the shot elastic. Remember when we worked on those together? Marisa managed to remove her disposable under her pajamas and woke up soaked so I figured fuzzi bunz was the way to go…unfortunately I didn’t complete a single one and thankfully she hasn’t removed another diaper at night. The velcro on the BumGenius frustrated me too. I did replace all the velcro tabs and laundry tabs though. I’m just terrible at replacing elastic. Did you know that Cotton Babies gives you velcro tabs and laundry tabs for free?
Josie, I will have to get see about getting some of those replacement tabs and update my BGs gradually, thanks for the suggestion!
Kaylene, due to the pattern’s licensing requirements, I cannot sew any of those diapers for profit, and honestly, I do not have any interest in sewing anymore diapers for a long time! I would be happy to help you sew some yourself. I’m glad you like the little fitteds!
Rachel, WOW! I am so impressed. Where do you find the time and energy? I will definitely be looking more closely into these soon. Great job! We miss seeing you guys! We’ll have to get together sometime soon!
Rachel, you intrigue me. You are so crafty, my dear. The closest I got to the sewing machine was over a year ago when my 2nd daugther was born, and I made liners/doublers/stuffers for my pocket dipes. I like to recycle holey socks and the cotton is so abosrbent, hence being a sock. Anyway, I wish I had the time to take on the task and save some money. You are one thrifty lady. I know you mentioned being burned out by making these in a huge lot, but if you ever would consider selling what you make, just let me know because I am in the market for some new AI2s for both of my cloth-diapered babies, my 18mo and 4mo. I am going through my cloth diaper inventory and trying to get rid/sell/donate my stash, which I have accumulated over 4yrs now. I have a little bit of everything that needs to find a new home so I can have space again and be able to use one dipe on both babies. I hope I can achieve this before my oldest is fully potty-trained.