DIY Prefold Diapers
December 8, 2006 by nutmeg
Prefold diapers:
Prefolds are my favorite type of diaper out there. They are so versatile and there is something to be said for that feeling you get when you are pinning that dipe … like millions of women throughout time have done this before you. Silly I know but that’s the feeling I get … sort of empowering :o). Wanna make your own? Great!!
Procedure -
* Wash and dry all fabric to be used. One yard of 45″wide flannel will make approximately 2 regular sized diapers.
* Cutting -
Cut 2 rectangles in the following measurements for the diaper:
11 1/2″ by 14 1/2″ for newborn to 6 months
13 1/2″ by 18 1/2″ for 6 months to 2 years
15 1/2″ by 21 1/2″ for toddler size
Cut six pieces in the following measurements for the soaker pad:
4″ by 13 1/2″ for newborn to 6 months
5″ by 17 1/2″ for 6 months to 2 years
6″ by 20 1/2″ for toddler size
Preparing the soaker pad:
Stack all the layers of the soaker pad together and straight stitch about 1/4″ from the edge all the way around. Then go around the outside again using a zigzag stitch and encasing the raw edges.
* Attaching the soaker pad to the diaper:
Center and pin each soaker pad to the wrong side of one piece of flannel. Stitch down each side of the pad to secure it.
Sewing the diaper -
Put the two layers of diaper right sides together and stitch all the way around, leaving open between markings for turning. Clip corners and turn right side out, pressing corners out well. Topstitch around the entire diaper. When you get to the opening, just tuck the edges inside and keep right on sewing. Then stitch the soaker pad again on the same lines you used before to secure through all thicknesses and give a finished look.
So do you REALLY need newborn prefolds? Well, yes and no. There’s nothing worse than trying to make a huge diaper fit a tiny newborn. Making the special sized diapers might not seem like a great idea at first but later on, they can be folded into thirds and used as diaper doublers for your older baby overnight.
Thank you so much - we’ve used and used this pattern with great results!
I had never sewed anything before, but my poor baby’s botom needed these. now she has the healthiest bum in town! Thank you so much.
Hi,
I don’t know how to sew at all, let alone own a sewing machine. So it seems ambitious that I’d like to make my own flat hemp cloth diapers. Not the prefolds, but the old-fashioned, just-a-big-piece-of-fabric diapers. How do I keep the edges from unraveling in the wash? Can I do it without getting and learning to use a sewing machine? This may seem as easy as breathing to you, but let me refer to my first sentence.
Thanks,
Samantha
Flat cotton diapers are the best! That’s all I used on my children with pins and rubber pants! Thanks for the info!
Great way to make these. Different than others I have seen, but much easier. Thank you for sharing.
I love to sew, but wanted to make some quick tri-fold diapers instead of the fancier velcro versions I’ve seen online. Especially since I needed to use the plastic covers anyway. I’m looking forward to using this easy pattern. A couple of things I’d like to pass along is that I’m going to use old sheets, t-shirts and flannel shirts for the outer layers and for the inner soakers, I’m going to use miss match socks and old towels & dishclothes. I’m due in 5 weeks and now I’ll have all the diapers I need before she gets here… Thank you so much! I love this site!