How to Sew Baby Diapers

To Sew or Not to Sew

Why sew baby diapers? For some, the benefits of cloth diapers influence the desire to learn how to sew baby diapers.

Environmental Issues

Cloth diapers have become a focus of the “green” way of thinking. Because disposable diapers can take several hundred years to decompose, many people are turning to cloth diapers.

Did you know that nearly 5 million tons of untreated waste and approximately 2 billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills each year? Approximately 80,000 pounds of plastic and over 200,000 trees a year are used to manufacture these disposable diapers for babies in the United States.

The argument for some disposable diapers is that they are considered biodegradable. However, if these diapers are to decompose, they must be exposed to air and sun, and the plausibility of this is highly unrealistic. Therefore, it can take several hundred years for the decomposition of disposables to take place, with some of the plastic material never decomposing.

Money Issues

For many people who choose to learn how to sew baby diapers, the issue is all about money. While some might argue that the additional water and electricity usage due to an increased amount of washing will balance out the expense of disposable diapers, others don’t agree.

In fact, cloth diapers typically add only two or three additional laundry loads each week. However, the average family spends anywhere from $50 to $80 a month on disposable diapers, and this can be a sizeable addition to any grocery budget.

Convenience Issues

For many parents, the choice to use disposable diapers is all about convenience. It’s simple to pack a few into a diaper bag. However, many of the cloth diapers of today can be considered just as convenient. Some have Velcro fasteners, multiple layers, and even flushable liners.

How to Sew Baby Diapers

Once you’ve made a commitment to use cloth baby diapers, you might want to consider sewing them yourself. You don’t have to be particularly adept at using a sewing machine. In fact, learning how to make baby diapers could be your first big sewing project!

Choosing the Fabric

There are actually several types of fabric that can be used for sewing diapers. The most important requirement is that the fabric is 100% or nearly 100% cotton since it will be next to your baby’s tender skin. You want to reduce the risk of diaper rash as much as possible!

Fabrics such as flannel, terry, Birdseye, or jersey will work well. In fact, as long as the fabric is cotton and has a tight weave, it should be fine. If you are making or purchasing diaper covers, look for waterproof material. Certain types of fleece and wool might work, too.

Choosing Fasteners

Gone are the days of just using diaper pins. Today, parents have a range of fasteners that can be used with cloth diapers. The choices include Velcro, buttons, snaps, and ties.

Diaper Sites and Patterns

Now for the patterns! You can find a variety of patterns and useful tips and instructions at the following sites. Some of these sites actually want to use their readers’ ideas as well. Check out the following:

• Sew Diapers: This is a great site for anyone interested in sewing baby diapers. It’s actually a forum with boards, such as “Diaper Sewing Tutorials”, which includes step-by-step instructions on sewing diapers and pictures as well. Other board topics include “Diaper Sewing Resources”, “Pattern, Company, and Co-op Review”, “Sew and Show”, and “Diaper Sewing-How Do I?”.
• Diaper Sewing: This site lists places to purchase material and patterns.
• The Diaper Hyena: This is another great site that offers numerous links to free diaper patterns and diaper supply stores.
• Frugal Diaper Sewing: This site offers a useful breakdown on the expenses of sewing baby diapers, as well as links to instructions for sewing pre-folded diapers.