Cloth diapers are gaining popularity with modern parents, both for the eco-friendliness and ability to lessen the overhead costs of diapering. A way to further lessen the diapering expenses is to sew your own diapers. An All In One (AIO) diaper is a cloth diaper that is sized to your infant or child, fitting much like disposable diapers. AIOs are very user friendly for diapering, and one of the easier styles of cloth diapering to sew.
Making an All In One Cloth Diaper
Step 1
Select your pattern. Patterns are available for purchase and for free, and can be easily found over the Internet. Find a pattern that is appropriately sized to your infant or child by measuring his waist, thighs and rise (from navel between the legs to the small of the back).
Step 2
Select your fabric and notions. Cloth diapering fabrics are a specialty fabric and will usually need to be purchased over the Internet. Fabric found in major sewing retailers is neither durable nor thick enough for the wear and tear cloth diapers experience. Polyurethane laminate (PUL) is commonly used as a waterproof outer layer and cotton, or a cotton-bamboo or cotton-hemp blend, is used as an absorbent liner. Notions include your hook and loop closure and elastic. These can be purchased at the same site as your fabric.
Step 3
Lay out your fabric on a smooth, flat surface. Lay your pattern on top of your fabric and pin down with straight needles. Cut your fabric pieces out according to the pattern's directions.
Step 4
Pin the inner and outer layers of fabric together with the wrong sides facing out using straight pins to hold the fabric in place. With a sewing machine, sew around the edges of your fabric, leaving a 3- to 4-inch portion of the diaper open, like a pillowcase. This will allow you to turn it right side out later.
Step 5
Cut your elastic to the desired length as stated in the pattern. Secure both sides of your elastic to the edge of the diaper, just outside of your stitches. Sew elastic in place with a zig-zag stitch, stretching the elastic as you sew. Elastic is commonly placed at both leg openings, and may be added to the stomach and back for a trim fit.
Step 6
Turn the diaper right side out through the opening you left. Turn in the edges and top stitch over the opening. You may continue top stitching around the entire diaper for a clean appearance, though this is not necessary. If top stitching around the entire perimeter of the diaper, take care not to sew over the elastic as this will keep the elastic from stretching.
Step 7
Sew the hook and loop closure in place. A strip of loop closure is sewn across the belly portion of the diaper, and two hook strips are sewn on, one to each side of the back of the diaper.
Tips and Warnings
- Cotton fabrics may shrink in the wash and should be washed and dried prior to cutting according to the pattern. Prior to first use, natural fabrics, such as cotton and cotton-hemp or cotton-bamboo blends, must be washed three to four times in hot water and completely dried. This will remove any oils from the surface, making the fabric fully absorbent.
Things You'll Need
- Pattern
- Measuring tape
- Elastic
- Hook and loop closure
- Absorbent fabric
- Waterproof or resistant fabric
- Scissors
- Straight needles
- Sewing machine
- Needle
- Thread
