DIY Modern Cloth Nappies

Sewing Modern Cloth Nappies

My daughter in a nappy made by my mother-in-lawUsing modern cloth nappies (often referred to as MCN's) instead of disposable nappies can save over $700 a year in buying nappies, and over 2 tonnes of landfill waste that will take centuries to break down.

Converting to cloth doesn't have to be expensive. Start with just one nappy – every time you use it, you're reducing landfill waste and saving money. Even better, make your own nappies – it's not that difficult!

I have found the easiest DIY system is a cover or simple pocket nappy, with lots of prefold boosters. Lay the prefold into the cover or pocket nappy (on top of the pocket nappy inner instead of in the pocket). Unless the nappy cover has been soiled, you will only need to change the prefold at nappy change time. Washing 2-3 times a week, I need 3-5 covers, and 20-30 prefolds.

The outer: cover or pocket nappy

Nappy covers or pocket nappies are made with a waterproof outer layer. The most common fabric used for waterproofing on nappies is polyurethane laminate (PUL). PUL is a more breathable vinyl than PVC plastic, and will survive tumble drying – although it will last longer if it is line dried. The polyurethane coating is applied to either a cotton or polyester fabric, so it is available in a wide range of colours and prints. For maximum leak-proofing, look for polyester PUL to avoid wetness wicking out of a saturated inner nappy.

PUL fabric is available from specialist nappy fabric retailers online. Fabrite PUL from the USA is the most expensive but generally considered to be best quality, as it is thinner and more flexible than other brands of PUL. The PUL in your nappy kit is Speedline PUL from an Australian company – thicker and less flexible, although it does soften with washing. Speedline PUL is also cheaper, and less sticky than Fabrite which makes it easier for beginner sewers (like me!). Other waterproof fabrics to consider are a double layer of polar fleece; or single layer of WindPro thick polar fleece from the USA; and ProCare vinyl.

The other things you'll need to make covers or pocket nappies are:

• Elastic – most patterns use 6” swimwear elastic, as it needs to withstand frequent hot water washing. Available at any fabric shop.

• Velcro or snaps – used for holding the nappy closed. Available at any fabric shop, or specialist online nappy fabric retailers. The snaps available at most fabric shops are metal hand-set snaps.

Check out these easy to sew free patterns and tutorials:

• Chloe Toes side snap cover: http://www.chloetoesboutique.com/store/WsPages.asp?ID=2

• Wee Weka one-size pocket nappy: http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/images/Wee%20Weka%20SML%20Fitted%20SM%20Pocket.pdf

• Wee Weka step-by-step pocket nappy tutorial: http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/pocket.php

The inner: prefolds

Prefold nappies are the easiest thing in the world to sew, and can be made from any fabric that will absorb moisture. Use old towels or terry square nappies, or your husband's old jeans that have holes in the knees.

Hemp is popular because it is more absorbent than cotton and more durable (lasts longer before it wears through), but does take longer to dry. Bamboo stays soft after line drying, and is even more absorbent than hemp. But it takes even longer to dry and my bamboo nappies never last as long as hemp before they wear through. Hemp and bamboo are usually only available from specialist nappy fabric retailers online.

For maximum absorbency, look for a thick-pile terry or fleece fabric. Terry fabrics can also be Snappi-ed, although if your nappy cover fits well it won't need a Snappi to hold it in place.

Some of my home-made prefolds have been made with one layer of bamboo and one layer of printed cotton flannelette, cotton or bamboo velour, or other soft fabric. My baby doesn't seem to mind whether he has super-soft fabric next to his skin.

To sew a prefold, start with pre-washed fabric to ensure there is no further shrinkage. With bamboo, pre-washing in hot water and tumble drying on a hot setting will also make the fibres stronger so it is less likely to rip while sewing.

Cut squares of fabric 30x30cm. Zig-zag or overlock the edges to prevent fraying. Done – just fold in three and lay in the nappy. If you want to get all fancy, sew two lines down the middle to make folding easier.