Flat diapers

A flat diaper is a single layer of absorbent fabric.  It is folded to create a diaper shape with absorbent layers.  There are many folds to choose from.  The most popular fold is the origami fold.  It sounds complicated so I tried it out and its easy to learn.  Dads and family members be feel overwhelmed learning the folds but that is easily remedied by putting them away folded and ready to use.  Flats are fastened together with pins,  snappi's or boingos.  They require the use of a diaper cover.  Flats have been around for a long time.  As near as I can figure their use began in the 1800's.  Prior to that people used swaddlings and tribal diapering systems.  So why still use flats given all the new styles?
Pro's:
• wash clean easier then any other style because when open it's just one layer
•one layer means it dries super quick
• very cheap, buying them they cost on average $1-$2 each. 
•they work (OK all styles work
• low maintenance with long durability

Cons:

• no elaatic at legs to contain poop explosions but your cover will help with that

These pros are helping the flat diaper make a comeback too.  In fact each year there is a flats and hand washing challenge to use flats during the month of May.  You can read about it on a blog I recommend called Dirty Diaper Laundry, the link takes you to a page on folding a flat diaper
http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/how-to-fold-a-flat-origami-style/

To Make a Flat:
You will need absorbent fabric and thread.  After prepping the fabric should measure 26 in by 26 in.  Serge your square of fabric.  If you don't own a Seeger overcast a zigzag or diamond stitch on your edges.  You could hem the edges if you choose a thinner fabric. 

√ absorbent fabrics: cottons such as flannel, Birdseye, muslin, jersey, terry, French Terry Hemp blends, bamboo blends, minky and absorbent fleece (cotton, hemp and bamboo fleece). 

*a thicker fabric like Terry or fleece might make it difficult to fold down for a newer baby and to difficult for hemming.