Using hemp in diapers is a great choice. Knowing how to use it optimizes performance.
Hemp is manually processes with cotton into man made fabrics. Its pretty fibrous which is why its combined with cotton. Bamboo is also very fibrous and processed with cotton but its chemically processed into rayon. This chemical process changes the bamboo so much it no longer contains the properties that make it popular. But hemp does contain those antibacterial, anti microbial, hypoallergenic properties. Being so fibrous and manually processed means hemp has a high oil content that will take many washes to prep. 8 washes minimum. I've used hemp prior to full prepping around the house. I did once while out and regretted it. Be patient and don't "test" this fabric till it is fully prepped.
Hemp is 2-3 times more absorbent them cotton. 1 layer hemp fleece = 3 layers cotton flannel. So you don't need 9 layers hemp. 3-4 is perfect. Hemp absorbs and contains better then any other diaper fabric.
Hemp-bamboo fleece? I think this is created simply for marketing. Considering both need pairing with cotton, your looking at the hemp content being split and shared with the bamboo. Bamboo-rayon is almost as absorbent hemp. And since bamboo is processed into rayon, combining it with hemp doesn't give back the properties of being antibacterial etc. The hemp loses those properties when turned into a hemp-bamboo-rayon. Choose hemp or bamboo. There is little point to choosing both.
Hemp has one drawback; its slow to absorb. Hemp French terry less so. So if you want all the great properties of hemp but quick absorption what should you do? Top it with another fabric. Something that absorbs quick and or wicks. This will draw your wetness quickly into that super absorbing hemp. In my post about combining fabrics (and when it is and isn't needed) I mention sometimes you like the performance of two different fabrics. This is such an instance, especially for a newborn or a heavy wetter.
I have topped various hemp diapers in different fabrics all with good results. I've combined with flannel. I love the performance of flannel and its a thirsty fabric. It sucks up wetness right away. Ive combined it with cottin fleece for a very high preformance overnight diaper. Cotton fleece is what sweat shirts are made of. Holds lots. Micro fleece is a wicking fabric and wicks that moisture through itself down to the hemp right away. And baby doesn't feel the wetness. And the oh so soft CV (cotton velour). This was gifted to me and I'm very impressed with its cuddly softness. It has some stay dry effect. It is an absorbing fabric. It doesn't feel dry but it doesn't feel sopping wet either. That's the best way I think I can explain it. I like it as an option cuz stay dry is more comfortable for baby, while at the same time I want my Monkey to know a wet diaper needs to be changed. Its a good compromise.
Contour stitching. Contour stitching is a good idea in any absorbent part of a diaper. Contour stitching is when you stitch a few ovals around the edge of a soaker or wet zone working in. Not many are needed. It helps distribute moisture. Doing so in slow to absorb hemp is a big performance booster. This would be less necessary in hemp French terry as the weave of the fabric does this on its own.
Go test out some hemp diapers following these suggestions and I believe you'll be pleased with the results.
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