OS Butterfly Fitted Tutorial

This is an OS (one size) snapless butterfly fitted.  I prefer pins, plus it allows the front and/or back to be folded down (like sizing a prefold) to fit as small as 7lbs and up to 28lbs (maybe more).  For my pattern click here

Before sewing make sure fabrics are prewashed and ironed.  Clean out your bobbin run and if needed, change your sewing needle.  If you are choosing to use snaps, add to outside layers before sewing.  

Butterfly's use very few layers because you fold in the side wings which triples your layers.  Usually I use 3 layers flannel (9 folded).  Today I am using 1 layer hemp fleece and I layer flannel.   Butterfly's are made with all absorbant fabric.  If you want a decorative outer it's best to choose something like Minky or flannel which is absorbent and decorative.  This is a very trim diaper! 

You will notice my butterfly has one white wing.  Well I decided to use a layer of microfleece now that Monkey is having big baby poops.  Microfleece only goes on layer next to baby's skin so I used the diamond stitch (L) on my machine to faux serge it onto the wing.  This gives a finished edge much better then a zigzag.  

Next place fabrics with right sides together.  If using 3 layers place middle layer on bottom.  Now sew around entire edge of diaper leaving the front open.  

Next we will add elastic to legs and back.  I do not measure elastic.  I tack down (zigzag stitch) one end in the seam allowence.  Then stretch elastic as tight as possible, tack down again and trim off access elastic. Once elastic is tacked trim off seam allowance except where elastic is tacked.  

Turn diaper right side out.  Pin opening closed.  Top stitch front of diaper.  As you come to the side, come out to beside elastic.  Lower needle into fabric.  (Your ignoring wings right now).  Pull elastic taunt and sew along inside edge of diaper, do the same across the back and down other side.  We have only top stitched the diaper portion, ignoring the wings.  

Now it is time to top stitch the perimeter of the wings.  When you cone to the elastic stretch and sew beside elastic finishing your casing.  Lastly do some contour stitching on the wings if you wish.  

All Done. 

Combining a knit and a woven for a decorative outer

2 piece decorative outers are popular for cloth diapers.  They look really nice when on baby, and that's the point :)

Knit fabrics are stretchy and notoriously hard to work with.  So when I found a knit I wanted to combine with a flannel I had, I made my job a little easier. 

Prep:
You'll need a diaper cut pattern and your two chosen fabrics, plus a scrap piece of woven. Cut half your pattern out if your woven  and half out of your knit.  Cut a second piece out of your scrap woven that matches your knit.  Iron all pieces.

Step 1: baste knit on top of a woven.  There now the problem is solved.  Iron fabrics.
*if both chosen fabrics are knits, back both in a woven like this.

Step 2: place front and back pieces of diaper cut with right sides together and pin. 

Step 3.  Sew hem with straight stitch.  Iron hem open.  Iron whole finished piece.  Now your done and ready to use your decorative outer. 

How Do I Decide? - decision help for making your cloth diapers

It can be overwhelming deciding what type of diaper you are going to make, what fabrics you are going to use and what pattern and sewing method.  The thing is there really isn't a wrong choice, just a right choice for you.  Using some of the blog posts here I am going to help you do this. 

Choosing your diaper style:
Start with the Diaper Styles Review page.  As you read through it make notes.  If you can print it off that may make it easier.  But note which ones appeal to you and cross off the one that don't.  Then read up further on the styles you like to firm up your decision. The name  of each diaper on the review page is a link to a more indepth look at that diaper style.  Next write down the types of materials needed for your top style picks.  Its probably good if you have a few top picks at this point. 
Also in this part read about diaper covers here

Finding your preferred fabrics:
Next take a look at the Fabric Reference Page. Use this page as you did the diaper styles review page.  Go through and note in some way which fabrics appeal to you.  Also consider reading my posts about key fabric decisions
•the truth about bamboo here
•MF - a fabric to think twice about here
•how do i combine my fabrics here
I have other posts also but I feel these three are important to understand.

With your preferred fabrics notated compare with your preferred diaper styles.  Do they match?  If you checked off pockets and aio's but then checked wool; take another look at wio's, Fitted's and minis.  Likewise if you picked HF's and not fleece take another look at aio's, Fitted's Wio's etc. 

Now you are getting some where and your style is really starting to show!  With your top picks make a list of fabric types needed (include optionals) and list which fabrics you picked for the types needed.  For example:

HF:
Water resistant: blizzard fleece
Absorbent: hemp terry
Topper: cotton sherpa
Decorative outer: none
(Just to clarify this is a random example)

Your final decision is the pattern.  DSS has a list of free patterns here.  You can also find patterns for sale online or the babyville pattern book available online and in many fabric stores.  You can even draft your own.  If you love the pattern of a pocket diaper but want to make an aio don't worry!  Take the pattern you like to get the fit you want then Google or YouTube a tutorial for the style you want.  They all fit together.  I use the same pattern pieces for each style cuz I adjusted to fit my Monkey.  When choosing a pattern for cut keep your baby's shape in mind.  I've written a post about that too called Chunky Monkeys & Skinny Minnie's.

Now its time to enjoy sewing.  Your last decision will be to serge or t&t (turn and topstitch).  There are only 2 things to look at when making this decision:
1: which do you like the look of.
2. Do you own a serger. (If not t&t is your best option). 
Happy Sewing Friends!

How Do I Combine My Fabrics?

In today's cloth diaper world there is a huge multitude of fabric choices to choose from.  It can be overwhelming.  I often find people wondering what combo of fabric is best or what combo of fabric are they supposed to use.  Really its more simple then that.  I promise.  Read on and I will explain. 

For barrier fabrics (pul, water resistant fleeces, wool and tpu) you use as cover, shell or outer layer.  You choose one and use it.  People get that so we are moving onto to the insides: absorbent layers and optional wicking/stay dry layer. 

Basically choose your absorbent fabric of choice, then the fabric you want next to baby's skin.  This could be the same fabric, a fabric chosen for its softness or a wicking/stay dry fabric. 

You truly do not need to choose three types of absorbent fabrics.  One is generally all you need to choose. Using multiple types of fabrics doesn't increase absorbency.  You increase absorbency by using additonal layers if fabric.  Are there times you should choose a second absorbent fabric?  Yes.

When to use 2 types of absorbent fabric:
• if you use MF, zorb 1 or cotton batting.  MF and zorb 1 needs to be covered cuz they can't touch baby's skin. Cotton batting needs to be sandwiched and quilted to last. 
* MF is the one fabric I recommend never using.
• you are choosing a synthetic absorbent fabric such as shobf (yes it is synthetic).  The reason to consider using a 2nd absorbent fabric is that synthetics are harder to wash so layering with a natural fabric makes it easier to wash. 
*It's not a must, just a suggestion. 
•you are choosing a very bulky absorbent fabric such as  bkt.  You would need less layers of these fabrics but using them with a second absorbent fabric can be a bulk cutting option.
• cost.  You really want a specific pricey absorbent fabric but for your budget purposes you prefer to combo with a more affordable option. 
•you want a certain absorbent fabric next to baby's skin (such as Sherpa) but its not your fave pick for absorbency so you use it just as a topper. 
•you like the different performance options of 2 fabrics.  An example would be layering flannel (absorbs quickly) with hemp (heavy absorbing). 

When might I need one more fabric type:
•wicking or stay dry layer.  If you want a wicking or stay dry top layer for a topper then you would add one layer of your choice of any wicking or stay dry fabric.  You never have to, but some people prefer this next to baby's skin. 

Why choose just one?
• you'll get more out of a larger single cut of fabric.
•saves money especially when ordering on line.
•it makes life easier (why complicate things?)

But my child is a heavy wetter
If your child is a heavy wetter you need additional absorbency not additional fabric choices. 
•Add an extra soaker or  use a snake style that you can just fold over. 
•use a very absorbent fabric such as hemp fleece.  If cost or bulk is an issue then combo with one other fabric. 
•check the fit of your diaper
•check the absorbency. 

I can't decide which fabric:
Read my fabric reference page this might help.  There really isn't a wrong choice.  Or use your favorites if its easier then choosing, that's fine too. 

SHOBF & HOBF?
It's the same fabric, SHOBF is just heavier

Cotton Fleece & Hemp Fleece?
Its almost the same fabric except the hemp is hemp and cotton so more absorbent.  Hemp also has antimicrobial properties.

I really hope this clears things up for people.  Relax and choose the fabric that appeals to you! 

Pocket Diapers

A pocket diaper is a diaper shell.  It consists of a pul outer and a soft inner.  There is an opening between the two (front, back or middle) forming a pocket.  You place an absorbent insert into the pocket.  The benefit is you remove the absorbent layers from the shell so you can wash separate.  Like an aio the pul shell needs washing with each diaper change which effects durability.  Being able to separate it from the absorbent layers is a benefit for washing as you can be more delicate with your pocket's shell and still wash and dry the absorbent insert on a hot setting.  Pocket diapers came out in 2000 and were the beginning of modern cloth diapering.  I first tried them in 2002 and I  am not a fan, I just don't like stuffing and (especially) un-stuffing lol.  I for sure wouldn't use today's commercial pockets as it is almost impossible to find one without an MF insert.  Some companies are not even upfront about this:  they take MF (microfiber), add a layer of Terry on top and call it micro-terry as though it were some new fabric.  Anyways, you can make inserts from any absorbent fabric you like, and if buying from a wahm you can request an insert from any fabric you want.  Plus once stuffed a pocket diaper is just like an aio which makes it easy for a babysitter to use.

Pros:
•Easy to use
• absorbent layer separates from pul shell for easier washing and drying

Cons:
•Not durable (although a little more then an aio), will last 2 kids for sure if well cared for though
•un-stuffing
• some wick around the legs
• new pocket needed at each diaper change

To make you need:
•PUL
•inner pocket fabric of your choice, popular choices are suede, velour, minky and microfleece
•absorbent fabrics for inserts
•ball point needle
•elastic
•snaps or Velcro
•clips to hold fabric while sewing cuz you can't pin pul

Optional:
•rotary cutting too and mat (easier since you can't pin pul, or trace pattern with marker
• decorative outer although its unnecessary since pul comes in many adorable prints.

Arfy  from prefold2fitteds has a great tutorial (and awesome blog) http://prefold2fitted.blogspot.ca/2013/04/front-envelope-style-pocket-diaper.html?m=1

Flip Diapers

Flip diapers are not really a diaper in my opinion.  They are PUL covers with a flap on the inside of the cover at the front and back.  You then lay an insert or mini into the flip cover, with the ends under the flaps to help hold it in place.  It's a pocket without the pocket to un-stuff.  Now I've said  I don't like un-stuffing pockets, but that said the pocket keeps the insert in place better then the flaps on a flip.  As for adding a mini, well you will get bunching and droop because they work best with snaps to hold them in place.  On the plus side its all pul so it can be wiped down and reused by placing in a new insert or mini.  This makes it more durable then a pocket or aio.  However if your thinking of a flip I would just recommend a pul cover to use with fitted's, flats, prefolds or a pul cover with snaps to use with a mini.  I for sure do not recommend paying any more then you would for a pul cover because really that's all it is. 

Pros:
• re use between washes
• as durable as a pul cover (cuz that's all it is
Cons:
• drooping
•bunching

To make you need:
• pul
• elastic
•snaps or Velcro
•ball point needle
• clips to hold in place cuz you can't use pins on pul

Optional:
•decorative outer
•rotary cutting tool and cutting mat

You will also need to make inserts or mini diapers of absorbent materials. 

WIO's - Wool In Ones

A wool in one may also be called a wio or wool in two.  It is a wool cover with snaps to snap in the absorbent layer.  A contoured mini diaper (or mini), being the more common choice.  A wio is technically 2 pieces cuz the absorbentbpart snaps into the wool so you can separate to lanolize the wool.  I have seen one sewn like an aio with the absorbent part sewn into the wool but this makes no sense to me cuz you have to lanolize wool on occasion and you can't lanolize the absorbent part or it repels instead of absorbs.  Anyways I recommend a mini with front and back snaps.  You can also sew an wio like an HF but it will take a long time to dry and like I said there is the lanolizing issue.  For those of us who love love love our wool (and like other wool user's I do), this is a great idea.  The downside of course would be poop leaks onto the wool, but sometimes that happens.  The other downside is convincing your SO that you need more wool lol, but if your starting out that isn't an issue yet lol.  I recommend a machine washable and dryable (fully felted wool) for WIO's as they are going to just make your diaper washing life easier.  I have a few covers I can machine wash and dry it is much easier then finding your favorite wool all shrunk cuz hubby helped and washed the diapers while you were sick. 

Pros:
• wool is bullet proof! Nothing beats night time diapering like wool!
• easy use for wool lovers
Separate wool and absorbent layers for laundry
• easy for babysitters when snapped together

Cons:
•may sometimes get poop on cover
• pricey
•some wool can't be washed and dried

To make you need:
•wool (knit it, buy it or upcycle it), I recommend machine washable and dryable.
•absorbent fabric for mini

Suggested:
Snaps to snap in mini

Optional:
•water resistant fleece for bottom of mini
•decorative outer
•wicking topper for mini

Link to a company selling WIO's
http://www.diaperware.com/productpage/loveybums.htm

AIO's - All In One diapers

An aio or all in one diaper is a fitted diaper with a PUL outer layer.  Sometimes the pul is covered by a decorative outer but this isn't necessary as pul comes in many adorable prints.  Using a aio is exactly like using a disposable because its all one piece.  As usual I advise having a sewn in flap or snap in soaker to help wash clean and reduce drying time.  I first used aio's with my second child when Kushies came out with them.  Those not used to cloth diapering will not have issues using these which makes them great for babysitters.  Pul cannot be washed or dried on high heat.  And since it is part if the diaper you will need to wash and dry on lower heat levels.  One of the drawbacks of an aio is that the pul doesn't hold up when washed with every diaper change, so durability is an issue because the pul eventually delaminates.  Don't plan on it lasting till baby #3, you may even need to replace before baby #2 is done with them.  Aside from the durability issue, aio's are a great and easy choice.

Pros:
•The easiest CD to use
• functions well
• contains mess in one piece
•can be used on it's own as an overnight diaper

Cons:
• low durability
• moderate wash and dry
•many styles have issues with wicking around the leg

To make you need:
•pul
•elastic
• snaps or Velcro
• absorbent fabrics
• ball point sewing machine needle
• clips to hold together cuz you can't pin the pul

Optional:
• rotary tool and cutting mat to make cutting out pul easier (cuz you can't pin it)
•wicking fabric for against baby's skin
•decorative outer

Hybrid Fitted Diaper

A hybrid fitted (HF) is basically a fitted diaper with a water resistant outer fleece.  This makes it similar in function to an aio.   The water resistant fleece is a good cover for around the house worn with leggings or CD clothing that isn't tight.  I find that diaper shirts will cause compression leaks.  Some people find an HF on its own good for overnight.  Others use an HF with wool for over night.  I think it somewhat depends on your fleece.  Windpro is the top of the line for water resistant fleece.  That said I use blizzard fleece and just add a wool cover if the situation calls for it.  The construction is a little different then a regular fitted too.  You have two layer's t&t together in a diaper shape.  One or both is your water resistant fleece.  I use blizzard and minky for a decorative outer.  This is the most common way to put this part together.  Its the cuddly softness people love about an HF. Another popular decorative outer is up-cycled t-shirts, below is a pic of my chunky monkey and one of his older sisters in matching tahirt and HF.   Some add an additional fleece layer to the wet zone.  At that point you have an HF shell.  You can leave it as a shell and use like a cover over your diapers if you like.  Or you can make a full HF.  The absorbent layers of an HF are made from absorbent fabrics as snake style soakers or petals.  They then are sewn in the  ends like flaps or snap in.  This is done because sewing them down all the way around as a soaker pad would lead to compression leaks.

To buy an HF you will need to find a wahm (work at home mom) who makes them because for some reason none if the commercial CD companies do.  This makes them pricey to buy because a wahm has to charge enough to cover fabrics and time.  

Pros:
• don't usually need a cover
• layered snap in or sewn as flap absorbent layers make for easier to wash and dry
•HF shells dry super quick!!
• softness and cuteness, part of the love for HF is the cuddle factor
Cons:
• more expensive to make and buy.  ($5-$10 to make, $25-$40 to buy) - I look for sales when making HF's to bring down cost.
• thick fluffy bums, these are not trim diapers.

To make you need:
•water resistant fleece, elastic, absorbent fabrics
Optional: minky or other decorative outer, soft inner fabric for the shell (velour is popular), wicking, minky, or velour to top petals. 

**note you do not use any pul in an HF, that's the point, no pul

Below is some pics of an HF I made my chunky monkey for Christmas. I used blue snowflake minky, red blizzard fleece, 2 candy cane flannel soakers, one stitched to the front, and one to the back.

Contour Mini Diapers

A contoured mini diaper is similar to a fitted diaper but it doesn't do up, instead it lays or snaps into your cover.  Basically its the soaker pad only. I highly recommend snap in.  Lay in tends to put drag on your cover leading to a droopy bum. Adding snaps to both the front and back of cover will hold the mini into place better.  These usually don't have a separate soaker flap or snap in insert.  I also recommend making a mini with one, like I've said before; less layers clean and dry more easily.  For people sewing their own diapers this is a great design in that it uses less fabric then a fitted diaper. 

Pros:
•less fabric
• elastic to help contain poop
• easy to wash and dry if made with a soaker flap or snap in insert
•easy to use

Cons:
• causes droopy diaper if it doesn't snap into cover
• bunching may occur in the crotch leading to poop on the cover unless it snaps into front and back if the cover.

http://rocketbottoms.com/product/contour-mini-diaper-pattern/
This is a link to a pattern to purchase for $2.50. Alternatively you could use this page:

http://www.verybaby.com/sew-a-mini-diaper-an-elasticized-contour-diaper/
To draft your own pattern based on the size and shape if your cover.  If doing this measure fully stretched length if your cover.  This page says you should use specific fabrics.  Ignore that, use the fabrics of your choice.

To make you need:
Absorbent fabrics, elastic.
Optional: wicking topper, decorative outer, water resistant fleece bottom layer. 

Fitted and pre-fitted diapers

In the 1980's a big change in the cloth diaper world occurred;  fitted's and prefitted's were invented.  Prefitted diapers are pretty much the same as fitted's except they don't have snaps or Velcro.  You use pins, snappi's or boingos to do them up.  From this point on I will refer to them as the same thing because as far as I am concerned they are.  Sometimes a pre-fitted doesn't have elastics but that variation is often called a contour.

A fitted diaper is a cloth diaper made of absorbent fabrics and has elastic in the legs and back.  It looks like a cloth version of a disposable.  It needs a cover though. 

Typically a fitted has 2 layers of absorbent fabric that are diaper shaped.  There are then additional absorbent layers sewn in between into the core (or wet zone). There might also be a soaker of absorbent fabrics sewn at one end (like a flap) or that snap in.  The ones with the additional flap or snap in soaker wash better as it separates the layers.  Less layers wash cleaner and dry faster. 

Pros:
•Similar to using a disposable other then the need for a cover
• popular as an overnight diaper
• elastics contain poop
• durable
•moderate cost most of the time

To make a fitted you need :
Absorbent fabrics and elastic
Optional: wicking topper,  decorative outer.

There are many patterns available (paid or for free).  Fitted's come in sizes as well as os (one size),  most people find that is diapers don't fit well till baby is 10-12 lbs.  

Below is a fitted I made of receiving blankets.  The stripped layes is a flap style soaker

Butterfly Fitted's & Daddy Flats

Butterfly fitted's (aka fold in fitted) and Daddy flats are very similar in design and function so I am covering them together.  A butterfy looks like a fitted diaper with 2 large wings on the side that fold in to create absorbency.  Opened up the are usually only 3-4  layers so they wash and dry like a prefold.  A daddy flat looks like a prefold with triangles cut out near the back top.  Fold in those edges and you have a prefold that daddy can easily figure out.  Both are pretty self explanatory I think.  So why not just use a fitted? Well a lot of people )like myself, love the easy wash and dry of a prefold. 

Butterfly fitted pros
• all the benefits of a prefold
• elastic means it fits baby like a fitted
• if you close with pin or snappi (instead of snaps or Velcro),you can fold down the back and or front (like a prefold) to fit a smaller baby. My butterfly Fitted's are one of my favorites.  

•elastic contain poop

Daddy flat pros

•all the benefits of prefolds

•even easier to use

• can be made from prefolds

To make these all you need is absorbent fabrics, elastic and optional snaps, Velcro. 

Below is a picture of: 

• butterfly I made from receiving blankets

• wings folded in 

• folded up

• top folded in to fit newborn

• daddy flat

I will give a tutorial on another post