cloth diapers

anyone have an easy pattern and suggestions for this about to be granma? my daughter would like to use cloth and i know NOTHING about this!

This is a very tricky thing to do....not the actual sewing, which is very easy, but knowing which type of diapers you will like!
http://www.squidoo.com/clothdiapergameplan has a great write up about it.

I liked pre-folds with a few covers (3 was all I ever needed) since the prefolds grew with the baby, they were easy to wash and dry and I could wash the covers easily.
There are some great patterns at this site http://www.sewdiapers.com/ including a pre-fold pattern from used t-shirts!

and finally a frugal diapering page
http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html

thank you! its a whole new world   

Hi there - congratulations on using cloth!  It is amazingly addictive and fantastically good for everyone involved.

A really good site with all the info on free patterns etc is
http://www.ozclothnappies.org/links.html#sewing

Being an Aussie site, nappy = diaper 

There is also a great New Zealand site
http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/diy.php
which also has free patterns and links to others.

Personally, I like the ottobre pattern (link on the ozcloth site) and I have also made ones with the Wee-weka pattern (free) on the NZ site.

Enjoy the modern cloth journey!
cheers
Kat

You could check themommyplaybook.com
Lot of helpful ladies.. i got a lot of info about cloth diapers from that forum and a lot of other things

the website is www.themommyplaybook.com

I like to use prefolds with bummis or bumkins covers. I made most of my prefolds from flannel and hemp/cotton fleece. I would have to look up the measurements I used but I like 3-4 layers of flannel for the full diaper width with a narrower soaker layer down the middle of the diaper, made from 2 layers of hemp cotton fleece.

Ottobre's cloth diaper pattern is great for a fitted diaper (runs large) but does need a waterproof cover... the pattern can be altered slightly to accomodate a cover pattern.
http://www.ottobredesign.com/en/print/pdf/vaippa_en.pdf

Rita's Rump pattern
http://handmadebyrita.blogspot.com/2007/10/httpwww.html

Katrina's Sew Quick Soaker pattern
http://katrinassqs.blogspot.com/2007/10/free-soaker-pattern.html

There are also patterns that can be purchased.

congratulations to you, About-to-be-grandma!! I've been making cloth diapers (fitted diapers mainly) for my littlest one for a while now... I have done a lot of trial and error and would love to share my knowledge to perhaps help you (and others) cut the learning curve down a bit!!

I have only ever used a self-drafted pattern based on disposables, but it has been working remarkably well for me. You may want to give that a go? But if you really want a pattern, I have heard a lot of good things about Rita's Rump Covers and Chloe's Toes patterns. I have a Little Commet Tails pattern that i hope to try out soon too... (fingers crossed!)

A few things that i really like:

(NOTE: this is for a fitted diaper, and would require a separate waterproof PUL/windpro poly fleece/wool cover)

From inner-most layer out i have:
a rectangular booster:
polyester microfleece (stay-dry layer--- its closest to baby's bum) + 3 layers of highly absorbant microfiber + cotton velour -- i usually serge the edges and do a channel down the center so it doesnt bunch up in the wash or while wearing --- You can opt to sew the booster to the diaper if you want (i used to) but i realized that i can get more life out of them if i dont sew them down. I really like having a separate booster/soaker: it washes up cleaner, dries more quickly and you can reuse it when you transition to a larger size diaper as well. (read: save $!)

and then the diaper (i do a turn-and-topstich method):

an inner full-body layer, usually velour, but could be flannel (i dont like how it feels wet) or (stay-dry) microfleece. I really like cotton velour for its softness next to the baby's skin. It wears wonderfully and still looks new after many many washings. There are several coops that have excellent prices, but the lead-time in actually *getting* the fabric can sometimes be long. I got some really nice velour from Very Baby.com and was happy w/ it.

Then a soaker of 2 microfiber layers. I personally like to do an hour-glass shape, but you can do a rectangle as well...
(serged first, then sewn onto inner layer).
 
Then an outer, full-body decorative layer of a cute cotton flannel print or a velour. I like cotton flannels for the cute prints that they offer and because they are cheap and easy to find locally. (OH! And dont forget to make flannel wipes as well!!) Joannes usually runs a very good sale on their flannels right after Thanksgiving

For the elastic, I prefer to sew it in the seam allowance (using a three-step zig-zag stitch) You will be putting it in the legs and along the back after sewing the inner and outer layer together (before turning). I then turn and topstitch (remembering not to sew over my elastic!! --- usually LOL)

I usually have my dipes close with TouchTape -- hook side on my wings and loop/soft side on the belly section (make sure you do a little laundry tab to secure the "velcro" for while they are in the wash) Aplix or TouchTape is the way to go-- not store bought velcro. When buying your materials, you will want about a 3:1 ratio of loop to hook. 

You can do resin snaps, but the snap press is pretty expensive and not really worth it if you arent planning on doing a diaper-making business.

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You will need a diaper cover--- I LOVE my Thirsties covers! --- OR you could change up this basic idea to make an All-in-two (AI2) by making the outer-most-layer out of PUL (buy it online).

If you do that, be sure you are using *polyester* elastic or Lastin and 100% poly thread or you will run the risk of wicking moisture. Another important thing if you sew a cover or AI2: be sure to pop the diaper in the dryer to heat-seal the stitching holes before using.

As always, its best to prewash fabrics before sewing and then wash the completed diaper before baby's use (obviously! )

(There are lots of lists of good detergents for cloth diapers available online... dont forget: never ever use fabric softener!)

Then again, you could recycle some wool sweaters and turn them into cute covers/soakers as well .... oh the possibilities!

Good luck and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy H.