What's new!

Two new testers ready for action!

Sewing diapers for 4 years has given me time to test out different fabrics - I mean really test. I've tested the fabric by different wash routines, different detergents, and different drying methods. I admit, as a busy parent most of the time I take the most convenient route and don't treat my son's diapers as nicely as I should, since I can easily make more. I know that both using bleach and putting the diapers in the dryer weakens the fabric, shortening the lifespan of the natural-fabric diaper.  I've been using Cozy flannel for the interior layer & pocket of my flannel fitted diapers, and do not always see equal quality through the entire bolt of fabric. It's one thing if you're treating your diapers nicely, but when you're like me and treat them less-than-nice they just don't last as long as they should and that doesn't make this Mama happy! I pride myself on making a quality product!

 

So, it is time to test out actual "diaper flannel".  Diaper flannel is napped on both sides and is a thicker, stronger fabric than Cozy flannel. And I've been itching to try serging the edges rather than how I make them now, which is turned & topstitched.  Overall, I think turned & top stitched has a neater, cleaner look, but serging the edges takes so much less sewing time that it allows me to use better quality (re: more expensive) fabrics and still offer the diapers at a reasonable price.

 

The two tester diapers above are each made differently - although both have serged edges and use diaper flannel for the interior layers, the dinosaur diaper on the left is made in my usual 3 layer style - 1 layer printed Snuggle flannel, 1 inner layer diaper flannel, 1 inner diaper flannel pocket, while the bears/deer camo print has an extra full inner layer of diaper flannel making it even thicker.

 

Today was their first day in action.  My thoughts so far: having serged edges rather than turned/top stitched made the diapers just a tiny little bit bigger, but that could be pared down by cutting off more of the edge when serging.  The thicker one that has 3 full layers of flannel (1 snuggle flannel, 2 diaper flannel) and the pocket made of diaper flannel - since it's thicker, it looks wider when on the child just because it's thicker overall and is holding it's shape that way. I can't wait to see how they hold shape after repeated washings!  The snuggle flannel scrunches up when dried in the dryer, and I'm hoping using the thicker diaper flannel will eliminate that scrunchiness.

The hardest part about testing the new fabric is going through months of heavy use before being able to make an accurate judgement.  I do think the diaper flannel will be better, but only time will tell!

greenchildcreations.etsy.com