Universal Newborn Template

Here is a template based on the custom diaper that one of my readers won last week!  I made some changes after sewing the one up for her, so this *should* make a nicer diaper than the one I made for her even.  ;)

It has cut/sew marks for a Flip-style cover, an Elemental-style AIO, a more standard AIO, an AI2 or an AIO with a snap-in soaker...  or, you can just make a pocket diaper with the general shape.

Templates can be downloaded here:  http://prefold2fitted.blogspot.com/2012/10/online-free-downloads.html

Mama Cloth - Part 2

Now for the other style I promised...  and the .pdf template.

This style has a separate soaker pad and base that are sewn together after construction.  You could also do something like a velcro-on removable pad with this construction method.  That seems like too much of a pain to me though.  ;)

For the soaker pad, I used easy to find fabrics this time.  Wicking jersey stay-dry top (Joann Fabrics has it).  1 layer of cotton terry cloth.  2 layers of white flannel.  This is a fairly heavy soaker pad.

 Fabrics pinned together with the outsides facing in:

 Now for your backing...  This time I used antipill fleece and pink PUL.

 The two parts pinned and ready to sew:

 Sew around your backing pieces leaving just a turning hole:

 Turn through your hole and top-stitch:

 Underneath:

 Sew or serge around your soaker fabrics leaving just a turning hole:

 Turn through your hole:

 Close up the hole with your top-stitching and add your wet-zone stitching:

Sew your soaker pad onto your backing with a fairly large zig-zag stitch over the edge:

 View of the underside (excuse the dirty donated PUL):

 Snaps applied top view:

 Bottom view:

Wings snapped together:

 Pad folded up and snapped closed:

Templates can be downloaded here:  http://prefold2fitted.blogspot.com/2012/10/online-free-downloads.html

Mama Cloth

I have now posted a video tutorial on YouTube of this as well!

I'll work up the pdf templates for two different sewing styles of mama cloth (cloth menstrual pads and panty liners) soon.  For now, I'll put up template graphics of one type and a pictorial of another.  ;)

Lets start with our pieces cut out without any extra seam allowance around the soaker pieces.  Here I have one layer zorb 2 and one layer cotton fleece for the contour soaker.  Then I have wicking jersey for the stay-dry topper and white PUL for the waterproof underside layer.  You could use fleece instead of PUL as well.

** I need to remind myself to occasionally mention again that, when sewing with PUL, you need to use a small ballpoint or microtex needle (size 8 to 11 tops) and 100% polyester thread.  :)  PUL items should also be washed and then dried initially and then occasionally in the dryer to seal/re-seal those sewing holes.

My soaker pinned into place on just the stay-dry layer (you can use microfleece, bamboo velour, or really any fabric you want for your topper as well):

 Just use a wide straight stitch and sew to the topper about 1/2" from the edge all the way around the soaker.

 What it looks like from the top side:

 Next, pin or clip your backing and top layer facing each other:

 Sew around the edges leaving one edge open and turn through that opening:

 Next, close up your turning hole with your top-stitching and sew all the way around the edge:

Next, zig-zag OR straight stitch around the very edge of your soaker through all your layers.  I just use my foot to gauge how far the edge is.  When I was sewing the soaker into the topper, I gauged off the foot, so now I just do it the same way but in from that seam I made then.  :)  Perfect border stitch every time (when I actually pay attention to the edge of my foot that is).

 You can stop here and add your wing snap(s), or you can do more top-stitching.

 Top with wet-zone border and snaps added:

Bottom:

 Underside all snapped up:

 Wrapped up nice and tidy:

Templates can be downloaded here:  http://prefold2fitted.blogspot.com/2012/10/online-free-downloads.html

FREE Custom Diaper!!!

I am currently working on a newborn stash for a local mama friend.  However, I have decided that I want to make ONE totally custom diaper for one of my blog readers too!!!  TOTALLY custom!  Comment on this post with your dream diaper, and after a week (Dec 8th), I will randomly choose one of you who comments and make the diaper you requested in your comment.

Tell me whether you want OS, NB/S, or sized, and which of my patterns/styles you like best.  Tell me if you want a fitted, pocket, AI2, AIO, and any specifics, embroidery, or special requests.  After I pick the winner, I'll post up the fabric choices I have available that would work well for what that person requested.

Sound fun?  Who wants in?!

*Update*  Random.org chose #9  I will contact you with your fabric choices etc.  :)
*Update*  Diaper completed.  It is a NB-S square tab AIO with some custom body modifications for the winner.  I will mail it out as soon as I get the mailing address from #9.