In an earlier blog, I talked about our plan to use cloth diapers and wipes with our little one. Over the weekend I started sewing our wipes, and I thought I'd provide a little how-to of my process, in case anyone else was interested in trying it.
1. Choose what kind of wipe you want to make. Do you want one-layer wipes, or two? Two-layer wipes are obviously a little more work to make, but that's what I chose.
2. Choose what size wipe you want. This is really up to you- the suggestions I read varied from 8"x8", 7"x7", 8"x4", and everything in between. I ended up going with 8"x5". Keep in mind that if you chose a two-layer wipe, you will lose some size in the sewing process. Also, you can try to choose the size of the wipe to maximize the amount of fabric you buy.
3. Choose your fabric. Because I chose two-layer wipes, I ended up deciding to use flannel for one side and terry cloth for the other. You could also use organic cotton, hemp, etc. The sky's the limit! You could also do a double layer of one fabric. The flannel I chose was striped blue, white, pink, and tan. The terry cloth I picked out was in coordinating solid blue. Perfectly gender-neutral! Of course, if you know what you're having, there are plenty of adorable options out there. I bought two yards of each. With a coupon, I ended up paying $15 total. You could definitely search for sale fabrics and make them for a lot cheaper, though. Not sure exactly how many wipes I'll end up with - I'll try to remember to update when I'm finished.
4. Measure and cut. I measured out 8"x5" rectangles on the flannel, then cut them out. That's the most painful part, I promise! Next, pin the fabric outside-side-down on the second fabric (in my case, the terry cloth). Now, instead of having to measure again, you can just cut around the flannel. You don't have to be perfect- remember that this will be the inside of the wipe.
5. Sew along the sides, leaving a small space around the edges. On the four side, remember to leave a few inches un-sewn. You'll need to be able to turn out the wipe.
6. Pull the wipe through the space you left in the hem. Now use some kind of tool to ensure all the corners are pushed out (I used a knitting needle-perfect!)
7. Using a double-threaded needle (for a stronger stitch), whip around the open end. You're done!
8. Is this not the cutest thing you'll ever wipe your baby's butt with?
7 comments:
Thanks for posting this! I think I might have to try making some. I have several baby projects that I'm saving for spring break or when school is out this summer.
Wow, you're insane! :) J/K They are adorable, as is your little belly. So much fun! Good luck with everything and keep posting fun stuff like this.
Wow! I love your patience and expertise with all of this. It really has inspired me to be more domestic! I've already got the cooking down, but now I need to get into gardening and sewing! How do you have the time to do it all?!
That is exactly how I made my cloth wipes, but I made mine 10X10.
I like that bigger size, then I only have to use one for poopy changes!!
These really are adorable. Elyana gets diaper rash every few days (not badly) and I just wonder if cloth wipes would help it. At the very least, I am going to make my own wipes with Bounty paper towels and see how that does for her. Anyway, I want to see them! Maybe I can come over or you can one night next week or the following one? I know being pregnant is exhausting so I'd be glad to cook dinner and have you over. Just let me know. It could be fun!
Cool. I think I'll make mine whatever size disposable wipes are so I can put them in a warmer (i hear those work better with cloth wipes anyway. I also think that since I have a serger, I'll just serge the two layers together (with an elasticized softer thread, in a contrasting color), to avoid having to turn and whipstitch. Fun project!
Glad to hear this helped some people!
To Erin- using the serger is definitely a great option. I didn't have one, so I had to make do without. I'm planning on using mine in a warmer also.
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