You want to sew your own cloth diapers? That’s awesome! I want to help, I really do…but I cannot even get a button sewn on right! So I enlisted a little help from someone that actually knows what they are doing to give you a few great tips and get you started off in the right direction.
This post is written by Ellie Joos of Babyville Boutique. She also posted with us back in 2012 for their one-year anniversary! Click here to check out their page for more great project ideas!
Ellie wanted to help us celebrate our 15,000 Facebook fans, but in the meantime we have gone over 17,500 fans! Thank you so much to all of you for all of the amazing support! We can’t tell you how much we appreciate it. And now over to Ellie…
Congratulations to All About Cloth Diapers on reaching over 15,000 Facebook Fans! We are delighted to help celebrate with a Babyville Boutique® giveaway for one lucky fan.
You want to sew your own cloth diapers! You are in great company with the thousands of families that have made this choice for a number of reasons:
1. $$$ – Start a college fund with the money you save
2. Mother Nature – reduce your impact on the environment
3. Good for Baby – chemicals in disposables may be harsh for tender baby’s bottoms.
4. Bragging Rights – express your creativity by selecting adorable products to make baby’s diapers and coordinating accessories
Sew – let’s get started. First, dust off the sewing machine and if necessary have it serviced to be sure it is in good working order. You will need some basic supplies:
- Good quality polyester thread – at Babyville, we have been very pleased with the results from thread by Gutermann
- Sharp scissors – fabric scissors, and a second pair for cutting paper patterns
- Patterns – Babyville’s “Cloth Diapers Made Easy” book guides you step by step with a pullout pattern, instructions, and full color photos. The Ultimate Pocket Diaper pattern by Krista Tracy is complete with pattern, tips, and techniques. There are also a number of good free patterns on various websites.
- Ballpoint needle #9 or 11, ballpoint pins
Now that you have your basic supplies, read the pattern books and directions carefully for guidance in selecting your fabrics. If you have not already joined a Facebook cloth diapering community, we suggest you do. The gals (and guys) there are so helpful and supportive, especially to cloth diapering newbies.
Of course, we believe that our products are the best for DIY cloth diapering, and we know that there are many other fine products from which to choose. Now, some tips on sewing with Babyville PUL and other products:
- Start with a simple project such as a diaper cover, then try other styles to see what works best for your baby
- Prepare your fabrics as directed in your instructions
- Pin only in the seam allowance of PUL fabrics
- “Read twice, cut once” – take your time
- If sewing fold over elastic, stitch with a Three Step Zig-Zag
Once you have made your first project, it is time to expand your creativity with all of the cute appliqués, labels, ribbons, and other embellishments that will make your project stand out. Why not make matching apparel to go with the diaper? Baby bib and placemats, changing pads, and wet bags are very easy projects you can make in no time. You can even iron-on the Babyville appliqués and iron-ons onto cotton fabrics to add fun and personal decorations to your projects.
Jenn is a long-time cloth diaper educator and a passionate small business advocate. She has worked in the reusable diaper industry for over a decade, helping millions of families via her websites All About Cloth Diapers, Thinking About Cloth Diapers and Cloth Diaper Geek as well as hundreds of small businesses during that time. Her goal always to provide simple, reliable information.
Julianne Wiebe says
I would love to try the chevron or bird print PUL!
Billie Jo Hayes says
Would love to try mixing the coordinating PUL, prints and FOE
Emily says
I would like to try the rainbow chevron PUL
Jessica k says
I’ve just started sewing my daughter cloth diapers! I would love to win this!!
kristin says
Have made about 4 newborn and 5 small babyville cloth pocket diapers so far, a number of bibs, and a couple of changing pads. All gender neutral, due April 15! Would love to win and make gender specific items!
At says
I would like to try the new bird pul fabric. It’s so lovely.
Laranda says
Just started making my own cloth diapers to get ready for our 3rd little one and I am hooked. I am loving all the Babyville products and patterns! Can’t wait to make more and to use them all when my little man gets here! :)
Sara Johnson says
I would love to have extra supplies and make diapers for a friend who is having twins! I love the bbv products that I have used for my baby.
jami c says
I would like to try their supplies to make a few diapers. It would be fun!
melissa says
I really want their new pul fabrics, just don’t know if I need boy or girl yet
April Stutzman says
I would love to try the snap pliers and snaps.
Gretchen McCullough says
I don’t actually know hot to sew :( but my mom is willing to try and make some so I guess I’d need some PUL (girly) and some snaps and elastic and well, everything you need to make a diaper, except the books because I have those ;)
Lisa says
I love the pul packaged fabric!! It’s so cool to be able to make a few diapers that coordinate with each other.
Melissa Johnson says
I would like to try the pul packaged fabric.
Jolene Kirk says
Would love to get this, so I will be able to make my own diapers. Hubby not a fan, but if I make them he is alright with it.
Christin Huether says
I would love to try the PUL, and the adorable elastics for headbands!
Amanda says
I would love to get some of the chevron pul:)
Rebekah Drapeau says
I want to try their PUL fabrics.
Katy M. says
I would like to try the PUL
Jen Wilson says
Little Birds and Chevron printed and solid PUL packaged fabric
amanda w says
I would definitely need to start with a how to book!
Tosha P says
I’d love to make several diapers from each of the girly prints of the PUL. I’m getting addicted to cloth diaper & matching my baby girls outfits to her diapers ????
Ashley P. says
I would like to try the snap pliers. I have a few cloth diapers with broken snaps and some odd things around the house that I would like to add snaps to.
Rebecca says
I love the pirate and monsters pul
suzanne marble says
I would love to get some materials to make my own cloth diapers.
Alexandra Pitcher says
Love the PUL prints especially the pirates and the monthly iron ons!
Chris Mattatall says
i have the cloth diaper book and would love to have a snap press and anything else to try to make my own!!!
shannon Webb says
I have used the PUL and pliers. I would like to use size tags and the wicking material.
Michelle H says
I have used many of their products, love them! I haven’t tried the PUL yet, and would like to get the size tags as well.
Jen T says
I would like to use the patterns.
Jeannette says
I would LOVE to get their simply soakers pattern booklet and some of their adorable PUL prints!
jenny says
Thanks, I would love to get the Little Pirates Monthly Iron Ons.
Jessica M. says
I would love to get the Simply Soakers Pattern booklet…gotta start somewhere!
Beth Rees says
I love the Little Birds and Chevron prints! They are so cute
Raina Hood says
I love the Little Pirates & Skulls!
Kasey Waxman says
I’d like to try their snaps and pliers!
Julia says
I would love the snaps pliers! So many ways to create.
josi says
I would like to try the snaps and snap gun, wicking fabric, and pul. i don’t care about the patterns so much…
Patricia B says
I want to get their books and try to make one of everything lol
Bryanne says
I’d love to try their PUL!
Michelle says
I would really like to see how well the ruffled elastics held up in a cloth diaper.
jessamyn says
I would like to give snaps and the snap pliers a try!
Amanda Alvarado says
I love the Mod Girl Flowers and Dots assorted PUL packaged fabric!
Marie says
I actually bought the book and loved it. Need to get the supplies though. Lol
Rachel N says
I like the little birds and chevron PUL package
Gina says
Love the chevron PUL!
jessica fletcher says
I’d love to try their PUL!
Brittany Crews says
I want to give their snaps a try!!
Amanda Boerst says
I love the Little Pirates Pul!
Allison says
I love all their PUL! I would love the Pirate PUL:)
Allison says
I love babyville. I have the book, but I would love more items to play around with. The stores near me don’t sell them anymore :(
Danielle B. says
I would like to try out their snaps.
Lindsie Nygaard says
I would love to try the PUL. I have two of the pattern books, but haven’t made anything yet. I’m a little nervous!
Samantha L. says
I would love to try their colorful snaps and pliers! Also patterns and books.
Bonnie says
I have sewn all my cloth diapers (economic necessity!) and I love Babyville. The pattern books are really easy to follow and the fabrics are so cute–and available at my local craft store–huge plus. I borrowed a few of my friends store-bought cloth diapers to compare, and they were very similar. I got brand-new diapers for about $5 a piece–not too shabby!
Lauren says
New to cloth diapering and have been researching making my own cloth diapers. This would be wonderful.
Elizabeth Godschalx Wisniewski says
I would love to get and try the Dinos and Monsters printed and solid PUL packaged fabric 3 count package
Shanna M says
I like the books they offered. I’d like those :)
Laura says
I would love to get my hands on some snaps and pliers, they would give my home sewn diapers a nice “professional” touch
Kadie says
I am very fortunate my mother-in-law loves to sew and has been practicing making cloth diapers for us to try. So far, she has done very well and I’d love to help make it easier on her! This monster fabric: http://www.babyvilleboutique.com/products/monsters-printed-pul-bolted-fabric is ADORABLE!
Nicole Bear says
Little Birds and Chevron printed and solid PUL packaged fabric
Rachel E says
I am going to need to try the chevron pul.
Christina says
I’d love any of the above packs!. I’ve uses BB fabric to make some cloth trainers for my 2yo, and am toying with the idea of making a few new dipes for #2 due in Sept!
Angela says
New to cloth diaper sewing. Woild love the girly pack for the my first little girl due in September :)
Jennifer says
I love the playful pond fabric. I’m a monster fan of duckies!
Corrie K says
I want to try their Chevron printed PUL!
Fidiya says
I’d love to use the appliques on baby clothes.
Angela says
The white pul paired with a cute print for the outside is fab for making adorable wetbags that don’t leach nasty smells. i would like to try their snap pliers and snaps…my KAM doesn’t produce results like I had hoped.
Jade says
I think this is such a wonderful giveaway! Fingers crossed! I love making things while babe is asleep! The PUL prints look lovely!
tammy h says
I cant wait to get to try and make something with the pul
Beki Lozano says
would love to try there pul fabric and snaps just got a sewing machine and this would be great to try im just starting out!
Erin K says
I’m very interested in the stay-dri wicking fabric, I’d love to try it.
Amy Lumley says
I’d love to try the little pirates PUL
Charlee says
I would love some of the PUL fabric!!!!
Christine M says
I would like the Green and Yellow Stay-Dri Wicking Fabric 2 pieces per pack.
Carrie C says
I would love to try their new Chevron printed PUL!
Kristy says
Love Babyville goodies! I would especially like to try the size tags, they are so cute!!! And I love the chevron print/colors in the PUL too! Thanks!
Jodie A says
I’ve used a lot of babyville products. I’m excited about the new prints and the new stay-dry wicking fabric in colors.
Courtney says
I would love to try their elastic
Nicole says
I love sewing with all of the Babyville Boutique products! :)
April D says
The “Little pirates & skills” print is adorable! I’d love to make a diaper cover or trainer with it :)
Crystal McGrayel says
I love babyville products! I’d love to try the pul, appliques and everything else!
Brooke says
I want to try their labels.
Leah Hendricks says
Great article! I can’t wait to get started sewing a stash or my LO!
Sarah Wattles says
Very helpful. Great tips for a beginner!
Laura says
I’d love to try out some of these babyville products! I’ve only ever used their PUL and it’s GREAT I know! :)
Randi says
I can’t wait to try the Little Birds and Chevron package!
Vanessa S says
I love Babyville products. I hope to try some of their new prints soon.
Cheyanne Williams says
I would love to try the pocket cloth diaper pattern.
Lydia says
I want to try the snaps. This post came at a great time for me because I am planning to make some diapers here soon.
Martha England says
I’d like to try the appliques for the diapers. I haven’t used those yet.
Jacqueline Slocumb says
I’d love to try their PUL!
amanda says
The appliqués
Rachel Williams says
Some of the adorable diaper cut 3 pack. Maybe make some newborn covers.
Tara C. says
I want to try snaps and snap pliers. They are a little intimidating.
Deanna Martin says
Love giveaways! Due march 21 with first baby. Would do neutral since we don’t know the gender.
Melissa says
All of it
Alaina says
I want to try the snaps and applicator
Jennifer says
I would absolutely love the pattern and tutorial books and the snap press and the new prints of pul are adorable! I love the little birds print!!
Valen says
I would love the Dinos and Monsters printed PUL :)
Samantha Yoder says
The litle birds package
angie says
I love all of the PUL prints!!
Michael I. says
I like the “Dino and Monster” prints.
Lori says
I’d love to try the month by month iron ons. They look so cute.
judith martinez says
I love the new little birds collection!
Rachel says
I’d love to try the snap pliers!
Megan Ramsey says
I still have a very small stash. Sewing my own though would definitely help…if only I could find the time and energy. Do I get a free babysitter for the day if I win?
Aurora P says
Chevron PUL bolted fabric 8 yards per bolt 64″ wide
Beth P says
Sewing Fluff is so much fun!
Bri Sherman says
I love the Playful Pond line – so many cute things! :)
Julie says
I love the owl and hoot appliqué
Amanda says
Love the Chevron PUL Little birds design. I would use the PUL to make a new wetbag (we already have lots of diapers, and I prefer wool covers right now)
Aimee J says
I was searching for appliques today – I would LOVE to try some of hers – super cute!
Lauren Simms says
Little birds and. Chevron pul kit
Taylor Schell says
I make diaper cakes and use lots of ribbon! I love the robots ribbon package
Liz says
Made a few fitteds would love to try PUL covers!
Amanda Mahan says
Snaps and wicking fabric.
Jennifer S says
snaps & snap pliers
CarolineB says
I’ve already made some bbv pocket diapers and “totally trainers” for my son and others from the owls, monkeys, blue, brown, dinos,and monsters. I made my girl some pockets from the pinks and purple pack, some covers and wet bag from the pink with polka dots (use them ALL the time), and have been wanting to buy some of that darling chevron and birdies PUL, so this would be perfect for the all-in-ones I’ve been wanting to make! Sewing cloth diapers has become my hobby. I love trying out different designs and it still saves us so much money.
Kerri says
We’re having a little girl, but I’d still love the Dinos and Monsters!
Sara says
I’d love to try the snaps
fayme s says
i want the totally trainers book!
Anita says
Little boy things. I have some but can always use more!
Sondra Richardson says
I love the robots and monsters!! Have made 2 diapers so far, one red and one orange… I tried the solid colors first in case they didn’t work because I’ve never really sewn on a machine before!!
Amanda says
The little birds is super cute! I’d definitely use that.
Amanda says
I would love to go this route next go round!
ldoepker says
Iije to try the snaps
Jill says
I want to try the aplliques!!
Tracy Gordon says
I would love to try the Little Pirate and Skulls printed and solid PUL packaged fabric.
Krista T. says
I really want to try their snaps and snap pliers. I’ve been wanting to convert some hook and loop diapers over to snap for awhile.
Sabreana says
I would love to make my lo some diapers with appliques!
Cathy says
I love the chevron
ArianaG says
I want to try the neutral colored pul and colorful snaps!
Amanda says
I would love the gender neutral kit!
Agnes says
I would like to try the Little Birds and Chevron assorted PUL packaged fabric.
Valerie says
I love the idea of making your own diapers. That way you can custom make covers and prints. d love to try my hand at this!!
Shannon Ropp says
I am seeing some newborn diapers for our new baby due in June. I would love to try the appliques. And stay dry fabric.
CT says
I love this blog and the variety of reviews it gives. When we found out we were expecting we looked at Babyville diaper kits. My mother in law has bought the kit and has found it great for making the diapers!I love all of the cute patterns and accessories.
Jenny A. says
I have made several babyville diapers. I would vole some little pirates and skulls pul and maybe some monsters too :).
Jeanie Payne says
I’d love to try the wicking fabric.
Julie says
Oh wow, Babyville has improved their image. Hopefully the quality of the PUL has improved too. I’d love to test it out myself with the Little Birds and Chevron printed and solid PUL packaged fabric nand matching accessories.
Jennica says
I love the new prints. We have the duck/frog set, the cowboy/robot set, and a few by the yard cuts. I particularly like the new chevrons. I might need to make some more diapers…
Karen says
I would love to make a cover with little birds pul
Amber P says
I would love to try the frogs PUL and/ or the owl PUL :)
Allison Blue says
I want to make some pocket diapers. I’ll be trying the PUL and snaps, at least.
Kari says
I’d love to try the Cloth Diapering Made Easy book as well as some of the funky PUL fabrics!
Jay Dee says
I’d like to have the 51 PUL Projects book.
abbie says
Once I get the hang of sewing the diaper, I’d love to try the appliques.
Rachel says
I love their snaps and would love to stock up
Amy Swindall says
I’ve sewn just about everything – except diapers. I would LOVE to try this as my almost 2 year old will be out growing our night diapers soon, and any type of disposable is not an option – he looks like raw meat almost immediately.
Lindsey says
This is perfect timing! All weekend I worked on setting up my sewing closet (51″ x47″ lol). I am currently preggo with baby #3 and am going to try my hand at making diapers. This would be so awesome and would get me started!!
Jordan says
I made two fitted diapers but I really really want to make cute covers and all in ones!! I really love the girly set, I generally buy gender neutral so I think my daughter needs some cute girl diapers.
Heather Heslep Morrissey says
I would love to try their iron-ons!
mechele johnson says
I would love to try the Ultimate Pocket Diaper Bookette and some of the Little Birds PUL fabric!
RC name: Mechele JOhnson
Beth VB says
I would love to try their IronOn appliques… that is about my sewing skill set.
sindi says
I <3 sewing
Melanie says
I’d want snap pliers and some fun colored snaps! I could use them for diapers *and* mama cloth!
auschick says
I’d like to try their snaps. I’ve heard they are really easy to install once you get the hang of it.
sarah says
i’ve pretty much tried them all already! don’t like the wicking fabric tho
Amanda says
I love the playful friends design! So cute!
Carrie S. says
Love this post! I love to sew and craft, but haven’t tried diapers yet. It just might be time.
Courtney says
I’d love to try the PUL and snaps. I’m planning to try my hand at diaper making in the near future!
Emily says
I’m due with our second child and am planning on using cloth diapers this time around. I would love these!
Amanda Temple says
I would want to try the pul and snaps. I am determined to make a diaper that works :)
abigail morris says
I would love to try the wicking fabric. Its still secret, but I am due with number six in October. I will need some new diapers by then! :)
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Well maybe not such a secret now! Congrats!
neomi says
Wow thats an awesome giveaway! I would need the boy or gender neutral.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
No Problem Neomi! The winner gets their choice! It is awesome, I don’t even sew and I want all of it!
AmberH says
I want to try all their PUL fabric! !! Or maybe stock up on snaps!