-The DIY club-

[OmiOmen]

I wanted to start a thread dedicated to DIY projects. Somewhere to talk about/ask advice about making nappies, wipes, liners, wraps and ect.

So how many people make things themselves? I am just about to buy a sewing machine and fabrics to make some nappies.

 

[Kaites]

I've become all crafty since having Emma too I sew and have started knitting and crocheting too.

DIY thread is a great idea

 

[xerinx]

Well you know i make nappies, ive also made wipes and am starting on a mei tei carrier at the moment. Im gonna start making logan some clothes too... when i get the time that is!!

 

[OmiOmen]

Well I am utterly new to it all and don't even have a sewing machine yet but I became jealous of xerinx nappy photos and really want to start making nappies and a mei tai. If I can do a good job I would love to make a matching mei tai, nappy and t-shirt. I see a new obsession coming on!

 

[xerinx]

Hahaha it is an obsession!! I have metres of fabric laying about all of which i have plans for! Ive made an army nappy gonna make dungarees and a matching hat to go with it!!

 

[Lisa1302]

I am about as basic as it gets - I cut some liners from fleece

I would love to make things but I need to buy a sewing machine first and haven't found one yet I can afford!

 

[cath]

I havent sewn for ages but since turning to cloth & seeing how expensive a nappy can be, I've dug out my sewing machine to have a go at making some. It helps that my mum & dad sell material so I get it free! Unfortunately they dont sell minkee or PUL but do have velour & fleece. I've just made myself a wetbag & a prototype pocket nappy(didnt want to use the expensive PUL first go in case it didnt work.) Next step will be the real pocket nappy.
I also knit although my projects have ground to a halt since LO was born. I'm currently half way through a blanket but its taking forever as I never get time to work on it.

 

[xerinx]

I suggest trying with cheapy waterproof fabrics such as shower curtain materials? Just untill you are happy with your quality ect?

 

[OmiOmen]

So do you make them with a cute fabric over the PUL/waterproof material? I was looking on ebay and found these and wondered if they are good value and size or should I go right for a cheaper waterproof material....?

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Waterproof-P..._Baby_Changing_Nappies_LE&hash=item2a06aced38

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Waterproof-B..._Baby_Changing_Nappies_LE&hash=item2a0763ae6c

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PUL-waterpro..._Baby_Changing_Nappies_LE&hash=item20ad2636ac

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Polyurethane...Crafts_Fabric_Textiles_SM&hash=item2a0317d4d7

 

[xerinx]

i choose my material cut it, cut wp stuff and then fleece. Sew material and wp together. Sew that to the fleece inside out on 3 sides then turn right way round if that makes sence then obviously elastic for legs and back and velcro or poppers. I make pockets because they are what i use.

The ones on ebay are a rip off in my opinion...

https://www.minkinappies.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=39_50&products_id=191

half a metre for same price virtually!!

 

[xerinx]

Or i bought 2 metres of shower curtainy material for £7 from local shop!!

 

[OmiOmen]

Thank you, that does make sense (if I can make it work is another thing entirely, lol). I have two parts and pockets but seem to use my birth-to-potty pockets the most at the moment so it would make sense I make them.

 

[xerinx]

making btp ones is harder! Its hard to get hold of poppers ect over here! so making velcro is easier and cheaper. dont use the stick on velcro as it falls off while washing!! Also when you try to stich the sticky one it glues up the needle on machine... not fun!!

 

[OmiOmen]

I like Velcro tops anyway and the birth-to-potty ones seem to confuse my husband (I don't know why!?!) so a size Velcro top seems like a good starting point. Plus, I dread to think how much harder it would be to attach the poppers right rather than Velcro. It is funny, I know what I make will look a total mess and probably not keep things in but I am excited to get started.

 

[xerinx]

Mine arent great! They are sometimes too big sometimes too small sometimes the stiching isnt great ect but i then add bits ect to try and fix them

 

[OmiOmen]

Well they look great, you inspired me to give it a go. You are going to get sick of my questions, lol. So I am thinking of doing the 3 layers like you said (fabric, waterproof and fleece) but would this pattern be a good guide to follow?

https://www.ottobredesign.com/en/print/pdf/vaippa_en.pdf

 

[xerinx]

HAHAHAH thats confused me more I dont use a pattern i just drew around a btp nappy stretched out on the setting he uses and cut it out and i use that.

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

I am about as basic as it gets - I cut some liners from fleece

I would love to make things but I need to buy a sewing machine first and haven't found one yet I can afford!

I've bought a cheap one from Dunelm Mill just to see how I get on. £10 It only does one stitch though.

Erin- could you possibly post a step-by-step type thing with photos so the rest of us have a clue where to start? You seem to have a natural talent

 

[xerinx]

I can do that when someone buys my nappies so i can buy the charger for sewing machine... batteries dead!! but shall see what i can do

 

[OmiOmen]

I like to follow instructions, I don't think I could do guess work without it going horribly wrong.