Treehugger

I made some modern cloth nappies (MCNs).  I reckon I just lost half my readers after that sentence! But that's ok.  I'm well aware that most readers probably don't have kids in nappies especially cloth ones.  You know how sometimes you sew something just because of the challenge?  I think this was the case with these.  Ever since I read about making your own cloth nappies on Sew Squirrel, I just kept wondering if I could do it.  We were already using MCNs (store bought) as the greenie in me just couldn't stand the thought of all those disposables in landfill.  We found they worked very well, until we had to have a break from them due to medical reasons.  The brand we use is GroVia which I don't mind giving a shout out to as it is good quality.  But expensive.  Although I'm quite sure they've paid for themselves by now.  The only thing I don't like about them is the all-in-2 theory.  The pack we got consists of 9 outer water proof shells and 27 clip in liners.  The theory being that the shell lasts more than one change.  However it is a bit of mucking around at change time clipping in the liners etc so I though perhaps I could make a few more shells to avoid that mucking around.  A new shell in this brand would set me back about $25.  I ended up buying supplies from an online store called Nappies Covered which after shipping costs is perhaps not that much cheaper than buying the stuff in store.  I bought PUL for the outer layer and microfleece for the lining as well as lots of elastic and plastic snaps.  I used the GroVia shell to draft my own pattern.
 

The first I made was about a medium size with a pocket for the soaker pad and also used hook and loop (aka velcro) closures.  It's easy to use and fits well however putting the pad in and out of the pocket is a bit time consuming at laundry time. 

 

The second I made was a larger size and I just sewed the soaker pad to the lining to save time doing the laundry.  And I learnt how to attach plastic snaps.  Yes!  That was one of my sewing aims this year.  Tick. 

 
It also required the purchase of a tool which I believe makes sewing far more exciting. 

After using both I think that hook and loop closures are easier when putting the nappy on but snaps are easier in the washing as you avoid all the velcro sticking together.  I have enough fabric to make four more shells which means three days supply of nappies which means washing only every two days.  FYI I use a disposable overnight as he sleeps for about 12 hours.  But will switch to cloth overnight when we reach the dreaded toilet training stage.  So far so good: