Little Comet Tails - Little Starter XXS

About the pattern:

This is a free pattern that is good for premies or smaller newborns (the pattern maker noted that she developed this pattern to make diapers for her friend’s 6lb baby.)  This is a front closing pattern that can be made with either hook & loop or snap closure.  There is no need for an umbilical cord snap-down snap because the diaper scoops down in the front to go below the cord.  The pattern includes front elastic for the snapping version.  There are no instructions included with this pattern.

My test diaper:

I used this pattern to make two fitted diapers; one with hook & loop closure and the other with snap closure.  The pattern has markings for front elastic, but I can only assume that it is only intended to be used on the snapping version, because I don’t think the loop tape would lay flat with front elastic and I don’t think it would be necessary since you can get such a precise fit with hook & loop.  Therefore, I only included the front elastic on the snapping version.  I used crossover closure on the snapping version, but I did not use it on the hook & loop version; although you certainly could!

So, onto the pics (and yes, that is a CUTE PRINT that you see on one of my test diapers!  That one is a gift for a premie, so I wanted it to be cute.  My next two posts will also feature premie diapers to gift to this little baby.)  Pics:

Here is the snapping diaper set to a larger setting so that you can see the front elastic:

Overall opinion:

This is a great pattern for a smaller newborn.  With crossover closure, I think it will work really well for premies.  As always, I used stretchy materials for a more forgiving fit and longer wear.  I really like the snapping version – it is harder to sew up because the only place to leave the turning hole is on the wing, which is kind of small, but it works.  Also, I intended to sew the front elastic in a casing; but after I turned the diaper right side out, I realized that wouldn’t work because the snaps are in the way!  But, no problem...when I was topstitching, I switched to a three-step zig-zag when I got to the front elastic and then I just sewed the elastic down that way.  I hope you can see that in the picture; it worked really well and looks so cute!  I would definitely recommend this pattern; in either closure style, to someone expecting a small baby.  The shape of it is really nice and it is so tiny and cute.

Fit update:
Before umbilical cord falls off:
At 8lbs, this diaper fits just right.  The rise was low enough that it hit just under the cord, however, it was very close.  My son does not have a lot of growing room in this diaper; so the max rate is probably around 8 or 9 lbs.

Action shot (it is on sloppy, but you get the idea!):

4 weeks old, 11 pounds:
At this size, the diaper just barely fit on the largest setting, but is getting too narrow (and too small overall) for a baby this size.  I would say the maximum weight is probably around 10 pounds or so.

 


Get the pattern:

http://makingitlittlebylittle.wordpress.com/2008/03/06/xxs-little-starter-free-download/

Little Comet Tails also offers many other patterns for purchase, including diapers, EC pants, training pants, soakers and clothing!  These patterns are available here: http://littlecomettails.kingstondesign.com/ss0540.html

Thank you very much to the mama who provided this free pattern! 

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Little Comet Tails XXS pattern or with any questions about my review!