Wazoodle Little Green Bear - Small

About the pattern:

This is a free pattern for a front-closing diaper available in sizes S, M and L.  The diaper can be made with either hook & loop or snap closure.  The pattern notes that the small size will fit approximately 7-12 lbs and is comparable to a size 0-1 disposable diaper.  The pattern includes basic sewing instructions, but they probably aren’t detailed enough for someone who has never sewn a diaper.  However, there is also a video tutorial for sewing the diaper, so that provides a lot more info.  The instructions also include materials recommendations and cloth diaper wash & care info.

My test diaper:

I used this pattern to make a fitted diaper with hook & loop closure.  I included cross-over closure just to provide a little more adjustability.  This diaper has a high rise, I think that it would be better for after the umbilical cord has fallen off.  Here are some pictures:

Overall opinion:

I like this pattern a lot, it is just a good basic diaper pattern.  It has a high rise; so keep that in mind when choosing covers to go over it if you are making fitted diapers.  The diaper was quick and easy to sew.  If you don’t want to cut fabric, they even sell pre-cut kits from this pattern!

Fit update:
4 weeks old, 11 pounds:
This diaper fits well now on almost the snuggest settings, although there is a slight gap at the legs.  The diaper has plenty of growing room.  I really like this diaper for nighttime because it has a nice high rise and good coverage.  The pattern notes that this diaper will start fitting at 7 pounds; but I found that it really didn't start fitting my son until around 10 pounds, and even still it isn't quite a perfect fit due to the slight gapping at the legs.  I think that if you added rise snaps to this diaper then it would make a great NB/Small diaper, and then it really might start fitting around 7 pounds.

Action shots:

 

2 montths old, 14lbs10oz:
This diaper is a really great fit now; rise, thighs and waist all fit great.  Waist is on a medium setting, so still has plenty of growing room.

 


Get the pattern:

http://wazoodle.com/index.php/patterns/diapers/lgb-diaper-pattern.html

(You don’t have to add the pattern to your cart, just scroll to the bottom and there is a link that says “Click here for the small size pattern”)

The pre-cut kit and video sewing tutorial is here: http://wazoodle.com/index.php/diaper-making/kits/precut-diaper-kits/lgb-bamboo-diaper-kit.html

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

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Wazoodle Little Green Bear pattern or with any questions about my review!

Rocket Bottoms Side Snap - Newborn

About the pattern:

This is a paid pattern for a side snapping diaper with front elastic.  The pattern comes in sizes NB, S, M and L and can be used for fitted diapers, pockets, covers or all-in-one/twos.

My test diaper:

I sewed up a stretchy fitted with this pattern and I really like the short stretch of front elastic.  It seems like it is just enough to allow you to customize the fit a little better.  Here are some pictures of the diaper:

Overall opinion:

This diaper is so cute!  I really like the size of this diaper; it is small but has a nice rise, the crotch is narrow; but not too narrow and the four snap settings and front elastic provide a lot of adjustability.  I used this pattern in size Large for my daughter and loved it for her.

Fit update:
Before umbilical cord falls off:
At around 8.5 lbs, this diaper fit nicely, but is quite narrow through the crotch; especially for a boy.  My son was near the largest snap settings though; so if making this diaper for a smaller baby, the narrow crotch may be more in proportion to the baby.  There is no umbilical snap/scoop on this diaper, but tucking the front down below the cord worked really well because the front elastic helped hold it in place.

Action shots:

 

2 weeks, ~9.5 pounds: I had to retire this diaper because the narrow crotch caused him to outgrow it quickly.  I think this diaper is meant for a much smaller newborn.

Get the pattern:

This is a new pattern and is not yet listed in her store; but check back soon!  Here is a link to her store if you want to check out her other patterns http://hyenacart.com/RocketBottoms/index.php?c=9

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

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Rocket Bottoms pattern or with any questions about my review!

Wee Weka Serged - Newborn

About the pattern:

This is a free pattern for a front closing diaper that can be made with either hook & loop or snap closure.  If using snap closure, there is optional front elastic.  This pattern is in size small, but directions are given for how you can reduce the pattern to newborn, or enlarge the pattern to size medium.  There are no sewing instructions included with the pattern.  The unique thing about this pattern is that you can also use it to make an elasticized contoured mini-diaper or to make a countoured insert.

My test diaper:

I made a newborn sized fitted diaper with hook & loop closure.  I don’t have a serger, so I used my machine’s overlock stitch to faux-serge the diaper.  You can also just add on the seam allowance and turn & topstitch the diaper if you prefer.  Here are some pictures of my test diaper:

(The pattern didn’t actually instruct you to sew the loop tape on crooked, I was just daydreaming, haha)

I also tested out the mini-diaper pattern (I did make some minor alterations to the shape, because I was making it to fit into a cover made with the Super Front Snap pattern.)  Here are pictures of the mini-diaper:

Overall opinion:

I like the overall shape of this pattern, however, I feel that the rise is a little short.  I will say though, that this diaper probably would have worked perfectly for my daughter when she was a newborn because she had a barrel tummy and a short rise; and this diaper looks like it would fit that body type perfectly.  It is funny how differently babies are all shaped J  I really like the contoured mini-diaper pattern too, I think that using them as part of an all-in-two system would be great for newborns because the elasticized mini-diaper would provide more leak-protection than a regular insert.

Fit update:
Before umbilical cord falls off:
At 8lbs10oz, this diaper fit my son really nicely.  The rise is quite low, so it sits underneath the cord stump without having to fold down the front.  I do worry that the low rise might limit how long it'll continue to fit though.

4 weeks old, 11 pounds:
This diaper fits nice and snug now, with a very trim fit.  Although this diaper is still on almost the snuggest waist setting, my son is very close to outgrowing it in the rise; so I would guess the maximum weight is around 12 pounds for this diaper.
Action shots:

 

5 weeks old - about 12 pounds:
This diaper is now outgrown.

Get the pattern:

http://thenappynetwork.org.nz/images/Wee_Weka_Serged_edge_snap_in_soaker_Contour_&_Fitted_nappy_Pattern.pdf

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

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Wee Weka Serged pattern or with any questions about my review!

Chloe Toes Side Snap - Newborn

About the pattern:

This is a free pattern that is intended to be used for a FOE-bound side-snapping cover.  This pattern is available in a lot of sizes (NB, S, M, L, XL and XXL).  The pattern notes that the newborn diaper will fit from about 6-13 pounds.  The pattern comes with good instructions and a photo tutorial showing how to make the FOE bound cover.

My test diaper:

I used this pattern to make a fitted diaper (even though it is intended to be a cover pattern).  I just moved the snap settings in a little bit to allow me room to turn & topstitch.  I didn’t add any seam allowance on to the pattern.  The pattern maker recommended removing 1” from the width of the diaper because she received feedback that it was too wide.  I did not make that adjustment and I am glad that I didn’t because it would have ended up too narrow through the crotch since I turned & topstitched my diaper (because I lost about a half an inch of width by doing that).

Here are some pictures:

You can see that it is very full coverage in the bum:

Overall opinion:

This pattern runs a little large, so even though the instructions say that it starts fitting babies at 6lbs, I think it probably would be a little too big on most newborns.  I do like that it is full coverage though, and I do think it would make a great cover (as it is intended).  I really like the front elastic and the look of the diaper.  I think it would make a great nighttime diaper due to the full coverage.  The curves through the legs are not real smooth, so it takes a touch longer to cut & sew, but I like the end result.

Fit update:
Before umbilical cord falls off:
I tried this diaper on my son when he weighed 8lbs 10oz, and it was much too big.  The waist and legs were quite loose.  I folded down the front so that it sat under the umbilical cord.  I did like the shape of the diaper and look forward to trying it on him again when he is bigger.

4 weeks old - 11 pounds:
I tried this diaper again at 11 pounds and it was still too big.  I left it on him anyway, but by the time he was ready for a change, the diaper had slid halfway down his bottom because the waist was too big.

2 months old - 14lbs,10oz:
This diaper finally fits, but the waist is still a touch loose even on the tightest setting.  I would recommend spacing the snaps farther apart if you make this diaper.  The diaper does have nice full coverage though.

Get the pattern:

http://www.chloetoesboutique.com/store/WsPages.asp?ID=2

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

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Chloe Toes Side Snap pattern or with any questions about my review!

Babyville Boutique - Newborn

About the pattern:

This pattern offers a lot of options; it can be made front or side closing; snap or hook & loop closure; trim fit or full cut; and square wing or rounded wing.  Oh yeah, and there is also optional front elastic.  It is available in sizes NB, S, M and L.  The pattern is included in a book that provides instructions and detailed photographs for a variety of styles of diapers.  The pattern notes that the newborn size fits from approximately 6-10 pounds.

My test diaper:

I made a front hook & loop full cut fitted diaper with rounded wings.  The pattern has a CAUTION noted on it that “the use of non-authentic Babyville components in the assembly of this product could result in the exposure to hazardous conditions”.  I found this humorous...and I did not use Babyville components so I hope that my diaper doesn’t self-combust.  Here are some pictures:

Overall opinion:

I am very happy with this pattern; the newborn diaper is very cute and I like the sizing of it although the rise may be a hair short.  I like the full-cut fitted diaper because I use fitteds under wool/fleece soakers; so I am not concerned about trying to cram it under a wrap-style cover.  However; if you prefer wrap-style covers, then I think a great system would be to use this pattern to make trim fit fitteds and full cut covers.  The trim cut of the pattern is about 3/8” narrower through the leg; so using it with a full cut cover would probably make it very easy to cover the fitted without having to struggle to make sure it was all tucked into the cover.  This diaper was very quick to sew up.

Fit update:
4 weeks old - 11 pounds:
I like this diaper a lot, it is a nice snug fit and the full coverage makes it great for nighttime.  If you make it as a fitted diaper, then you'll need a full coverage cover or soaker-style cover to cover it well.  I wish I would have made the hook & loop tabs extend past the wings so that the diaper would fit longer; but right now he fits it on a medium setting, so it still has a good amount of growing room (assuming he doesn't outgrow the rise before he outgrows the waist)

Action shots:

 

2 months old - 14lbs,10oz:
This diaper is not really fitting anymore; I can get it fastened, but the rise is so low that my baby almost has plumber's crack, so this one is ready to be retired.

 


Get the pattern:

I bought the book at Joanns; but I believe it is available in other chain craft stores as well.  Here is a link to the Babyville website for more info: http://www.babyvilleboutique.com/

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Babyville Boutique pattern or with any questions about my review!

Tighty Whitey Hipsters - NB

About the pattern:

This is a free pattern for a hip closing diaper available in six sizes – premie all the way up through x-large!  This can be made with snap or hook & loop closure, and has optional front elastic.  The pattern-maker also made a detailed photo tutorial to walk you through the process!

My test diaper:

I made a newborn sized fitted diaper with snap closures.  I decided to include the optional front elastic because I think that will really help to contain newborn messes and to provide a more precise fit.  I just love this little diaper, I think it is a great size for a newborn and it is really cute!  Here are some pictures:

Overall opinion:

I really like this pattern; I think that the diaper is appropriately sized for a newborn and well-proportioned.  It has good bum coverage without looking like it would be too bulky.  I also think that the photo tutorial is very helpful, especially for someone new to cloth diaper sewing.

Fit update:
Before umbilical cord falls off:
I like this diaper a lot.  At around 8.5lbs, it was a really nice fit and still has plenty of growing room.  There is no  umbilical scoop/snap, but I folded down the front and that worked great.

Action shots:

 

4 weeks old, 11 pounds:
I am still loving this diaper.  It fits well on a medium setting, and has good coverage without being bulky.

 

2 months old, 14lbs10oz:
This diaper is a real nice fit on almost the largest settings.  I love that this diaper is trim yet provides good coverage.

 


Get the pattern:

http://littlecomettails.kingstondesign.com/tightywhiteyhipsters.pdf

Photo tutorial: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flutteringby/sets/72157609486548657/

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

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Tighty Whitey Hipsters pattern or with any questions about my review!

Rita’s Rump Pocket – One size resized to NB

About the pattern:

This is a free pattern for a one size closureless pocket fitted diaper.  The pattern includes excellent instructions.  Although I don’t normally include one-size diapers in my newborn blog project, I have heard about a lot of mamas who like to reduce this pattern in order to use it on newborns; so I figured I would do the same!

My test diaper:

I reduced the pattern to 85% of the original size, and then added on the seam allowance (the pattern does not already have the seam allowance added).  I did make some other minor modifications based on personal preference:

1 - The pattern does not call for back elastic; however, I prefer back elastic for newborn diapers, so I added in the elastic on my test diaper. 

2 - This pattern is for a pocket fitted, but I find it difficult to stuff newborn pocket diapers; so I did not leave a pocket opening in my test diaper.

3 – This pattern is for a closureless diaper, but I prefer diapers with closures, so I added snaps to mine.

So, the results?  I think 85% is a little bit too big, it seemed closer to a size small diaper.  No problem, though, I just added rise snaps to it to make it a 2-size NB/S diaper.  I think that it probably would have been better to print it at 80% for newborn size.

Now it’s time for pictures!

 Newborn setting:

Small setting:

Overall opinion:

I am very happy with this diaper.  This was actually the very first diaper pattern I ever used when I was new to diaper sewing, and the instructions were detailed enough to get me past my initial diaper-sewing fears & confusion, so I think this is a great starter pattern!  I think that the long wings are great if you are planning to use the diaper closureless (as it is intended to be used), but they are a bit too long for a diaper with hook & loop or snap closures.  I had to add several crossover snaps in order to cinch it up tight enough, yet still avoid wing droop.  I don’t mind all of the extra snaps though, I think they are cute, and it’ll only take a few extra seconds to snap the extra snaps during a diaper change.  The front panel is a little bit wider than I like; but I know I complain about that all of the time, so I’ll just let it go this time J

Fit update:
4 weeks old, 11 pounds:
This diaper is a really nice fit at this size with the rise snapped down and the waist snapped to a medium setting.  It has a lot of growing room left still!

 


2 months old, 14lbs19oz:
This diaper is a really nice fit.  Somehow it still fits on the same snap settings as a month ago!  This diaper has tons of growing room because the rise is still snapped down and the crossover wing snaps are still being used.

 


Get the pattern:

http://handmadebyrita.blogspot.com/2007/10/classic-rrp-ritas-rump-pocket-pattern.html

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

Please feel free to comment about your experience with the Rita’s Rump pocket pattern or with any questions about my review!