Cloth Tutorial

Intro -- Glossary -- Fabrics & Fasteners -- Cloth Care -- Frequently Asked Questions

Fabrics & Fasteners

There are unique properties to the many different fabrics and fasteners commonly used in diaper construction. Below is a quick introduction to diaper fabrics and the characteristics and advantages of each.

Cotton - Most manufacturers strive to utilize cotton for the majority of the body of the diaper. Cottons are chosen because they are absorbent, natural, hypoallergenic, widely available, durable, and soft.

Types of cotton fabrics commonly chosen include: interlocks, knits, wovens, sherpas (brushed terry), terrys, flannels, and jerseys. Organic cotton diapers are also available although often more expensive.

Cotton interlock fabrics are often a favorite of diaper makers because of their stretchiness and durability wash after wash. Stretchy diapers have a wider fit range and allow the most freedom of movement for active babies.

Flannels are another favorite 100% cotton diaper fabric. Flannel diapers are popular because they are among the least expensive and come in a wide assortment of prints and colors. Be aware, though, that lesser quality flannels are more likely breakdown after a few months of intensive use.

Terrys (french terry, stretch terry, sherpa, burley knit terry) are great cotton fabrics for the body of the diaper and even better when used in the soaker area of the diaper. They are highly absorbent and durable.

Cotton/Poly Blend - Some commonly used knits, although primarily cotton, also contain some polyester. A good example is sherpa terry and burley knit terry. Diaper makers usually strive to use cotton/poly blends with at least a 75% cotton content. A little polyester often makes for a more durable knit. Too much polyester content will reduce absorbency.

Polyester - Polyester fabrics (the most common poly used in diapers is fleece) are often used for diaper covers and liners. Polyester fibers are synthetic. Most babies are not sensitive to polyester fabrics, but allergies are possible.

Hemp - Hemp is a highly absorbent and durable natural fabric. Often used for soakers, doublers, and prefolds. Diapers containing hemp materials are commonly more expensive. Hemp is commonly found as a hemp/cotton blend.

Fleece - With the unique properties of wicking and water resistance, fleece has been a long time favorite material in cloth diaper construction. Serving a dual role, fleece used for diaper liners pulls moisture away from skin and into the diaper (called "wicking") and then acts as a moisture barrier to lock the wetness in.

Fleece is not water proof, but rather water resistant. Fleece used as the outer covering of an all-in-one or as a diaper cover keeps the wetness of the diaper away from baby's clothing or bedding. However, if the diaper becomes extremely wet, fleece will eventually allow water to pass through. It's important to frequently change baby when using fleece products. This may seem a hassle compared to disposables, but it's unhealthy for baby's skin to sit in a wet diaper regardless.

There are a huge variety of thicknesses, weaves, and manufacturers of fleece. A favorite fleece among diaper makers is Malden Mills, which is a superior brand. Malden Mills fleece looks great wash after wash and continues to both wick and provide water resistance long after other lesser quality fleeces break down. Malden Mills fleece is more expensive, not available in local fabric stores, and must be special ordered. Hence diapers containing Malden Mills fleece are often more expensive.

Don't confuse polyester fleece with cotton fleece (or Nantucket fleece). Cotton fleece has a soft "fleecy" texture (and is a great diaper making material!) but is not the same as common polyester fleece. Cotton fleece is an absorbent cotton fabric and doesn't wick moisture or serve as a moisture barrier.

PUL (polyurethane laminate) - PUL actually refers to the laminating process applied to a specific fabric rather than the fabric itself. A variety of fabrics can be professionally laminated with polyurethane to become waterproof. Different thicknesses of laminate can be applied and you will sometimes see makers refer to this as 1 mil or 2 mil PUL. The higher the number, the thicker the laminate. PUL can also be made "breathable" or "non breathable" which is also often just a reflection of how thick the laminate is. While all PUL is waterproof, thicker laminates will often withstand greater stress and remain waterproof for more washings. PUL diaper products can be washed in hot water with the diapers, but you'll extend the life of your PUL if you hang to dry rather than put it in the dryer. Nylon and plastic are often used in place of PUL for waterproofing, but PUL is sometimes preferred because it's usually stretchy, often has a soft side, and generally more comfortable.

Hook and Loop - A common fastening device, hook and loop is made by a variety of manufacturers. You're probably most familiar with the brand name Velcro. Although Velcro is commonly available, many diaper makers prefer the brand Aplix. Aplix must be special ordered, but many diaper makers feel it is less scratchy than Velcro. Another common hook and loop brand is Touch Tape. Velcro, Aplix, and Touch Tape all serve well as diaper fasteners.

Many parents like hook and loop fasteners because they are most similar to disposable diaper fastenings and make changes quick and easy on wiggly babies or in a darkened room. One note of laundry caution, the "hook" side is quite sticky and should be secured to loop during washing. Otherwise, you'll find a "diaper snake" in your washing machine. The hook side is also notorious for causing wear on diapers (particularly fleece) during laundering. To minimize damage from hook, look for products that include a "fold back laundry tab". This is a special area of loop sewn near the hook that the hook can be fastened to during washing. You can also choose to wash hook and loop products separately from other diapers, but that is obviously more labor intensive.

Some parents don't like using hook and loop closure because they worry it will scratch or irritate the baby's delicate skin.

Snaps - Another favorite fastener, snaps come in various sizes and materials. Commonly made of plastic or metal, snaps are harder for curious babies to undo but may take a bit longer for parents to fasten, particularly on an impatient baby!

Diapers can be made side snapping or front snapping, referring to where the snaps close (at the hip or tummy, respectively). Some parents feel that snapped diapers are more likely to sag and don't like the inner caps of the snaps rubbing against the baby's skin. Some babies are sensitive to metal snaps as well.

Pins - Yes, pins can still be used to fasten diapers! Look for pins that are specially made for diapering as they are rust resistant and less likely to accidentally spring open and prick your baby. Diaper pins can be purchased at most large department stores.