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View Full Version : Anyone use flats?


pageta
06-21-2005, 12:48 PM
Here's our diaper story. We started with prefolds and bummi's wraps. They were so bulky, and I couldn't snappi them because ds was too fat (we had the regular size, not the toddler which might have been big enough for the snappi but only added to the bulk). Then the bummi's wraps kept coming off all the time because the velcro didn't stick.

The we did a lot of experimenting. We ended up liking the fit of kisslauvs and then I altered one the patterns we'd bought to get a similar fit. So we have kisslauvs and homemade hemp fitted diapers. We got both around the same time (over a year ago) and they've both been treated the same way and used in the same rotation (something I'm anal about). The elastic in the kisslauvs died last fall, but the elastic in the diapers I've made has been fine. Now the diapers I made are starting to show wear (threadbare in places).

I finally sewed new elastic (same that I used in my diapers) onto the kisslauvs, but I just sewed it to the outside hoping it would stay there when he wore them. Well, I got it a bit too snug, and it also turns to the inside, leaving red marks on his legs. At least we don't have poop falling out and getting left all over the house anymore.

I could make more diapers, but to make a fitted diaper, you have to serge the soaker together, sew it to the diaper, sew in the elastic, and then serge the diaper. It is a very complicated process that is not easily done with a toddler, especially considering that the serger has a blade that cuts fabric if the pedal is pushed when it isn't supposed to be. I'm too tired to deal with it during the afternoon when ds naps (if he naps).

So I'm thinking it might be easier to just make some flats. I've looked a the different folds and I think we could use them in such a way that they would have the low rise in front, not be too bulky in front (like prefolds), keep the poop in, and be wide enough around back that I could snappi them. Or am I asking too much?

I'm just wondering if anyone else here is using flats and how you like them.

twouglyducks
06-21-2005, 12:54 PM
I like flats when I fold them right. :) It can be frustrating with a wiggly toddler b/c you do all the folding and the move around and mess it up. Then again, I use them fairly sporadically (sp?) so I never got really good at them.

littleturtlemama
06-21-2005, 01:19 PM
I use flats often with Greg, here's how I fold them (which gets exactly the shape you want, low in front, higher in back) http://www.littleturtleknits.com/moreorigami.htm

I made my flats from cheapie wal mart $1 yard flannel, they are 30" x 30" now that they've been washed so much and shurnk up, LOL

CraftyMommaOf2
06-21-2005, 01:22 PM
yup. origami fold. love it! :thumb

mhurst
06-21-2005, 01:28 PM
Yep I used them on Charlie for awhile and they were much trimmer than a prefold.

I really liked them.

Ruth
06-21-2005, 01:59 PM
That's wicked T, is there a list somewhere to find all these other 'hidden' pages on your site? Is there a secret password? ;)

khogue
06-21-2005, 04:52 PM
I love flats!
I prefer the rectangle shape, folding them into thirds at first and then into half as baby gets bigger.
I fold one in half for the main diaper part now, and then fold another (or two) into a soaker pad and pin. Nice and trim, easy to wash and fast to dry!

Edited to add:
There is a prefold "fold" called the jellyroll (or something similar?) that works well to hold in blowouts. I've never tried it with flats, but I'll bet it would work too!

whimsy
06-21-2005, 05:37 PM
I've been using sherpa and stretch terry flats. I guess you'd call 'em flats. I make 'em 12x17 inches, so they're closer to prefold size. But I don't do extra in the middle. (prefolds' padding just doesn't seem to hit Kacie in the right places)

sherpa I do one layer, stretch terry I do two. they snappie great and stretch around the legs so they are tight, but not TOO tight YKWIM?

I serge around the outside with wooly nylon, but I really don't think you'd even need to do that.

I lay soakers inside depending on how much absorbancy I need. I love the way they stretch around no matter how much I stuff in 'em.

Can you tell I'm really liking them? Don't even get me started on how SOFT they are!

whitecalx
06-21-2005, 06:13 PM
I've never used them but would like to give it a try with the new babe.

I'd also really recommend the Bummis snap covers. I like them much better than the hook and loop style. In fact any cover with snaps is better.

littleturtlemama
06-21-2005, 07:10 PM
well ruth, karen just mentioned (totally by accident, I think, LOL!0 the other *secret* page on my site, roflol!!

Edited to add:
There is a prefold "fold" called the jellyroll (or something similar?) that works well to hold in blowouts. I've never tried it with flats, but I'll bet it would work too!

I unvented (surely someone in teh history of diapering did it before me, but I'd never seen it) the sidewall (subsequently named the jellyroll by Jenn-[ya know, JenninSeattle] at MDC. The rest, as they say, is history. here's the original pictoral I did of the jellyroll. I can't believe, greg must be just a few months old in these pics!! Time FLIES!

http://www.littleturtleknits.com/sidewallpf.htm

pmcgary
06-21-2005, 07:24 PM
well ruth, karen just mentioned (totally by accident, I think, LOL!0 the other *secret* page on my site, roflol!!

Edited to add:
There is a prefold "fold" called the jellyroll (or something similar?) that works well to hold in blowouts. I've never tried it with flats, but I'll bet it would work too!

I unvented (surely someone in teh history of diapering did it before me, but I'd never seen it) the sidewall (subsequently named the jellyroll by Jenn-[ya know, JenninSeattle] at MDC. The rest, as they say, is history. here's the original pictoral I did of the jellyroll. I can't believe, greg must be just a few months old in these pics!! Time FLIES!

http://www.littleturtleknits.com/sidewallpf.htm

Speaking of secret stuff on your site T. Did you know that there is still at least one turkey still hiding out there?

khogue
06-22-2005, 11:04 AM
It wasn't until I went back through my diaper links last night that I realised it was your page! :)
Great idea, I need to try it with flats! :bigups:

[quote="littleturtlemama @ Tue Jun 21, 2005 8:10 pm"]well ruth, karen just mentioned (totally by accident, I think, LOL!0 the other *secret* page on my site, roflol!!
[quote]

jaye_p
06-22-2005, 09:39 PM
We use flats too & I love them! They can be folded so many different ways, or used as a doubler at night in a prefold. And b/c they're only 1 layer of fabric, they dry quickly & dye up wonderfully (I just did a mandala in oranges and reds that turned out pretty well). We've been doing the origami fold, but I think Ian has reached the end of its usability as far as the rise is concerned, so we need to switch to the kite fold.