To make prefold nappies you will need
- Flannelette or thick sheeting made from 100% cotton (preferably used and laundered as it will be softer & more absorbant)
- Tape measure
- Sharp scissors or dressmaking shears
- Iron
- Ironing board or pad
- Pins or needle and thread for basting/tacking
- Cotton thread the same colour as the fabric
- Sewing machine
The number of nappies made will depend upon the size of the sheet used. As an example one old double sized sheet can make 8 nappies, with spare fabric left over for breast pads, washable wipes or booster pads.
The nappy is actually simple to make only requiring four ironed folds to construct it and then use of a zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine to hold it together. Being a dab hand at it now, it takes me approximately 5 minutes to cut, press and sew one prefold nappy!
Constructing The Nappy
First you will need to cut the sheet down into rectangles approximately 40" x 18". I usually fold the sheet into quarters so I cut through 4 layers at a time, making 4 nappies.
You should end up with 4 pieces of fabric in these proportions.
Next you will need to set up your iron. One nappy at a time you will need to iron the fabric flat.
1) With the narrow length towards you, fold over approximately 5" (just over one hand width) of fabric and press.
2) Then fold over, nearly double that amount (approx 9") and press in place again.
3) Rotate the nappy on the ironing pad/board. Then fold and press a strip approximately thumb width.
4) The final fold is made by placing your 3rd fold over the position of the 1st fold (this is inside the nappy but you should be able to tell where it is, as you will be able to feel the ridge of fabric). You should have something which resembles the picture below.
Repeat this on the other three nappies you have cut. You should end up with four ironed but not stitched prefolds.
View a movie on how to prepare the prefold for sewing.
Continue to How To Make A Prefold Nappy - Part 2