Instructions for my pocket nappy pattern

[Tea Lady]

Just thought I'd put the instructions here so I don't have to remember who I'm PMing them to - I'd hate to leave someone out Btw if I sent you instructions a few weeks ago there was an unfinished sentence that I've now finished .... something about covering the elastic at the back. Sorry if that confused you - my brain is on holidays



General tips:

•Use straight stitch unless sewing elastic – then use zigzag or special elastic zigzag if you have it.
•Make sure you sew back and forth over seam ends a few times (esp when sewing velcro and elastic).
•If you stretch fleece in your hands it will curl one way – it curls away from the right side.
•Side elastic should be sewn onto to fleece, not PUL. I don’t precut my elastic – I just stretch it as I sew then cut it off at the right length. The actual length of elastic you need depends on what sort you get – swimwear elastic is the best to use but different shops sell elastic with different amounts of stretchiness.
•Use polyester thread as cotton will wick moisture.
•I drew the patterns in a bit of a rush – if yours looks a bit funny then it’s prob because my pen slipped! Basically, it’s meant to be symmetrical and the corners that look sort of like right angles should be right angles and the lines that look straightish should be straight – you get the idea!


Instructions

1. Cut out 1 fleece and 1 PUL nappy shape. Adding an extra 2 cm length at the top in between the elastic start /end points and then folding and sewing it over the elastic is an easy way to cover the elastic. Mark start and end points of elastic on wrong side of fleece – except back elastic which is sewn on the right side (also mark back elastic on wrong side of PUL) and velcro positioning on PUL. The lines drawn through the pattern shape indicate elastic start / end points.

2. Sew back elastic onto PUL and fleece (you can add a layer of fleece over the elastic on the PUL if you want – I won't put instructions in because it would take me a page to describe how I do it – or you could use the foldover method I described earlier).

3. Sew loop velcro onto right side of PUL – I just marked the approx. positioning on the pattern – you might want to change it – just make sure it’s centred. Rounding the corners of velcro will make sure it doesn’t spike the baby.

4. Peg right sides of PUL and fleece together and straight sew all the way around (except across the back. Make sure you allow extra seam allowance between the start and end points of the leg elastic.

5. Sew leg elastic on the outside of the straight stitching from step 4 (ie elastic goes between previous sewing and edge of fabric).

6. Trim corners (cut off pointy bits) and anywhere else that needs it.

7. Turn right way out. Make sure you push out all the corners. Check the edges look straight – if not, turn inside out again and fix the seams.

8. Cut 2 pieces of hook and 3 pieces of loop the size you want (I’ve marked the approx size I use on one wing of the nappy). Round the corners.

9. Sew a piece of hook near the end of the nappy, leave a small space and sew a piece of loop next to it. It’s a bit tricky to get the 2nd piece in the right place so be careful! I sew around the edges and then make an X shape through the velcro on the hook piece. Sew the 3rd loop piece onto the front of one of the wings in the same place you positioned the hook on that wing. If you’re sewing the X shape it’s a good idea to do it after sewing on the outside loop for extra durability.

10. All finished!! I hope I didn’t forget anything – feel free to ask me Qs if you need to

[Funkychicken]

Forgive me if this is a silly question but is there supposed to be a picture/pattern here? Or were you posting it out? I know I Pm'd you my address but then afterwards I wondered if you meant email. Sorry, I'm just a wee bit confused-it's all the excitement of being a part of a nappy sew-off!!!!!

[poshBecks]

Oh TeaLady... I am so excited... I will need to print this page .... now to order some PUL.

[Funkychicken]

OK, you can disregard my previous ramble! I have just found (again-I thought it was lost in my computer!) the Nappy Network site-thank-you to that poster so i will 'choose' one from there.

[cheezelkat]

Thanks for this! I just need to get myself some funky fabric together!

[Tea Lady]

Sorry - should have made it clearer - I've snail mailed the people who sent me their addresses, but it was becoming a hassle remembering who I'd PMed with the instructions. You should get yours today or tomorrow FC