Delaminated Diapers DIY Project

What do you do when your cloth diapers bite the dust and are no longer waterproof? The answer I see most it “use it as a swim diaper!” But what if you’re like me and you live in a region where most of the calendar year consists of snow, or your kids hate swimming? With two littles in diapers, I really don’t need more than four swim diapers. There’s got to be something else I can do to put these ruined diapers to use.

I’ve been sewing for a few years now. I started with quilting, which will always be my hardcore crafting passion, and eventually made my way to altering and repairing clothing. Last year I decided to take a try at making stuffies. I had so many scraps from my quilting projects and I hate to waste all the beautiful fabrics. I attempted an assortment of animals, from elephants and giraffes to squirrels and owls . While I curse my way through every owl and squirrel I make, the elephants have become my hobby. I played with different patterns and eventually created my own. I found my rhythm and can knock several out in one day if my kids will allow it. They’re popular with my friends and have been a favorite for baby shower and get-well-soon gifts.

Then one day it hit me. People love their diaper prints. They look for matching shirts and accessories. They recreate them on solid diapers, t-shirts, and whatever else they can think of. Why not turn some old, ruined diapers into stuffies? I started with a worn faded Albert that I had sitting, a failed and forgotten attempt and the diaper coloring craze. The amount of uncolored PUL I had available was limited, so this elephant was smaller and needed cotton for the ears. But my next two attempts were with some of bumGenius’s Chelsea Perry line. With the exception of thread and stuffing, the entire elephant was created with diaper parts. Suede cloth for the belly, PUL for the body, and tabs for the ears. I now have a stack of Thirsties and Tots Bots prints waiting for repurposing, and I’m always on the hunt for cheap, delaminated diapers on the swaps.

I see parents say all the time that they dread having to say goodbye to their favorite prints once their little one potty trains. Well, you don’t necessarily have to. Turn it into something else! What is your favorite diaper print? What would you have it turned into?

Bio: Cecilia is the mother of two fluffy-butt boys. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, and taking naps when her children will allow it.


Would you like to be a contributor on The Cloth Diaper Whisperer? We're always looking for creative writers who would like to share their cloth diapering tips. To find out more Contact Us