The Katrina’s soaker pattern – all sewn up

OK, so I understand that this post is going to seem a little funny to those of you that know that I am a reusable cloth nappy manufacturer (check out my Reusable Nappies). However, as well as a reusable cloth nappy manufacturer I think it would be safe to say that I am a reusable cloth nappy enthusiast, and as such can’t help but try everything new on the market, and everything old for that matter, to see how it works.

At the moment, I am feeling a little nostalgic and am going through a phase of using good old terry cloth squares, you know, the ones our mums used on us. I think they look just adorable, and my daughter doesn’t seem to mind the bubble but look 🙂

I am yet to trial the perfect cover for over the top of that cute bubble butt and the Katrina’s soaker pattern seem’s a popular one with the online nappy/diaper sewing community so I thought I would give it a go.

How to whip one up (and as promised in the title ‘Quick Sew Soaker Pattern’ it really is quick to sew – took me around 15 mins):

Bits and bobs you will need to make your nappy cover/soaker

Things you will need

• The pattern and instructions. Download the pattern from Katrina’s blog Here
• Some heavy-ish fleece  (I used a receiving blanket we no longer use)
• Scissors, Sewing machine/overlocker, thread,  pen, pins etc

Cut pattern pieces for fleece reusable nappy/diaper cover

First up, download and print the pattern. Cut it out and then cut out your pieces. (I chose to add the double layer to the wet zone just for extra protection)

Katrina’s Quick Sew Soaker pattern – finished Nappy/Diaper cover

Next, sew it all up.  I am not going to go into details here as Katrina includes some great instructions with lots of pictures on her blog that make it really easy.

And there you have it one soaker ready to go

What I thought of this Nappy Cover/Soaker…

Well, first of all I love how soft and comfortable a fleece soaker is/looks, no tight elastic bits digging in anywhere.

Fleece is breathable and absorbs many times it weight in moisture before feeling wet to the touch, this combined with the comfort factor make it a popular choice for overnight nappies (which is why I was having a go at this one)

Fleece is not waterproof though, it is water resistant (like wool), but so long as you don’t let your little ones nappy get to sodden, it should be more than enough protection (although I would opt for a more fail safe cover for long car journeys or extended trips out of the house, just a piece of mind thing).

This soaker pattern was fabulously easy to make and I am sure I could get three (including the double layer for the wet zone) from the one big-ish receiving blanket. It also looks lovely – so cute and cuddly.

As far as fit goes, I made a medium for my little one, she is 9.5kg and around 75cm tall and I think it would fit perfectly over a fitted style nappy. Over the terry flats though is is a bit small and a struggle to get on. I would make a large but I fear that the waist and leg cuffs would be too big (and I think this might cause leaking)

The problem is nappy to baby ratio!

The combination of a terry cloth nappy and a skinny leg baby just doesn’t fit quite right with the Katrina soaker pattern 🙂

I think alterations could be made to make it work, let me think on that, this may not be the last you hear about fleece nappy covers.

29 May 2013 – Update – I have finally revisited fleece/wool nappy covers. Check it out on my other blog