Sew a wool diaper cover

by Rachel on October 8, 2009

I have been using the wool cover that I made for a few weeks now.  My husband likes to call it a wool-up, since it is a pull up diaper cover!  I have used the wool mostly over night with absolutely no leaks.  IMG_0351The wool cover fits wonderfully over the fitted diaper I made.  This cover is made with two layers of wool, so it is quite thick.  I do have problems with the wool-up fitting under some clothing, but it is perfect for nights.

Well, today I put the fitted diaper on my son when we got up this morning with the wool-up as a cover.  I put him in some sweatpants and they fit well over the wool-up.  The reason that I say that I put the wool-up to the test is because I left it on for a very long time (not on purpose, but I forgot to change him).  Normally, is his Bum Genius, or other All-in-one diapers, he starts to stink after being in the diaper too long.  The wool-up is different though, I’m assuming it is because of the natural fibers, or the antibacterial properties of wool that it did not start to stink.  When I finally did remember to change my son, his fitted diaper, under the wool-up, was soaked through completely.  The outside layer of the wool-up was dry as a bone, which never ceases to amaze me.  I always thought that wool was not very popular because it must leak, but I think if more people were aware of how wonderful wool is, they too would love to use it.

I am waiting on an order of some more wool fabric from Nature’s Fabric store, I plan to make some wool yoga pants that will double as a diaper cover and I also wan to try a single layer wool-up to see if it performs as well as the double layer wool-up.  I also bought some fabric dye to make some cut colors, which will be great, especially for the pants!

I would love to hear stories from other mothers using wool and how your covers have been put to the test!

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Article by Rachel McFadden

Before motherhood I had an appreciation for our planet, but once I knew that I was bringing a new life into the world suddenly my urge to live a greener life was much greater. I knew that I must do my part to help create a beautiful place for my future generations to live. I take steps each day to reduce my carbon footprint. This blog is dedicated to documenting the changes I make in order to help others do the same.

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  • http://simplisticmom.blogspot.com Jennifer

    I’m interested in wool but haven’t tried it. To be honest I’m a little afraid to spend money on a wool cover because I am horribly allergic to wool. If I put anything wool on I start itching immediately. I always have to have something between the wool and my skin, not so wonderful with a great fitted cashmere sweater. I’m afraid that my baby might have the same reaction. Have you heard of anything like that with the covers? Would the Sbish interlock maybe work?

  • http://www.greenbabiesblog.org Rachel McFadden

    Here is what Sbish wool has to say about this:
    Hi Rachel,
    Our wool is extremely soft and has been processed organically before being dyed in an öko-tex certified environment. On rare occasions we have heard of wool allergies. I have read that most wool allergies are a sensitivity to lanolin or chemicals used to process the fiber, rather than an actual allergy to wool. However, we always recommend using another type of diaper cover if you or your child exhibits a wool sensitivity after using our wool items.

    Our wool is processed organically using a citrus wash to prepare the fabric for dyeing. Many home sewers do not process their wool, they simply felt it or dye it in home machines. Our wool is felted and dyed professionally for us.

    Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.

    Warmly,

    -Erin
    do one thing today—sustainablebabyish™ ♥

  • http://www.greenbabiesblog.org Rachel McFadden

    I also contacted Jeanne from Nature’s Fabrics where I buy wool interlock, she said:
    As far as allergy’s go, most people are not allergic to cashmere, but they may feel an itch with regular wool. This is because cashmere fiber is much thinner than regular wool fiber. The ends of the thicker wool fibers (hair) pokes into the skin making people itch. The cashmere fiber is finer and people do not feel the ends of the fiber. The finer fiber that we are using for your new order of wool and wool/lycra feels softer for this reason.

  • http://www.mommywords,com Brittany at Mommy Words

    Wow I am so impressed that you made this! I think it is cute as well as clearly practical. Great work!

    • http://www.greenbabiesblog.org Rachel McFadden

      Thanks, I bought some dye to make some colorful covers next time, but I’m waiting on an order of more wool and it won’t be in until December :(

  • http://akblessingsabound.com/ Jacqueline

    I should try these sometime! I’ve been meaning to see for myself the difference wool soakers make.

  • http://www.northernbaby.com Nessie

    That’s a great looking cover, Rachel!
    Did you use the 100% merino wool interlock or the wool/lycra blend? I’ve tried the blend from Nature’s Fabrics and it’s very soft after felting. I haven’t tried the 100% wool interlock from there though.

  • http://niftysmith.wordpress.com .tif

    that’s a really great wool cover. i keep thinking it’d be more economical to sew my own. did you use any particular pattern?

  • Pingback: Night Time cloth diapers — Happy Green Babies

  • http://www.happygreenbabies.com Green Mama

    This is the wool interlock and the wool lycra blend is used on the waist and the legs.

  • Pingback: Wool Diaper Cover options — Happy Green Babies

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