After starting cloth diapers my next goal was to switch to cloth wipes. I didn’t want to spend the money on pre-made wipes that can be pricey. So I made my own. I used an old sheet of fabric that I had been given but had no need for. It is a cotton knit blend (not very absorbent), I wouldn’t recommend using knit fabrics. If you have an old flannel blanket that would work better, it will be softer and more absorbent.
These are the steps I followed to make my own wipes.
Materials:
Old blanket
Scissors
Pattern (optional)
Pins (optional)
Sewing Machine/Serger (optional)
Step 1:
Pin pattern (you can use a wash cloth as a pattern, or just eye-ball it) on material, cut out. Repeat until all wipes needed have been cut.
You can use the wipes like this, or you can sew the edges for a more finished look and to prevent fraying.
Step 2:
Serge the edges if you have a serger. Otherwise you can use a regular sewing machine and the wide zig-zag stitch and run it around the outside of the wipe, making sure to let the stitch hang off the edge of the fabric.
That’s it, a very easy project.
You can use the wipes as diaper wipes or wash cloths. If using for diaper changes you can make your own wipes solution or use water.
I haven’t switched over completely to cloth wipes yet, I am planning to make my own wipe solution soon and then will try using only cloth.
Do you have experience using cloth wipes? Any tips for a newbie?