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.
Serged edges compared to a wide zig-zag stitch
Cut out wipes with original wipe used as the pattern.
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?