What to use?

I just finished making some, bought a metre of microfibre and a metre of hemp fleece from Greenbeans (although you can buy half metres) and sewed them into squares that can be trifolded. Although some ended up being a bit small thanks to my awesome cutting and sewing skillz so just get folded in half. Very cost effective and the hemp gives the microfibre a bit of boost in the absorbency department.

If you just get the hemp you don't have to sew it, it curls at the edges when cut and doesn't fray. It doesn't absorb as quickly as the microfibre but holds moisture better. Hemp needs to be washed by itself before cutting/sewing.

Edited to change my double up, duh.

Edited by Mazzy

I prewashed mine once and it seems to be ok. Did a hot wash because I also think there are oils or something in the hemp that can effect the absorbancy of the microfibre? Don't quote me on that.
The hemp gets better/more absorbent the more you use it and wash it.
I think there is advice re: using hemp on the Greenbeans site, or the owner is really good at supplying advice adn information if you ask. I'm a bit new to it all so don't want to put anyone wrong!

Check out Greenbeans Kels (www.greenbeans.co.nz) They sell all sort of nappy fabrics on there.

Sorry if I'm asking a very dumb question...but....how big do you make your inserts (how big should inserts be)?

I'm wanting to use cloth nappies when my little one is born, and I also want to save $$$ by making my own inserts.

You can make them a couple of different ways, entirely up to you. It also depends on your nappy, some pockets are wider through the crotch than others.

1. a pad shape, basically a rectangle, usually of 3 layers of microfibre or a combo of microfibre and hemp.

2. a square that is one layer of microfibre and one layer of hemp, or whatever you want, that can be folded into three so you get six layers of absorbancy.

I find option two drys faster because you can open it out flat. Both a good though! I don't know exact measurements, but Stacey's tip should cover that.

I have been into Spotlight and asked them questions and they just look as me like I am talking a different language and these woman are meant to know what they are talking about.

I have jsut done a greenbeans order to make some more nappies and I brought some microfibre my mum has a wonderful sewing machine that has an overlocking function on it to make the inserts. Greenbeans do have a delay with their absorbant fabrics they are due in till the end of this month.