Diaper Sewing Information and Fabrics
Fabrics: Diaper Cover Quality
Waterproof diaper cover fabrics are most commonly found to be made from either PUL or Ultrex (water resistant fabrics include fleece and wool). What are the differences in PUL and Ultrex and how should each be cared for? Are they all created equal? What do you look for when buying a waterproof diaper cover, AIO or fabric?
PUL and Ultrex Facts
Ultrex® is a waterproof, windproof, durable and extremely breathable fabric system (similar to Gore-Tex). A microporous coating is applied to the underside of the fabric. It is small enough to block out wind and rain, yet large enough to permit perspiration vapor molecules to escape. Ultrex® can be applied to any fabric, but is usually applied to Supplex®, forming a nylon fabric with waterproof coating. This product has been shown to withstand numerous washings before losing it's waterproof abilities.
Ultrex is available in either a 2-ply or 3-ply system. Either a 2-part or 3-part, respectively, system of densely woven fabric, micro-porous polyurethane coating and DWR (durable water repellent) finish. It is recommended that 2-ply be lined, to protect the membrane.
Machine wash warm - Rinse twice with cold water. Tumble dry low, remove promptly. Do not dry clean or bleach. Holds up great to repeated washings.
PUL is an acronym for Polyurethane Laminate and refers to any fabric that has a polyurethane laminated to a base fabric. For diapers, it is most often a polyester knit fabric laminated to a 1mil or 2mil waterproof, non-breathable backing. Unlike Ultrex, PUL is non-breathable. Both are waterproof.
PUL was actually developed for the medical industry. It is soft, pliable, and waterproof. It can withstand high temperatures and a lot of use. PUL is a very durable fabric.
You will find both 1mil and 2mil PUL used in diaper making, as well as diaper fabrics available for sewing. Which you use is a personal preference, but 2mil, just by it's thicker nature, will be a more heavy-duty fabric. They are both equally waterproof, but 2mil might be more leakproof for times of longer use. Either should be sufficient for daytime, normal wear. 2mil PUL is thicker and therefore more stiff.
You can find diaper fabrics that have been double laminate, or 2-sided laminates. These usually have a waterproof material sandwiched between 2 layers of fabric (often polyester knit). This fabric provides a nice cover as it is quite durable, and soft on both sides. It can usually withstand high heats, industrial washing/drying and the fabric on both sides helps to protect the waterproof inner layer.
You can machine wash on any temperature and dry on any temperature. Many people believe the PUL to last longer dried on medium heat, but fabric manufacturers say the fabric should withstand high heats. I have found both opinions to be held by diaper manufacturers and users.
PUL and Ultrex Comparison
Both PUL and Ultrex fabrics should not be washed or dried with bleach or fabric softeners. Are they created equal? Let's look at the differences.
| PUL | Ultrex | |
| Breathable | no | yes |
| Waterproof | yes | yes |
| High Heat | yes | no |
| Fabric Softener | no | no |
| Bleach | no | no |
Both can be treated with a waterproofing additive to re-waterproof if they break down.
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Fabrics: Unbleached Cotton
Unbleached cotton is a little used gem when it comes to diaper fabrics. This material is just as absorbent and soft as the bleached white we are all used to, but it has more to offer. The fabrics have not been broken down by the bleaching process and therefore it lasts longer, which is invaluable when trying to make your diapers last through several little ones.
A few companies are offering the choice between bleached or unbleached cotton diapers. One great source for unbleached diapers is found here. If you sew your diapers, search for unbleached fabrics and your diaper sewing time and effort will last your little ones much longer.
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posted by Adria | 9:54 PM
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