Birsdeye Fabric - A gauzy material. Can be used for the
inner material of all diaper sorts and for making prefolds.
Hemp
- Hemp is a course fiber made from the inner bark of the hemp plant.
It is becoming increasingly popular for use in diapers because of its
durability, absorbency and natural anti-microbial properties.
Hemp French Terry
- Made with absorbent hemp and has the
feel of soft terry cloth.
Bamboo - A new fabric for the
diapering world. It is made from Bamboo trees and is known for is
velvety softness and environmental friendliness.
Cotton fleece - This fabric is
super soft and comparable to polyester variety but it is made from
100% cotton. Hemp fleece is another popular variety.
Flannel -
A soft, twill weave with a slightly napped surface and is loosely
woven. Fibers tend to be cotton or wool.
Merino - A
type of wool that originates from pure-bread Merino sheep. The best
Merino wool comes from Italy.
Polyester
- A manufactured fiber known for crease resistance, quick drying,
shape retention in garments, high strength, abrasion resistance and
minimum care. Polyester is a fiber easily blended with other fibers.
In diapers, polyester alone or blended with another material like
cotton, adds more durability.
PUL
- Polyurethane Laminate – PUL is simply fabric in
which a waterproof laminate has been applied to the back. This makes
for an extremely thin, soft fabric that is waterproof and easy to care
for.
Terry Cloth
- A typical uncut pile weave fabric. This fabric is formed by using
two sets of warp yarns. One set of warp is under very little
tension; when the filling yarns are packed into place, these loose
yarns are pushed backward along with the filling yarns, and loops
are formed. Typical uses include towels and robes.
Stretch Knit Terry - A stretchy terry material that is
often used for the inner layer of diapers - very
absorbent and soft.
Wickability
- The ability of a fiber or a fabric to disperse moisture and allow
it to pass through to the surface of the fabric, so that evaporation
can take place.
Wool
- Probably the oldest of the natural fibers, it most often comes from
a variety of sheep but can also include camel, angora, alpaca, and
vicuna. It is spun into a very large variety of weights and
fabrics. Its water
repelling properties and breathability are what make it popular for
use as a diaper cover. It is often lanolized to increase its water
repellent properties.
Sherpa - A heavier weight Stretch
Knit Terry with one side brushed to be very soft and fleece
like.
Suedecloth
- Has the appearance of regular suede but it is much easier to care
for. It does not easily stain and washes up beautifully. Commonly
used for the interior of diapers for its ease of care and
wickability.
Microfleece
- A lightweight, double-sided micro-fiber fleece noted for its
outstanding low pill velour face, stretch, and chamois-like
softness. It is commonly used for the interior portion of diapers
because of its softness.
Velour
- A medium-weight, closely-woven fabric with a thick pile. It can be
made using either a plain weave or a satin weave construction. It
resembles velvet, but has a lower cut pile.
Burley
Knit Terry - A long looped terry cloth
that is extremely popular for use in soaker pads and doublers.
Windpro
- A polar fleece that was designed to repel wind and water yet
retain breathability. It is commonly used to create All-in-One
diapers or diaper covers, because of its waterproof capabilities.
200 wt. and 300wt. fleece are also used for these purposes.
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Cloth Diaper Fabric and
Supplies definitions and pictures.
