HOW TO FOLD A PREFOLD PART 1 -Tri-fold- using my prefold hybrids.

So if you've decided your going to start using prefolds, it is good to know a few folds.  There is no need to learn all the folds, as no single mom is likely to need all the various folds in her repitoire.  Sure someone should know them all to keep that knowledge alive.  But if your like me, and your an average mom then a few will do.  So I will create a few posts with each detailing a different fold. I will be using the prefolds I have made as having velcro and gathered legs changes a few things.  Rember I said when a mom makes changes they work for her? Well the folds I use aren't really effected by either, so they work.  If I was a mom who used the bikini twist fold, I never woulda designed these prefold hybrids or used velcro.  However I've never used it, so I am not concerned about that.  See; the diaper with the best options for you.

The Tri-Fold

                                         

The pic on the left is my flat prefold in tri_fold.  The pic on the right is my prefold hybrid (inside a diaper).

The tri-fold is used to turn a pre-fold into an insert, for extra absorbency in a diaper.  The are used in all types of dippers as a soaker layer, especially for overnight diapering.  a Tri-folded diaper is also common as the insert for a pocket diaper.  To be honest I don't see my prefolds being used as a soaker layer, they are just way thicker then needed as an insert in a regularly changed diaper (except maybe at night for a heavy wetter).  The would be great as the insert in a pocket diaper.  I'll be making 3 layer flannel inserts anyway.  So why share this?  Any cloth diaper Mom should be aware of the tri-fold because it is useful,  especially in a pinch.

 

Tri fold is simple:
1. lay diaper flat.
2. fold 1/3 over.
3. fold other 1/3 over.
Now you have an insert for a diaper.  When done with my hybrid, the tri-fold curves up into shape of baby.

Yes that was simple.  The other folds are simple as well.  Not fold in 1/3rds, but still very basic.  Next will be the Angel Fold.

PREFOLD DIAPER TUTORIAL

Now that all the fluff materials has arrived, been purchased and prewashed; its time to make my diapers :) ok well the baby's diapers.  These prefolds will have a finished size of 12.4 x 15 inches aand be a 2/4/2 diaper.  Don't be worried that a 2/4/2 wont be sufficient.   It is.  And with these fabric choices it will be absorbent.

DIAPER PARTS:
•2 outer layers (I used cotton flannel).  Each piece 13.6 in x 16.4
• 2 core layers (I used bamboo French Terry and zorb). Each piece 5 x 15
• Velcro 15cm. 
Once all your pieces are cut its time to prep and sew.
 
PREP TIME
• Outside layer

Outer core layer (zorb)

Second core layer (Terry, weave side up)

Fold seam allowence (seam allowence is 5/8 in) of flannel over top and bottom of core.

Fold seam allowence of top (flannel) layer over and match up ontop of all the other layers. Pin. Fold and pin seam allowences of sides. Iron.

TIME TO SEW:

First change the needle in the sewing machine to a quilting or universal needle. Changing the needle at the start of each project gives a smoother stitch.

Clean out bobbin run. Doing this often is a good plan. Tiny thread bits will cause major problems, prevention makes the job more smooth.

Set machine dials to zigzag on widest and longest stitch. Opting for zigzag will make the job easier. If any seam is a little off, the zigzag will catch both edges. Many prefolds are edged with a zigzag. I've opted to hem instead because of how badly flannel frays. Zigzag stitches are also good for materials that fray easily.

Feel the core inside? Use the feel as your guide. Line the edge up with Presser foot and zigzag down length of diaper, sewing through the core edge. Do this on both aides of core.

Zigzag around the entire outside edge of diaper.

Open up Velcro and place 10cm of loop (fuzzy) side on the bottom-middle of the outside of diaper. Zigzag in place.

Cut (2) 5cm pieces of hook (rough) side of Velcro and (2) 2.5cm of loop side of Velcro. Place one of each (hook side at outer edge) in the top outer edges of inside of diaper.

Zigzag stitch and your done.

AND NOW:

That extra piece of loop Velcro on inside of diaper allows you to fold over hook side of Velcro at wash time. This makes it last longer.

TO FOLD YOUR PREFOLD:

Fold bottom edges on an angle

Place any inserts (doubler, liner) down centre, over core. Fold diaper up

Do Velcro up.

And your done! Well now you might want to wwash and dry a few times to make them quilt (Bunch) up.