Bamboo - Bamboo is a naturally absorbant, anti-bacterial and
doesn't hold in odors. It is also breathable and seems to help wick away
moisture from babies skin. There are several different types of bamboo material
to choose from, each with their own look and feel. Bamboo velour is the most
popular of the bamboo fabrics. It is silky soft and works well for just about
any sort of diaper. Bamboo french terry has been said to be the most absorbant,
and makes a wonderful soaker material.
Cotton Fleece - A soft and durable fabric, cotton fleece is made from
100% cotton.
Flannel - A lightweight fabric made of either 100% cotton, or a
blend of cotton another fiber. Flannel is thickly napped on one side and soft
and smooth on the other. A good material for diaper inners and soakers.
Fleece - A man made form of wool, fleece is 100% polyester and
comes in many different thicknesses, or weights. Fleece can be used for the
inner part of a diaper and will help wick away moisture from babies skin.
Thicker varities can be used as diaper covers with their waterproof qualities.
French Terry - A knit fabric that has small loops on one side and is
smooth on the other. It is a more absorbant and softer version of terry cloth.
It can be used in combination with other types of fabrics such as bamboo or
hemp.
Hemp - Hemp fabrics are usually a combination of 55% hemp and
45% cotton. It is a popular choice for diapers and inserts because of its
natural anti-microbial properties, durability and absorbancy. Hemp has a
tendency to get stiff after it's been washed a few times, but will soften over
time.
Interlock Wool - A double layered wool knit. This wool is a medium-weight
and more durable than jersey wool.
Microfiber - A synthetic material made of 75% polyester and 25%
polyamide. This material is a popular choice for pocket inserts as it can be
very absorbent.
Microfleece - Made with a double-sided micro-fiber that is very soft
and lightweight. Microfleece is a great choice for the inner side of a diaper
because it helps wick moisture from babies skin and resists staining.
Organic - Fabric material has been grown without the use of
chemicals and pesticides. Not only good for the Earth, but good for your baby.
Polar Fleece - Another form of microfleece made by Malden Mills. It has
a little more of a waxy feel than regular fleece and may pill after it's been
washed.
Polyester - A synthetic, woven fiber used primarily in the manufacture of
plastic. Polyester is often combined with cotton when used for cloth diapers to
increase durability. It requires minimal care, is wrinkle resistant, and is
quick-drying.
PUL - Or Polyurethane Laminate, is any fabric that has been
laminated with a polyurethane on one side to make it waterproof. It is more
breathable than plastic, very durable and can withstand high temperatures,
making it a popular choice for pocket diapers and covers.
Recycled Wool - Usually a 100% wool sweater than has been cut and sewn
to make shorties, longies or a cover.Sherpa - A stretch knit terry where the
loop side has been brushed to create a fleece like texture. It is a durable and
absorbent material and is great for fitted diapers and cloth wipes.
Suedecloth - Made from polyester, this fabric has the look and feel
of suede, but is extremely easy to care for. Suedecloth does not pill, wicks
moisture from babies skin, cleans easily, and continues to look nice wash after
wash. It is commonly used for pocket diaper inners.
Terry - The loop formed by the pile of a fabric when left uncut. Terry
is generally made with cotton and is a good fabric for cloth wipes.
Wool - A natural fiber usually derived from sheep, and
occaissonaly from lamb, alpaca or angora and other such animals. Wool is
primarily know for its naturally anit-bacterial and water repelling properties,
as well as being extremely breathable. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in
liquid without feeling wet. Wool is a wonderful choice for covers of all types.
Wool Jersey - A single layer wool knit. This type of wool is very
lightweight and makes a wonderful cover.
Woven Cotton - Cotton that has been woven instead of knit for a more
durable, yet less stretchy material.
Velour - A closely woven, thick pile fabric. Velour is velvety soft
and smooth and is often used in combination with bamboo or cotton. It is a
popular choice for fitted diapers and cloth wipes. Velour is durable and can
stay soft over many washes.
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