Q. How do I get my pattern after I order and pay?

A. If paid with Paypal, you should be immediately redirected to a page that has a download link. If you closed your browser window and missed this page or received an error, don't worry. Shortly after payment you should receive an email (to your Paypal email address) with the download link. Be sure to check your spam folder also .Please contact us ASAP if you do not receive the download email.

Save this file to your computer. Once the download is complete, you should unzip the file.  If you do not have a program that can unzip files, you should download and install a program such as 7-zip. 

When the downloaded file has been unzipped, it will create a separate file ending in .pdf. The .pdf file is the viewable pattern. You will need a .pdf viewer program such as Foxit Reader which can be found free here:

Q. Will the pattern print correctly if I'm not in the US?

A. It should. The patterns have been used by diaper-makers all around the globe and nobody has reported any printing issues. There are printing size test squares provided on each pattern piece so you can check pattern dimensions. If you do find that pieces are not printing correctly, don't hesitate to contact us.

 

Q. Oh no! I was away and the download link expired before I was able to download the pattern. Help?

A. Just drop us a line with a copy of your PayPal payment  OR with your name, email address, and date of payment. We'll get a new link out to you ASAP.

 

Q. I downloaded the file but it won't open. What can I do?

A. If your pattern file won't open or you get an error message saying the file is "corrupt", it's very likely that your file is simply incomplete because of an interruption in your internet connection. Brief interruptions in internet connections are very common and we usually don't notice them. But if they happen during a download, it will cause the download to end prematurely, leaving you with an incomplete file that your computer cannot read. Usually the remedy is to delete that file and try the download again. But if the problem persists, you may want to use a program referred to as a "download manager". It will allow your download to pause instead of end if there is an interruption in your internet connection.

 

Q. Do I need a serger?

A. Absolutely not. The patterns do include the option to use a serger, there are plenty of sewing methods specifically for those without a serger.

 

Q. I don't have a printer. Can't you just print it and send me a copy if I pay for shipping?

A. This pattern really only works if you have a printer. Because there are so many different sizes and options, it's important to be able to print each size more than once so it can be cut with different options etc.  I love to sell patterns, but I love it more when people find a pattern that fits their needs best. The full range of this pattern is lost if you do not have access to a printer.

 

Q. Will you be having the pattern printed and packaged like other patterns or will it always be a .pdf file?

A. As of right now, I have no plans to have the pattern professionally printed to sell as a paper pattern. For multiple reasons, our patterns just function best as a .pdf files.

 

Q. My printer is black and white only, will that be a problem?

A. It shouldn't be. But, if you do run into issues, be sure to email me and we'll work through them together. Printing in color makes the markings easier to read but the pattern will still be usable in grayscale.

 

Q. What if I don't like the pattern?

A. I have given the utmost effort in hopes that nobody will be unhappy with the pattern. Patterns have been tested again and again by my scores and scores of testers to make sure that this pattern fits well on a large range of shapes and sizes and is easy to follow. But, the truth is, no single pattern fits every child perfectly. Unfortunately, this is a buyer beware situation and I cannot give refunds. I encourage all potential customers to seek out others who have used this pattern and ask questions to make sure it will meet your particular needs.

 

Q. I need to know what supplies to order before I order the Darling Diapers Unlimited pattern. What should I buy?

A. Honestly, there's no quick and easy answer to this question. With so many options on the pattern, it will 100% depend on what you make, how you make it, the width of the fabric, what size you make, and how many you want to make. Once you have the pattern and determine these things, ordering supplies won't be so tricky. I can offer some advice now though. If you are new to diaper-making, order fabrics or supplies in smaller quantities in case you don't enjoy working with or using that particular fabric/product. Try several different kinds of fabric.

 

	smallest useable "diaper cut"
newborn	15.5 x 15.5 inches
small	17 x 17 inches
medium	18.5 x 18.5 inches
large	20 x 20 inches

 

	45” wide fabric
newborn	1/2 yard yields 3 layers, 2/3 yard yields 4 layers
small	5/8 or 2/3 yards yields 4 layers
medium	2/3 yard yields 3 layers
large	2/3 yard yields 3 layers

	60” wide fabric
newborn	1/2 yard yields 4-5, 2/3 yard yields 6 layers
small	1/2 yard 4 layers, 2/3 or 5/8 yard yields 5 layers
medium	5/8 yard yields 5 layers
large	2/3 yard yields 4 layers

 

Personally, I'm okay with fudging a little to get more from my fabrics. For example, if you have a 1/2 yard piece of PUL you *can* get medium cuts from it if it's cut perfectly straight. I'm a real cheapskate with my fabrics though and if I have to fudge a hair's length here or there to get my medium cuts from a 1/2 yard cut, I make it work. Just don't try this with fabrics that shrink since purchasing 1/2 yard of a cotton fabric can leave you shy by up to 2 inches once it has been washed and dried.

To get the best use from fabric, alternate wings up and wings down like this:

This 60 inch wide fabric such as PUL - 18 inches in length and the medium pattern. This means you could get 8 medium cuts from 1 yard of fabric if you are VERY careful.

 

Or, purchase a slightly longer length (6 inches more should be plenty)of fabric so you can stagger the pattern layout and get more cuts like this:

Whatever the case, the only size that I really like to use 1-yard cuts with is the size small, or the medium if I'm very careful with it. Generally though, 1/2 yard or 1 yard cuts work for NB and smalls and 2/3 yard cuts work well for small, medium, and larges.

 

Keep in mind that these are averages and sometimes fabrics that are suppose to be 60 inches wide end up only being 56 inches wide and your mileage will vary. You can compensate by seaming wings or even doing things like leaving off the largest snap setting on a side snap if your kids tend to be thinner and you need to make the narrower fabric work.

If I want a "yard" of something (which is what I tend to think of as a usable piece.. not literally 36 inches), I usually order 1 1/3 yards to work with so it'll work with any size. BUT, if it's a fabric that tends to shrink, a little, order 1 1/2yards. If it tends to shrink a lot, 1 2/3 yards or even 1 3/4 yards in order to end up with 1 1/3 yards of usable fabric.

 

Soakers are often cut from scrap and waste fabric. If you want separate yardage, 1/2 yard of a mid to heavy weight fabric like sherpa or bamboo fleece (60"wide) will yield 6-12 layers depending on layout and size which would normally be 3-6 diapers (for a 3-layer soaker).

 

You'll also need elastic. Since elastic lengths needed can vary depending on what kind of elastic you intend to use, my recommendation is to err on the side of too much rather than too little. I like to order 3/4 yards per diaper for knit and woven elastics. For clear elastic or Lastin, 1/3 yard per diaper is likely plenty. If you want to be on the safe side since it's difficult to find locally, figure 1/2 yard per diaper.

 

Hook and loop tape depend on which size you are making. Since it's fairly inexpensive, it's always better too have a little too much than not enough so these estimates are based on the size large for which you should have 12 inches of loop tape and 4 inches of hook tape. That ends up being a 3:1 ratio for loop and hook.

 

Q. Where should I order supplies online?

A.Any search engine will bring up a whole slew of links for you to check out if you search "diaper fabrics" or some such phrase. Before ordering, it's a good idea to track down some reviews or talk to other diaper-makers to check out their reputation.

 

Q. I'm still confused about how many layers and what kinds of fabrics to use. Could you be more specific about body and soaker layers?

A. So much of diaper-making is simply based on personal preference. That's the beauty of sewing them yourself. But, I understand that when you are just learning, you really have no frame of reference and may not have formed a personal preference yet. In this case, the best (and most fun!) thing to do is to seek out some popular WAHM diaper stores like those at Hyena Cart. Take a look at their diapers and take note of the fabrics and number of layers they use if that information is available. You can get a pretty good feel for a good starting point for your homemade diapers. And, seeing how much you'd pay to buy diapers instead of making them, you'll probably be even more excited to get sewing :)

 

Q. Is there any other way to pay besides PayPal?

A. PayPal allows customers to pay by credit card even without a papal account. if you contact us, emailed orders can be paid for by money order upon request (sorry, no personal checks). Pattern download links will be emailed upon receipt of payment.