La Di Da Diaper Pattern Review

I was so thrilled to be asked to review the new La Di Da diaper pattern for their grand opening I squeezed it in my already packed schedule this month. Call me crazy (my husband does), but I have not had the opportunity to review many patterns and really wanted to have a pattern I could recommend to you. I have not had personal experience making most of the other patterns in the links I have listed in my Sewing section or used a product of the patterns. So here is a pattern I am thrilled to recommend to you!

Some of the highlights of her pattern are that you can have it right away. It is a PDF file, so you don’t have to impatiently wait for it to come in the mail. You can also reprint sections as needed. I love this feature because I use rotary cutters and cut my pieces with the pattern pinned down (rather than drawing lines) so my patterns get pretty cut up. I also love how the directions give tips on things like needle placement and adjustments to seam length according to the style you are sewing, so that even a beginner can come out with a great product. Every step and style of diaper lists different options and tips to customize it to your liking. 


The only trouble I had in making my diaper was with my inner fabric choice. By no means does this reflect the pattern and I bring it up to emphasize how your choices in materials can affect the product you make. The pattern itself is clear cut and provides all the information you need to make great sized diapers or covers. I had to use materials I had on hand and the only fabric I had to line a pocket diaper was bamboo velour. This is a stretchy fabric I haven’t had a lot of experience sewing with, so I fiddled with tension and techniques, but it resulted in some cosmetic flaws as I struggled to sew with it. I mention this as a disclaimer to my little creation and also to caution you in your fabric choices. The fabrics you choose may affect the resulting diaper, depending on your familiarity with them. I still love how it turned out, I just know it could have been even more beautiful!

Overall Rating: 9


Clarity of Directions: 9.5


End Product: 9.5


Versatility: 
This pattern can be used to make a pocket, AIO, fitted diaper or cover in either velcro or snap closures. It is available in 4 sizes and gives tips on various ways to customize the diaper for your preferences and needs. 


What I’d like to see:
I’d love to see La Di Da come out this a one size version of their pattern! 


My tips:
1. Use the squared front (the pattern gives the option for round), at least for your first diaper so you can get the hang of things. 


2. Start with a fitted diaper with less expensive or recycled materials so you don’t cry if your precious PUL gets ruined if you make a mistake. And you can still use this “practice diaper”, because fitted diapers are so much more forgiving when it comes to mistakes since the cover can compensate for any mistakes.


3. Don’t use really stretchy fabrics like velour, it shifts and stretches so much you might want to throw your machine out the window (me? no...). 


4. If you’ve never applied snaps before, practice first! And if you choose to go with the snap closures MEASURE VERY CAREFULLY! The distance between the snaps has to be just right for it to snap properly. 


5. Use good materials (she lists great recommendations and options in her pattern) as this will affect the absorption and performance of the diaper. 

A diaper pattern was provided by La Di Da diapers for this review.