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

A. If you ordered directly from darlingdiapers.com and 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 if you don't find it in your inbox. Please contact us ASAP if you do not receive the download email.

When you click on the download link, you should be given the choice to "open" or "save" the file. Always choose the "save" option so that the file will be saved to your computer. Once the download is complete, you should unzip the file. If you use Windows, right click the file and choose the "extract here" option or double-click the file and your operating system will choose an appropriate program to unzip the file. If you do not have a program that can unzip files, you should download and install a program such as Winzip.

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 attached OR with your name, email address, and date of payment. We'll get a new link out to you ASAP.

 

Q. Where can I buy the pattern?/ Another site has the pattern for less, is it legit?

A. Currently our patterns can be purchased from our hyenacart storefront or directly from darlingdiapers.com If you see our patterns for sale anywhere else, they are being retailed illegally and I would appreciate a heads up.

 

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 is a question that just makes my heart sink. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as just printing the pattern up. Yet, I hate to tell anyone "no" if they really want the pattern enough to pay the additional costs. Unfortunately, the cost to me in paper, ink, binder, page protectors, shipping supplies, shipping costs, and time add up quickly. Top that off with the fact that you'd still have to trace the patterns in order to get all the different styles and this becomes even less desirable an option. As much as it pains me to turn away a potential customer, I have to be honest and admit that it's just not worth it in most cases. With that said, if you are just dying to have this pattern and you don't have a printer or any way to print yourself, I can email the pattern to you and then pre-print the pattern and mail it in page protectors inside a 3-ring binder for $29 including postage in the US. The price seems really high, but I can guarantee you that I'm making less on a pre-printed pattern than an email-only pattern. I just want to be clear that if you choose this option, you lose much of the flexibility to print, cut and tape pieces together that this pattern was designed to give in the first place.

 

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 tester 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 PULl 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. By far, most have stellar reputations and you needn't worry but it's worth the few extra minutes to check them out.

 

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 gander 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. What/Where are Darling Diapers AIO and Darling Diapers Pocket Fitted patterns?

A. Those two particular patterns were our original diaper patterns. They were/are wonderful patterns, but were a bit rough around the edges since the pieces were hand-drawn and simply scanned in and the directions needed some updating. I was in the midst of drawing them digitally and updating the directions a bit when a group of well-meaning customers approached me with their list of requests. First and foremost, they didn't like having to choose which pattern suited their needs best. Why couldn't there just be one pattern that gave directions included in both patterns? In fact, what they wanted, was a single pattern to sort of do-it-all. So, Darling Diapers Unlimited was created and the two previous patterns were retired. Which leads me to the next frequently asked question..

 

Q. What's the difference between the new Darling Diapers Unlimited and the older patterns? If I have the older patterns, do I need the new pattern?

A. This is a mammoth of a question. I'm torn. My voice that is super excited about all the possibilities and creative aspects of cloth diapering says "Yes, yes! You MUST have the new pattern because it's SO different!". Yet, my logical and rather frugal voice says "The older patterns still hold their weight. In fact, they tend to be pretty similar to the new pattern in many ways and offer much of the same information. If you love them, stick with them."

 

So, I can't really say one way or the other. It depends on your reasons. There are some things that are better about the new pattern, but if function and saving money represent the heart of what cloth diapering is about to you, the older patterns will serve you well and I can't, in good conscience, encourage you to buy the newer pattern. If you are looking for something new and exciting to sew because you love trying new patterns, then I can honestly say that the fit is different and you won't get bored with all the options. If you like the older patterns, you'll likely love the new one! Some of the changes/benefits you can expect to find:

five closure styles

bound cover directions and serging directions including serged pocket directions

a new, improved fit

separate sizing charts for diapers made from knit or woven fabric

new color-coded pattern sizes

no restrictions on elastic types for fitteds

more soaker options

better pattern design/layout

one set of pattern pieces instead of two separate patterns

Q. Is the new Potty Dance Pants pattern different from the old one?

A. Very much so. While they share the same name and are both for waterproof training pants, the new version has a new fit, new sewing directions, new options, new sizing etc. They are two distinct patterns. The new pattern is not simply an updated version of the old pattern, but an entirely new and separate pattern. While I love the older version, the newer version definitely has some perks such as an additional larger size, nicer pattern pieces, extensive directions that include bound-style pants, and pocket opening directions as well as a fit that is lower in front and higher in back. The older version has been retired from our store. If you have and love the older version, there's no need to purchase the newer version unless you want to take advantage of the different features offered in the new pattern.

 

Q. I have an idea I think should be added to the pattern. Is the pattern static or would you consider updating it?

A. The basic pattern is static except in the case of correcting major errors. BUT, I've built an online link into the pattern for just the purpose of new ideas. This link provides tips, ideas, alterations etc. that come my way. If you have an idea (and pictures really help!), please send it my way so I can add it!

 

Q. Are patterns available at a discount wholesale price to carry in my store or use in a co-op?

A. Since patterns are received via download, it's not possible for me to sell them wholesale. If, however you would like exchange banner ads, that would be great!

 

Q. Can I make diapers for a friend? Can she pay me for supplies?

A. Of course. Can I be your friend? The whole licensee thing can be a bit murky. In a nutshell, if you are making a profit on your work, you need to purchase a license in order to sell Darling Diapers.. Anything up to that point and you have a green light and my blessing. Sew for friends, family or that special baby shower. As long as your labor is free, it's considered charity sewing and I'm thrilled if you use a Darling Diapers pattern. You are essentially donating your time and talent. If someone offers to pay for supplies, that's even better.

 

Our licensees appreciate any and all business you can send their way so please keep them in mind if someone offers to pay you to sew Darling Diapers.

 

Q. Can I sell my copy of the pattern when I no longer have a use for it?

A. This question makes a lot of people nervous but I think it's time this question has been addressed for Darling Diaper patterns. I want to be totally clear that this is for Darling Diaper patterns only. Please check with each pattern-maker for their answer if you have other pattern/pattern files you are considering selling.

The basic answer is yes, you can sell it. Of course, I'd rather say no ;) But, I feel like if I purchased a pattern from a fabric store, it would be my right to sell the used pattern once I was finished. I have, in many cases, done just that. I don't see any grounds for treating this pattern any differently. Selling the file means that the file should no longer exist in your sewing room or on your computer. Otherwise, it's "distributing". Some may call it "sharing" or "gifting", but if you retain a copy and send someone else a copy or copies, it IS distributing. While this may seem innocent enough, I assure you is not a victimless crime. Not only would distributing my pattern be illegal and hurt my business, but it just plain 'ol hurts my feelings. Can I monitor this on a small scale? Nope. Thankfully, the kind of families who tend to care about their health, the health of the Earth etc etc... tend to be fairly moral people :)

 

So, it's okay to give or sell the pattern to someone else as long as it's a single copy and you don't retain a copy.

 

Q. I heard the pattern might have been updated. How will I know if I have the latest version?

A. It is my goal to continue to improve my patterns if and when needed based on feedback from customers. I have built a version number into the file name so you can quickly tell which version you have. In the store's pattern description, you'll be able to see which version is currently being sold. Currently, Darling Diapers Unlimited is v.1.3 and Potty Dance Pants is v.1.0

 

If you have an older version and would like the updated version, you'll receive a link to download the newer version after completing this form.

 

Q. Can I sell new Darling Diapers?

A. The fast answer is only if you purchase a Darling Diaper Lifetime License to do so. You can check out the License link in the menu to learn more about becoming a Darling Diaper Licensee to see if it's a good fit for you.

 

I know a lot diaper-makers love the idea of selling a few diapers here or there to help fund their newfound love of diaper-making. There are several other brands of diaper patterns that allow you to sew and sell from the pattern for free or for a small fee that are better suited for selling just a few items here or there. I encourage you to look into them if you aren't ready for a full-time WAHM business.

 

If you do not purchase a license, you may not sell Darling Diapers for more than the cost of materials.

 

Please understand that if you do sell Darling Diapers without purchasing a license, it has the potential to really hurt Darling Diaper Licensees who are mamas trying to make ends meet.

 

Q. Can I sell used Darling Diapers?

A. When selling used diapers that you created with this pattern, the same rules apply. You may sell for materials cost only. I know I'm such a stick in the mud but it really is so that Darling Diapers Licensees can flourish and grow.

 

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

A. Paypal allows customers to pay by credit card even without a paypal 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.