Wicking/feel-dry materials for diaper making

For a chart format of all the diaper fabric information, please see the second tab of the CD Sewing 101 spreadsheet. Information on the basics of fabric, fibers and structure, is in the Fabric 101 post and here on the NY Fashion Center site (see right menu for fabrics). The previous posts on diaper fabrics are linked under Fabrics both on this blog and in the spreadsheet (scroll right for fabric column), including the fabric FAQ, and what fabrics can be used for what.

Since most fabric sites categorize and describe fabrics by structure first and then fiber content, we'll go ahead and make the bullet points fabric structures and then list the commonly available fiber contents. The most feel-dry of the wicking materials are synthetic. This is because the fibers are designed not to hold any wetness, just allow it to move along the fibers. Next are reconstituted cellulose fibers like silk and rayons, including pretty much all of the bamboo fabrics sold in the U.S. These are not as absorbent as most natural fibers, but the fiber structure still allows wetness to move along. Finally, there is wool, linen, and cotton, which are only moderately wicking because of their absorbency, although certain fabric structures in these fibers are more feel-dry than others. 

There is also a new engineered fabric, not currently available as yardage except as a wholesale order, called TransDRY. It is cotton chemically treated to perform more like a wicking nylon or polyester, and is moderately to very feel-dry.

• Microfleece - a light to medium weight knit with a brushed nap on one or both sides. Also described as 100 wt, and some 200 wt will be wicking as well. Very feel-dry, but needs compression to wick well in most cases, so may not be a good choice for newborn diapers. May pill. Only found in polyester and microfiber, and the microfiber is only available in the PolarTec brand at this time. Microfiber may cause rashes next to the skin.

• Wicking jersey/pique - a very light to light weight knit that is either smooth, or has a subtle, very small honeycomb texture. Very feel-dry until the absorbent material is saturated, and wicks almost instantly with or without compression. May be made from polyester, nylon, or a combination of the two, with or without up to 10% Lycra/spandex/elastane.

• Suedecloth - a light weight stable knit that has a very short loop pile on one side. It may have very little to a moderate amount of stretch, making it easy to work with. It is very feel-dry, and wicks almost instantly. Only found in polyester at this time. Not microsuede, which is a woven that is generally water resistant or not particularly wicking. Brands include buttersuede and Alova, although some online retailers carry wicking suedecloth that does not have a brand label.

• Velour - a very light to medium weight knit with a cut pile on one side. Moderately to very feel-dry, depending on fiber content. Generally wicks very fast to instantly. Includes panne velour and some crushed "velvets" that are on a knit rather than woven base. Cotton and/or bamboo/rayon velours are moderately feel dry, polyester or nylon velours are very feel-dry. Silk or wool velour is very uncommon and will be a bit more feel-dry than cotton or bamboo/rayon. Velvets or velveteens in these fibers will often function the same way, but are usually stiffer and less comfortable as a diaper inner; see wovens.

• Wovens - any weight, although lighter weight and textured wovens are more likely to be feel-dry than thicker ones. Some polyester and nylon wovens will be very feel-dry, particularly those labeled "performance", but some will be water resistant, so wash and test before cutting. Bamboo and other rayons, silk, fully prepped linen, and wool will all be moderately feel-dry, with textured wovens more feel-dry than smooth ones. However, wool will need to be very well felted for use in diapers that will go through the regular diaper laundry, and should feel soft to your inner wrist if it will be used next to the skin. Velvet and velveteen is included here; cotton, bamboo and other rayons, silk, and some blends will be moderately to very feel-dry. Blends may need to be washed and tested. 

• Other knits - any weight, although lighter weight and more loosely knit fabrics are more likely to be feel-dry. As with wovens, some polyester and nylon will be very feel-dry and some will be water resistant, so wash and test before cutting. Bamboo and other rayons, silk, fully prepped linen, and wool will all be moderately feel-dry. However, wool will need to be very well felted for use in diapers that will go through the regular diaper laundry, and should feel soft to your inner wrist if it will be used next to the skin. Linen knits will usually be blends, so look for blends with other wicking fibers rather than absorbent ones like cotton, ramie, or hemp. Blends may need to be washed and tested.