You can use any fabric that stretches – take any fabric you’re considering and pull on opposite sides to see if it’ll stretch. You’d mentioned using old clothing – tee shirts and other knit shirts or skirts should stretch nicely for you.

Bamboo velour is wonderful in panty liners, but I advise using polar fleece for the backing. PUL is another PITB to sew with because it’s slippery, and the combination of PUL and bamboo velour has me saying lots of nasty words, despite my years of sewing experience.

Good luck!
~Amy Sue

Pardon my ignorance, but what fabric would you recommend for the ‘other stretchy fabric’ for the back?

I was also planning on using this bamboo velour (backed with polar fleece or PUL) to make a few panty liners… Do you suggest finding something more beginner friendly for that endeavor too?

Bamboo velour is an awesome choice for the “wiping” side! As far as the back goes, almost any fabric will work there – I wouldn’t use a denim or something really stiff, but cotton, flannel, old tee shirts, etc, are great choices. My only caution is that bamboo velour can be a real PITB because it stretches like crazy, so you may want to experiment with a few fabrics before cutting up a bunch of pieces. Since you’re new to sewing I’d advise either using bamboo velour for both sides, or using another stretchy fabric for the back because it’ll be so much easier for you. Even now I cringe (and say nasty words) every time I have to sew bamboo velour to a non-stretchy fabric.

Since you’re on a budget, you could also cut up old flannel blankets and make both layers from them; they’ll be easier to sew because flannel doesn’t stretch.

Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
~Amy Sue

I would like to make them 2 layers… I have bamboo velour for the ‘wiping’ side and would like to have a cute print for the other side. Can you please help me in deciding what kind of fabric I need for the other side? I have some ‘scraps’ of cute cotton (I think it’s cotton) that would look nice, but will it ‘work nice’? Should I cut up old swaddeling blankets (made of flannel, I think) instead? I’m on a budget and would really like to use something cheap or something I already own.

Thanks for the directions… And thanks in advance for the help!

I don’t use sherpa a lot, but from what I remember, it comes in different thicknesses. The thicker sherpa I’ve seen would work great for 1 layer wipes, but I’ve also seen thinner sherpa that I’d worry would leak through. IMO it’s worth a try – if your sherpa ends up being thin you could always get some flannel from your local fabric store for the back – that wouldn’t require shipping.

Good luck!
~Amy Sue

Thanks for your help!

You’re so very welcome! I’m sorry to hear your baby is allergic to disposables. Have fun making your wipes – you’ll find they’re handy for tons of things!

~Amy Sue