How to Replace the Leg Elastic in Bum Genius Diapers

It takes up to 550 years for a disposable diaper to decompose in a landfill site, notes the Missouri Department of Conservation. Many parents are turning to cloth diapers in an attempt to be more environmentally conscious. One of the leading brands in the cloth diaper market is bumGenius, a one-size cloth diaper that you can use on your baby from birth until potty training. Leg elastic is one of the first things to wear out on a diaper, and when it is no longer working the diaper tends to droop, leading to leaks. Replacing the elastic can make your diapers look and function like new again. The entire operation takes minutes and requires only the most basic sewing skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • 2 lengths of elastic, 5 1/4 inches
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Small safety pin

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut small holes into the white suede cloth casing at the points where the failed elastic starts and ends. Make sure not to cut into the colored outer shell.

    • 2

      Cut the elastic as close to the seam allowance as possible on both ends and pull it out from one end to remove it from the diaper.

    • 3

      Attach the new piece of elastic to the remaining piece of elastic on one end of the diaper.

    • 4

      Secure a small safety pin onto the loose end of the elastic.

    • 5

      Feed the elastic through the leg gusset, using the safety pin to thread it through.

    • 6

      Sew the loose end of the elastic to the remaining elastic at the other end of the seam.

    • 7

      Sew closed the holes you cut in the suede cloth, making sure not to sew through the outer, colored shell.

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