Pattern Testing: AimerLae & Finn One-Size Side Snap Diaper

I’ve been sewing cloth diapers for over five years and I sort of have an obnoxious amount of diaper sewing patterns. One size, multiple size, fitteds, pockets…all needs can be satisfied with all the different diaper types I’m able to sew. But my pattern whore-ish tendencies get the best of me when I see a call for testers! Woot! And the best part: it was for a one-size, side snapping diaper. I couldn’t believe I didn’t already have something such as this in my possession!

I had used side snap diapers on my daughter but somehow forgot they even existed while cloth diapering my son. What came back to me after trying the AimerLae & Finn pattern is how trim side snap diapers are. I’m not sure why or what exactly makes them so, but I’m a little sad we’re almost out of diapers and I can’t make a whole stash of these!

I tested the pattern out as an all-in-two (AI2) so my review is based on that.

If you’re an experienced diaper sewist, you will totally be blown away at how quickly this sews up. And if you’re not, you will totally be blown away at how quickly this sews up. Jillian did a great job drafting the pattern instructions so they are easy to follow with clear pictures at each step. The pattern includes a list of every material needed to construct either a hybrid fitted or an AI2 though I think it is still important for a newbie to cloth diaper sewing to do some good research into the best materials to use. One thing I feel that makes this pattern good for someone new to sewing is the squared corners which make it easier to maneuver around and keep all the layers from being too shifty. The pattern also comes with a pattern piece and instructions on how to make a petal style soaker for the diaper. She included instructions for both turned & top stitch or serger methods of soaker construction.

One thing I wanted to make a point of mentioning is that half way through the testing process, Jillian became aware of a pending patent for internal rise snaps, which is how the pattern was originally intended to be constructed. The internal rise snaps are how the rise on the diaper is adjusted to accommodate smaller and larger babies. She didn’t have to, but she redesigned the rise snap construction so as not to conflict with the pending patent. On one hand, the pattern maker isn’t responsible for any finished product created that infringes on any patents but I feel her having provided an alternate construction technique is a huge courtesy to the WAHM diaper makers/sellers. Of course, it is still the diaper seller’s responsibility to make sure no part of their product infringes on any patents. There are two rise snap construction technique options given in the pattern so if you are not selling from the pattern you have the option of doing the rise snaps as originally intended.

Setting the rise snaps for fit might not be immediately intuitive using the alternate, WAHM friendly option, and I thought I would have problems adjusting it, but it was easy-peasy.

I have a pretty lanky kiddo. At 2.5 he’s barely 25 lbs sopping wet and about 34″ tall. I like diapers that are thinner through the crotch and this pattern is a perfect width. When I printed the pattern out my first though is that the wings are quite tall but they fit perfectly. I tried the diaper in the last snap for the rise (in other words the second to largest rise setting) and it was a good fit but I actually ended up making it the next size smaller and that seemed to be the sweet spot for us, however I suspect he’ll grow out of that setting soon (though secretly crossing my fingers that at 2.5 we’ll be out of diapers soon!). Waist-wise, we’re on the middle column of the wing snaps. My DS measures at ~14.75″ rise and ~17″ waist without the diaper on. Which usually places him the medium size category for diapers. There is a lot of room left for him to grow.

It’s mentioned in the pattern listing: “The instructions are clear enough for a confident beginner and unique enough to hold the interest of experienced diaper makers.” And I can attest to this for certain!

This one-size pattern is listed as fitting 10-35lbs. You can purchase the pattern in the AimerLae & Finn Etsy shop.