Ever since I started cloth diapering, I wanted to try out a soaker cover. Soaker covers are knit with 100% wool and are praised for their ability to “breathe” and wick moisture into the cloth insert. I finally got around to making one for Elias. I figured if it worked well for him I could whip up a few smaller ones for the new baby.
I used the pattern Curly Purly Soaker. You can find this FREE pattern HERE. It was pretty easy to knit, although I relied heavily on other feedback from Ravelry users. (If you are a knitter, you HAVE to be on Ravelry. It is free and an incredible resource!!!)
As our days get hotter, I can really see how the wool is much more breathable than some of the other covers I have. I also think Elias really enjoyed wearing it around for the first time. Even though it is 100% wool, it seems pretty soft against his skin.
I used one of the inserts I made from Tony’s old t-shirts and a couple pins…eventually I plan to purchase a different fastener instead of the pins.
Another plus to wool soaker covers, is that you don’t have to wash them as often as other covers. I’ve heard you only have to wash it once every week or two! The power of sheep! One of the reasons you use 100% wool is that wool has a natural oil in it called lanolin which helps contain the wetness involved with diapers. I bought a little bottle of detergent that has extra lanolin added to help the soaker retain that benefit.
The verdict is still out on the soaker cover, but just thought I would share some of our latest adventures in babyville.
Adorable! It fits like little shorts. I am a beginning knitter and wanting to try a soaker- this is one of the patterns that I am considering. Did you make any adaptions to the pattern? Add the short rows? I really like the fit judging from your pictures.
Thanks for the comment! I made the medium size even though my sons measurements seemed more on the small size. When I started it, I totally thought it was going to be way too small. Actually the waist could be a little tighter on him. I did do short rows and I think they were worth the effort. Short rows are really not that hard…I just googled it and then watched some videos on how to do it. I picked up 44 stitches around each leg because I thought his legs were pretty slender. I should have picked up more. I used size 3, 5, and 7 sixteen inch circulars and Patons 100% wool. Do not use superwash or merino. He’s had a couple leaks in it, so I’m not sure if that is the fault of the soaker or my method of folding the prefold inside. I am going to make another one and make some more adjustments so we will see. Hope that helps!
Hey there! I have been looking for this pattern everywhere. It is currently out of print on Ravelry (not sure what that means exactly) and all the links I’ve found to the pdf don’t work. Is this happening to anyone else? I love these soakers and would love to try them out!
Hi!!!
It seems to be the best pattern of diaper soaker but I can’t find it anywhere. Any chance you could share it?
Also, thanks for tour advice regarding merino! I will test will 100% wool first!