Do you have a sewing machine but no serger or overlock machine to serge the edges like the store purchased inserts? You can make your own inserts and save a lot of money. Sure, it won't look as pretty, but it'll work just the same.
Take one of your favorite inserts or measure your cloth diaper to see how big your insert should be. Cut one piece of bamboo fleece that's twice as big as your insert size and leave about 0.5" seam allowance around the edge:
Fold the fabric in half. Keep the right side inside if you plan on having the smooth side out, or if you want the fleecy side out, then fold it so the smooth side is out. Pin if you so desire:
Sew all the way around the edge leaving about an inch at the end so you can turn it inside out. I've used black thread so you can see it better. It is better to use a walking foot since bamboo fleece tends to be very slippery. If you find that your fabric is slipping around too much or stretching out, reduce your foot pressure and lengthen your stitches. If all fails, put some tissue paper under the fabric then rip it away carefully afterwards:
Cut the corners so it'd be easier to turn inside out without getting too close to the stitches. Turn the insert inside out through the hole:
Fold the fabric inward and topstitch around the edge after you make sure the edge is pushed to the stitches:
Result looks like this. I made my insert with the soft side on the outside because I want to use it as an AI2 insert rather than a pocket diaper insert:
Make another of the same, and then zigzag stitch them together on one of the short ends. It'll keep them together but it'll allow the insert to dry faster. Or you can use thicker heavy fleece and just do one for kids who are training and need less thickness.
Alternate way to sew inserts
Fold the fabric in half as in the other method, but zigzag stitch all the way around close to the edge (you don't need seam allowance with this method, and make sure to put the right side out since you don't need to turn the fabric):
Cut around the edge if you have any hanging fabric after you've sewn. It might help to stretch the fabric a bit while you sew or use a tissue paper underneath. Repeat for the other side of the insert.
Zigzag stitch on the short edge to sew the top to the bottom:
As you can see, the two pieces stay together so it'll be easy to stuff into diapers, but since they are separated, it'll dry faster:
With this method though, the stitches will be on the outside so it isn't ideal for AI2 inserts since it'll irritate your baby's bum. You can do a combo of the two though so the soft piece that's been topstitched can be on top. Don't worry about edges fraying. Bamboo fleece doesn't fray much.
Now go have fun!
