Updated May 21, 2021.
You probably think the word “diaper” refers to something babies wear, but it doesn’t. They are called diapers because the fabric often used for them had diaper patterns woven into it.
Diaper patterns are geometric patterns which have regular repeats in both diagonal directions. They also generally have regular repeats horizontally and vertically as well. But the diagonal repeat is what is critical here. So a stripe isn’t a diaper pattern (no diagonal repeat), but a check might be.
Many kinds of stitches, think of a block of Scotch Stitches, are diapered by nature. But in order to be a diaper pattern, there needs to become contrast in color as well. A background of Scotch in one color is not a diaper, but coloring the same block of stitches to look like gingham fabric does make a diaper.
The repetition is, I think, what makes diapers so lovely and compelling. Most diaper patterns are small so that you can really see the repeat. I think the prettiest ones alternate two or more different repeats in a regular pattern.
In general, diapers are usually small patterns and are abstract (though they don’t have to be).
Once you learn to recognize diaper patterns, you’ll start seeing them everywhere.
Oh and the baby diapers, the fabric often used for them was a pattern called Birds-eye, which has diamond units repeated all over. In fact, when my kids were little 20+ years ago you could still buy cloth diapers with this pattern. Since it’s been a while since I needed to do this, I don’t know if they still do.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
I always appreciate your book reviews. I had no idea what a diaper pattern was, etc and if the book was worth while. Thank you Janet for all the great information.
I have purchased your book. I love it. Thank you for being one of us and helping us ordinary stitchers become better. I for one appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks for your time.
Janet,, one more thing I wish to comment on. Thank you for the helps on how to decide which projects we should finish in what order. My goal for the last couple years has to finish up those projects. I am not sure how much progress I am making but I was happy to get your suggestions for deciding in what order. Thanks.
I left a comment and wondered why It was not submitted.
All comments which are submitted need to be approved, which I do as soon as I can. This is to prevent the masty types of spam which my spam filter for somments doesn’t catch.
Don’t worry, all comments get up as soon as I get to them.
Keep Stitching,
Janet