bumGenius Snap Conversion

 

• bumGenius
  • Aplix to 1 row of snaps
  • Aplix to 2 rows of snaps
  • Using free snap template to match 4.0 snap placement (jpg)
  • Free snap template (pdf)
  • Converting size medium to medium/small
  • Video

If the aplix on your bumGenius diapers is getting old and worn out or your toddler has learned to undo the velcro, you can easily convert the diaper to a snap closure.  The tutorials below detail how to create 1 row or 2 rows of snaps, as well as how to convert a medium sized diaper into a medium/small.

Shown with matching bumGenius snaps

Photo courtesy of www.convertmydiapers.com, a snap conversion service

bumGenius 1 Row Conversion

Tutorial below provided by Leila Kelleher

Time: about 30 mins, faster for subsequent dipes (because of your template)

Tools: Snap pliers or press, snaps, pencil, ruler, 1 piece of paper, awl, unpicking tool of choice, scissors

Snaps: 1 row of snaps with a total of 14 sockets, 4 studs, and 18 caps. 

Here's my One-Size bumGenius, ready to go!

Using an unpicker or your preferred method of unpicking, remove the aplix at the front of the diaper. Personally, I think the best way is to break a stitch every 4-5 stitches and every single stitch where it is double stitched (top left corner). It should then just come off really easily. You'll then want to pick all the bits of loose thread off.

Next, cut the end of the tab off. This makes unpicking the tabs much easier - they will come apart. You can do a bit of manhandling here as the stretchy tabs can take more abuse (i.e. ripping the darn thing off with force, rather than carefully unpicking).

 

Here's the tab, all unpicked!

Now you're going to make a snap placement template for the front. This will make is much faster to do lots of BGs. You won't have to measure the placement each time! So first, trace the outside edge of the front and cut it out.

Mark your snap placement. I put them every 2cm so they are quite close together for maximum adjustability. This results in 14 sockets in the front of the diaper.  Place two snap caps on your template to check they aren't too close!

Use your awl to poke holes through your template at the snap points.

Place template over the front of the diaper and mark placement of snaps with a pencil.

Put your hand inside the pocket of the diaper and use your awl to poke holes through the front (not through the inner layer). Be very careful as your awl is sharp and you don't want holes in yourself!

Take your snap cap and place it inside the pocket of the diaper, pushing the prong out through one of the holes you made.

Place the socket over the prong.

Place snap plier (or press) over the over the outer and inner layers of the diaper, making sure the cap is centered in the die.

Note that the cap end of the pliers does not need to go through the  diaper pocket--instead the entire diaper is sandwiched between the pliers so you actually have the inner diaper fabric between the die and the cap.

In other words, your layers will go: cap die, PUL inner layer, cap, PUL outer layer, socket, upper part of plier. Press it hard!

Here is your nice, smooshed snap. Repeat for all of the holes on the front.

Go through the same steps (template, mark, poke, press) for the tabs, but this time make sure the cap prong goes through the entire tab and use studs instead of sockets.

Sit back and admire your work! 

Note: A pocket diaper was used in the above tute. If you have an AIO, you may find this link from Angie's Whim Free Diaper Patterns helpful.

bumGenius 2 Row Conversion

Tutorial below provided by Meagan

Snaps: 2 rows of snaps with a total of 24 sockets, 8 studs, and 32 caps.

I made myself a template. I have two rows of snaps on the front, all placed .75 inches apart, 12 snaps (sockets) per row. Then I decided to go ahead and do 4 snaps (studs) on each wing, .75 inches apart, so that they are harder for an older toddler to remove, and are sturdier.

Using Free Snap Template to Match BG 4.0 Snap Placement

Template provided by Bella of Musings of an Organic Mama Squirrel

Additional instructions provided by Melissa B

Click to enlarge.

 If you want your converted diapers to have snaps spaced out just like a 4.0 BGO, do the following...  (this may not work on all browsers)

1. Click on the template above
2. Go to File & Print Preview
3. Change vertical to horizontal page
4. Change shrink-to-fit to custom
5. Type in custom size 180%
6. Move top margins to edge of page
7. Print
8. Check spacing - one inch from the center of one dot to center of the next.
9. Draw the other half of the last two dots (should be 20 dots total) 

Snap 4.0 (bubble) compared to a converted 3.0 (zinnia), 2.0 (blossom), and 1.0 (white).

Snap 4.0 blossom compared to a converted 2.0 blossom.

** A pdf template which you may find easier to use/print, provided by Old Life Redesigned, is available here.  The diaper below was made from this template.

bumGenius Size Conversion

Tutorial below provided by Tiffany

The following tutorial shows how to convert a medium bumGenius diaper to medium/small.

Snaps: 3 sockets, 3 studs, 6 caps.

I have two dozen bumGenius diapers in size medium that I can't use because no one is currently in that size. I finally decided to convert them all to snap closures and make them into two-size diapers (small and medium).

I previously had done the conversion to snap closures.

To do the small size you will need to find the center of the diaper and mark it with a pin or a dot. Measure down 2 1/2" from the top of the diaper and make a mark in the center of the diaper. Make one additional dot 2 3/8" to each side.

Make a second set of marks one inch lower on the diaper. The second set of marks can be further away to make the small a smaller size, but one inch makes it the same size as the small on bumgenius onesize diapers.

With your awl, poke holes through each mark. Insert your hand in the pocket if you need to to make sure you are only going through the PUL and not through all the layers.

With a scrap of fabric, you are going to make six dots that coincide with the dots on the cover. Mark one in the center a little way down and then one to each side at the same width you did on the cover. Use the awl and poke the holes in the scrap.

I use a scrap of PUL to reinforce the snaps so they don't rip the fabric, and it also gives it a better thickness to set the snaps.

Insert the caps into the scrap. Then put the scrap into the diaper pocket and line the prongs up with the dots on the diaper and push them through.

The PUL should hold the caps in place, but if they don't go ahead and put the studs on the top line and sockets on the bottom and push them down firmly. They should stay put then.

I put the caps on the scrap separate from the diaper because it is too hard to line up the scrap if the holes are poked through both the diaper and scrap at the same time.

Once all the caps, studs and sockets are in place use the snap pliers, and from the outside ,go around all layers of fabric and center it on the snap set. Squeeze firmly and that's it! Set the other five snap sets and you're done.

What the finished diaper looks like:

Here it is next to a bumGenius one-size diaper set on the smallest setting. Same size!

bumGenius Snap Conversion - Video

Tutorial below provided by Shery

The following tutorial shows how to convert aplix to 2 rows of snaps.

Adding KAM Snaps to Thirsties Duo Diapers

 

If the aplix on your Thirsties Duo diapers is getting old and worn out or your toddler has learned to undo the velcro, you can easily convert the diaper to a snap closure.

Thirsties Duo Snap Conversion

Tutorial below provided by Take Time to Smell the Roses

Upclose photo of the yucky aplix.

First you have to take off the existing aplix with a seam ripper.On the Thirsties DUO the aplix is sewn into the edge of the diaper. When you reach the end, take a pair of sharp sewing scissors and cut very close to the edge. Be careful not to cut the edging or your diaper!

The diaper after you have removed the aplix.

Next you need to decide what size of tabs you will need for your diaper. I did not measure this part. I feel that this is something that each cloth diaper mama needs to decide on depending on the built of her baby. Keep in mind you'll have a little bit used for the seam allowance. You also want to make sure there is enough over lapping the old tabs and doesn't create a thick seam where you want to place a snap. I have leftover PUL that I used to create my tabs with and I also used some scrap fleece inside the tabs just for added thickness. I think that scrap flannel would work just as well for the tabs. You do not need to go buy PUL just for the tabs!

Next step is to sew the sides of the PUL and then slide in the piece of fleece inside.

 Pin the tabs on tucking in the raw edges.

 Sew on the tabs.

Add the snaps to the tabs. I was sent a few of these cute colored snaps so I thought I would make this diaper extra colorful :-)

Re-measure your snaps on the tabs to figure out how far apart you will need to have them on the diaper. Measure and mark where the snaps need to be placed. This was my first diaper to convert so it doesn't look perfect by any means!

 Add snaps.

The Thirsties Duo after conversion!

Some Ways to Use KAM Plastic Snaps

Snaps & tools are available at KAMsnaps.com.

 

Removable Candy from Gumball Machine for Quiet Book
(courtesy of Amy F)

Earbud Case
In the hoop tutorial here.

Turn Empty Milk / Juice / Soup Cartons into Wallets
Tutorial here.

No-Sew! Snaps Used As Rivets to Attach Elastic to Shoes that are Too Loose or to Replace Worn-Out Velcro

Dog Leash & Collar 2-in1 System by All Ready Leash

Removable Clothes in a Quiet Book

Waterproof Tote Bag with Snap Closures
Tutorial here.

Banner
A banner made of camper cutouts attached to each other with snaps. Great for celebrations and holidays, with cutouts such as Christmas trees, snowflakes, flowers, birthday cakes, and anything else you can think of! Embroidered banner designs available at Valley of Embroidery.

Busy Mat with Closures
Help your child fine-tune her motor skills while also keeping her busy with a simple busy mat of various types of closures, such as buttons, zippers, velcro, buckles, lacing, and of course snaps. Can be done in the form of a mat, blanket, or book.

Hand Sanitizer Pouch Straps
Strap them to your purse, belt loop, wrist, or anything else you can think of to always have them handy and on the go. Tutorial here.

Shampoo Bottle Purses
Reduce your ecological footprint! Cut a shampoo bottle, add a snap, and voila, you have a discreet little case for toiletries, loose change, or other knick knacks. Tutorial here.

Travel Board Game
With just a few basic materials, you can make a travel, easy-to-store version of your favorite board game. Tutorial here.

Mounting Pliers
This isn't a use for snaps specifically, but it's a great idea. This was built by a user who has tendonitis. Just to give you an idea of a way to "improve" the pliers if you can't afford or don't want to invest in a table-top press.

Snapable Flowers for Quietbook

Convertible Sleeping Bag
A blanket that turns into a sleeping bag. Tutorial here.

Feeding Pump Bag
Double-sided snaps are used to attach the feeding pump bag to the insulated pump bag.

Crossover Tabs on Cloth Diaper
Double-sided snaps are used for the crossover tabs.

Attach Wipe Bag to Wet Bag Handle
A double-sided snap on the pink wipe bag allows the bag to be attached to the handle of the larger wet bag. One less thing in your hand when you're rushing baby to the bathroom for a diaper change.

Attach Custom Hoodie to Kinderpack Carrier
Double-sided snaps are used on the strap of this custom hoodie so that it can fasten to both sides of the hoodie pocket on carrier.

Fabric Sampler Book
Layers of fabric are attached to each other with double-sided snaps to create a sampler book.

Layered Diaper Inserts
A double-sided snap allows inserts to be layered on top of each other for extra absorbancy when needed, then unsnapped for easy washing and drying.

Snappin' Apples in a Quiet Book
"A" is for apples.  These apples snap on and off. Pattern and tutorial at hillsidemomma.com.

Interactive Clock
A double-sided snap was used for the bottom hand of the clock. The bottom hand is able to fasten to both the clock as well as the top hand.

Stuffed Animal Hanging Organizer
Place one side of a snap on a long strip of ribbon, and the other side of the snap on the stuffed animal (an ear or tail usually work well). Snap the 2 parts together and eventually you'll get an organized hanging chain of stuffed animals.

Decorative Tentacle
Snaps provide the decorative details on the tentacles of this Ursula handbag.

Bird Collar
Elizabethan-style soft collar to help prevent your bird from plucking her feathers.

Lullaby Baby Blanket
The stuffed animal head attaches to the blanket with a snap.  In-the-hoop instructions available here.

Sleep Wings Pillow^TM
The recliner pillow that helps to stabilize your head and neck.

SnugSnap®
Self-adhesive, press-on snaps that are applied to the top and bottom of babies' and children's two-piece outfits to prevent the top from riding up.

Shorten Sleeves
Sleeves too long on your baby's onesies? Shorten them by adding snaps. In the photo below, there's a stud installed at the shoulder and then a couple of sockets down the sleeves.

Alternative to Buttons
Have an old sweater with missing buttons? Replace them with snaps! A fun decorative embellishment that also allows for easy opening and closing.

Winter Car Seat Poncho

Removable Decorative Bow
Bow snaps off for safe washing.

Christmas Tree Skirt Fastener
Put snaps along the open edge so your child can't remove the skirt.