sew your own diapers

So I have a pull up's type pattern that I want to use NOW for my daughter and then later for my son. I'm just not sure how I should make a copy pf the pattern in the size that I need. I've read about using tissue paper but I think that may be too flimsy and I'll end up making a huge mess when cutting.

Does anyone have an idea or use something that is better then tissue paper that will be strong enough to last through repeated use?

Thank you! 

You can get pattern tracing "fabric" at most fabric stores.  It is usually in the rack with the interfacing.  Sometimes it is a grid type fabric and other times it has red dots on it. 

Trace it!!  The pattern tracing paper/fabric from JoAnns is AWESOME!!  It makes everything so much easier.  AND, if something happens to the pattern copy, you can just trace another one!!   

I use the endroll newsprint that I can get from the local newspaper.  Works well and if it is a pattern that I am wanting to save-aka my Very Baby patterns- I apply contac paper to them. 
  I write all the pertinent info onto the pattern piece befire contac-ing them. 
Cristy

Thank you all for the input! I never thought of using contact paper to make the traced pattern more sturdy. I'll also check out Joann for the tracing fabric.

ok . . .i am cheap!! or poor, depends on your perspective . . .i trace my patterns very carefully with a permanent marker on wax paper!!  yes, wax paper (i can see through it!!  then i cut them out and retrace them on to file folders i have taped together. i transfer all markings etc . . .now i have a pile of pattern cut outs that are thick enough to trace and store!  and i didn't have to buy anything!!! (the file folders have been in a large box in the basement from a desire long ago to organize my teaching notes, never happened!)

I use poster board.

I've used tracing "paper" (like the Kwik Sew pattern material), plastic quilting template, poster paper, wax paper, & freezer paper.  Personally, I like a template that is 1-piece that I can lay out and trace with marking pencil/marker OR that I can actually cut around with a rotary cutter.  If you're doing lots of diapers, I'd invest in the plastic template BUT it can be very hard to find the large (2'x3') pieces and shipping can be $$$.  My next fav is poster paper, followed by tracing "paper", freezer paper & wax paper.

If you don't mind the $ you can print or copy your own personal copy of each size and go to some place like Kinkos that does lamination.  Those will make very sturdy templates to trace around but not do cut around with a rotary cutter.

I use pattern tracing material.  When I first started tracing patterns instead of cutting through the master pattern, I used Do Sew, which I believe is put out by Stretch and Sew.  Since then, I've used KWIK Sew pattern tracing material, and Swedish Tracing Paper.  Of the ones I've tried, Swedish Tracing Paper is my favorite.  You can actually baste the pieces together, and adjust fit, as if it were a muslin.  I understand that "soil separator fabric" is another popular material to use for this same reason.

For patterns which are going to see a lot of use (say a diaper), once you know that you've made any adjustments which will need to be repeated, plastic or cardboard templates seem to be the way to go.  Tracing is a breeze with them, and you can even cut out (dotted) lines for marking your material, similar to a stencil template.  (You can get template plastic at JoAnn's, among others.)

Oh I'm so cheapy too, but I use wrapping paper or I tape scratch paper together and use that I love the idea of using wax paper so you can see through.

If anyone finds this helpful here is what I do in various situations.  I haven't started sewing diapers yet (getting prepared now!), but have been sewing for 20ish years, mostly historical costumes and modern clothes.  When just tracing patterns that I am not planning on using too many times, I use tracing paper that I get rolls of at Aaron Brothers.  If it's something that I am going to use over and over again, I'll trace it onto tagboard (availalbe by the roll from some sewing supply places, it's used in professional costume/sewing shops, I just recently started using this for my base drafted patterns and like it a lot).  The other trick to re-inforce a tissue pattern that you want to use a lot is to it onto wax paper (use the low setting on your iron).

Hi there, you could trace one on paper and cut one on old fabric, put all the markings on it with a felt pen... your pattern will never be destroyed :-)

For patterns I only use a couple times or that aren't that important I just cut it out... But for diapers I'm making many of and need multiple sizes, I trace it on wax paper or butcher's paper, cut that out, then copy it onto poster board for the final version. I also like to only make half-patterns on the fold, even if the pattern has the whole diaper. I find that I can never get both sides even unless I fold...