Sherpa Terry, also known as Sherpa Fleece, or simply Sherpa, is one of the most popular choices in diaper fabrics today. Known for its absorbency and softness, it is well loved by many a baby's bottom.
Sherpa Terry is knit terry fabric, just like a baby towel, that has been brushed and washed to raise the fibers and give a fluffy super soft feel. Many loops of the terry remain, and absorbency is not compromised. Generally the Sherpa Terry that is used in diapers has a high cotton content, and a small polyester content. Sherpa terry that is 75% cotton and 25% polyester, to 80% cotton and 20% polyester is most commonly used in diapers. The cotton content is found in the loops of the fabric, while the polyester content is found in the backing and lends durability to the finished product.
Many diaper connoisseurs appreciate the softness and durability of Sherpa.
Traci of Samily Web Design,
and one time diaper making maven says "I would describe it as plush & absorbent. Although it does
lose some of its 'plushness' over time, it still remains very soft and absorbent and doesn't get hard like woven terry can. "
" It really seems to resist staining also, unlike knit", says Allison of Ara's Pants.
Some diaper makers use Sherpa almost exclusively in their diaper line. Laura of Benjamuffins says of her choice to use Sherpa, " I like the Sherpa because it is plush, thick, absorbent, and has some stretch to it. I personally prefer it over the velour (another Benjamuffins fabric) because of the thickness factor. I find that it stays softer (than regular terry) over time because of the small polyester content in it, yet still maintains absorbency. " Kathleen of Valor Kids, reflects on Sherpa as both a WAHM and a diapering mom, "I like the softness of Sherpa, it stays that way and will not harden after many washings. It is also very absorbent and I use it in the inside body layer of my AIO's .... The Sherpa has a soft fluffy appearance that is wonderful. It is especially nice when used with a knit fabric outer, oh la la, very soft! "
Occasionally a cloth-diapering mama will mention that her Sherpa diapers are not as soft after a few months of use as they were when new. While this phenomenon may have something to with the hardness or softness of the water the diapers are washed in, rinsing diapers 3 or 4 times in the wash occasionally, and/or adding a vinegar rinse to the wash has proven helpful in restoring the softness of older Sherpa diapers.
Sherpa, Sherpa Terry, Sherpa Fleece, by whatever name you call it, the consensus seems to be that Sherpa makes a quality diaper.
