There are a lot of reasons why I like cloth menstrual pads. The natural feel of the cotton, the idea that I don’t load the landfilled with more rubbish but also the pretty patterns! I like them so much that I decided one day to try to make my own. I didn’t want to buy some pre-made ones as I didn’t even know what exactly I need. So one day, I went to a fabric shop and I grabbed a couple of materials which I though will be good for this project.
I started to make some patterns and I quickly figured out what works best. Long story short, now I started to sell them on Ebay and people buy them! They left me so much positive feedback that I decided to share my tips. One nice feature is that I created the listing so people can customise their pads depending on how trim they want it, if they want extra PUL protection, colour and pattern of the fabric as well as the length (panty, regular, night). Like this everybody can choose based on their needs and budget as one size doesn’t fit everybody.
Today I will take you step by step to see how easy it is to make these pads, so you won’t need to spend a lot of money to buy them as it can be a bit of investment in the beginning.
So let’s see what you will need for this.
- Brushed (flannel) cotton
- Fleece
- Bamboo or terry towel cotton
- PUL (optional)
- Fleece (polar)
- Snaps
- A sewing machine (I use a brother one)
- A serger
- Hand pliers for the snaps
First, you need to decide which one you want to sew and download the right pattern. This tutorial will work for all of them. You can print all patterns on A4 paper.
Now will start by showing you how to make a panty liner.
Start by printing your “pad” pattern and cut around the dotted line.
Take the cotton fabric, trace it with a pen and cut it to the size of the pattern.
Now take your fleece and cut it just a bit bigger than your pattern, you don’t need to be precise at this point.
Start sewing the two fabrics with the good side in leaving a gap (about 3-4 cm) to turn it inside out after.
Take the scissors and trim around the edges.
We will do the inserts now. Take your absorbent fabric of your choice and draw the “insert” pattern.
Depending on the number of layers you wish to use fold in the fabric. If using a serger we will trim the fabric at that point, if not you can trim it now.
If using PUL do the same and cut it to size.
Stich the layers of absorbent fabrics together and give the absorbent fabric and PUL a quick sew just to secure them in place.
It will be looking something like this.
Now sew to make a straight line in the middle where you inserted the absorbent layers with the PUL leaving 1-2cm at the top and bottom of the fabric.
Sew the gap to close the pad and also go around the edge of the pad and trim the threads.
Now we need to add the snaps. Make two holes at each end of the pad where you want your snaps to go.
Now add your snaps. You will need a snap hand tool.
And you are done! You can use the same method to make your regular or night pads.
You see? It is easy. It might take some trial and error but I’m sure in the end will look great. You can make a couple with less absorbent layers, some without PUL and see which ones work best for you.
If you have any questions I would love to read them.
One more thing
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Hi Alina! I am sure these are a great alternative in cooler climates. Interesting idea. Xo
Yes, also if you are trying to avoid the chemicals in the disposal pads. xx
Hi Alina! I am sure these are a great alternative in cooler climates. Interesting idea. Xo
Yes, also if you are trying to avoid the chemicals in the disposal pads. xx
FWIW, if you use polar fleece, you do NOT have to use PUL. Polar fleece is its own waterproof barrier.
great advice! thank u
FWIW, if you use polar fleece, you do NOT have to use PUL. Polar fleece is its own waterproof barrier.
great advice! thank u
where do I find the pattern to download re size etc of first square
where do I find the pattern to download re size etc of first square
This would be great to make. Love this tuto.
But I can’t find the pattern anywhere.
This would be great to make. Love this tuto.
But I can’t find the pattern anywhere.
I can’t find the pattern either. If someone has it, could you please share. Thank you
I can’t find the pattern either. If someone has it, could you please share. Thank you
Just a quick question – you insert these the floral side up?
yes lovely xx
Just a quick question – you insert these the floral side up?
yes lovely xx