DIY Cloth Pads Tutorial

[thixle]

Cloth pads, as in, ahem, menstrual pads! There was a lot of talk on glitter of cloth pads, so I did some research, and came up with my own pattern. I thought I would share here for those who have wondered, or who have never heard of non-disposable menstrual pads.

I "recycled" a black cotton t-shirt, cotton shorts, and waterproof nylon shorts to make this. But, you can purchase fabric (flannel is easier to sew than t-shirt) if you want. I just had these fabrics laying around.  

Here are the websites that helped me the most on fabric selection, etc. (but I don't have a serger, nor did I like the shapes of their pads very much, hence, making my own pattern):
http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/mi-clothpad2.html
http://pacificcoast.net/~manymoons/howto.html
You can also do a web search for "cloth menstrual pads" for a LOT more information.

On to the tutorial!

1.  The pattern pieces cut out--> Top- 1 fashion fabric, 1 lining; Backing "wings"- 2 cotton, 2 nylon:


2.  Fold over 1/2 inch on straight side of all Backing "wings," press. Lay down 1 nylon piece, fold side pointing up. (I used fusable seam tape here to hold them together because the nylon slips around, but you can just pin.) Then lay the cotton piece on top, fold pointing down. Iron to fuse together, or just pin and go to next step.


3.  Sew the straight sides of the "wings" using a zig-zag stitch to make it pretty  


4.  Now, stack all the layers like this:


5.  Even up your edges and pin them together. (they are in the order of step 4). I left HUGE seam allowances, cause I can sew on a line better than I can by following the edge of the fabric, so here I traced my "actual size" template:


6.  Sew a straight stitch all the way around on that line, then trim off the excess edges. You'll want to cut about 1/8 inch from the sew line:


7.  Turn right side out and press


8.  *horrible pic* Here, I have used a zig-zag stitch to top-stitch the pad (around the edges to keep it flat), and added velcro for closure. You can use buttons, snaps, etc for a closure:


Top of the pad:

Bottom of the pad (shown here with toweling insert):


I thought the $$$ print fabric showed off the idea nicely. Instead of paying sooo much money every month, these are pretty cheap, really easy, and last for years.

*I got so excited, that I had to post this now! I'll be back shortly with link to the actual patterns, and how to sew the toweling inserts!*  

Here it all is: http://www.geocities.com/thixle/diypads_tutorial.html

[ctm]

that is sOooooo cool.

but....does the pad go in the cloth and the cloth go on your panties?

wouldn't the cloth soak and seap everywhere?

[fairyglitterbug]

The waterproof material (Nylon) she used as backing protects against leakage!  As can certain fleeces and PUL, basically anything waterproof.  

[artzyfartzy]

  what a great step by step tutorial! thanks!!!!!

[firefly]

awesome, thixle!  i've been thinking about something similar for awhile and saving fleece and flannel.  this'll motivate me even more to save for a sewing machine-it'll pay for itself in a year or two with what i'll save on landfill-filling disposables.  and they're just more aestheically pleasing and definately more comfortable.  nothing like a little stray adhesive to ruin your day i know, t.m.i.

[mari_meow_meow]

check out this site for more info about reusable pads::
http://www.lunapads.com/

[fairyglitterbug]

Actually if you wash in cold water like someone said then throw in the dryer the heat from the dryer will be enough to kill anything.  Same goes for cloth diapers.  You could also wash in a vinigar rinse.  

[thixle]

Here are the templates I promised! (This is for a normal sized pad, I actually have a few different sizes designed, but this one is the easiest to start with-- I'll have the others up shortly, my computer hates me right now.) http://www.geocities.com/thixle/diypad_junior1.html

When I went to print them out, my printer wouldn't print them to the actual size, so I gave measurements along with it. Just save the pics and resize them before you print, or use them as a basic guideline. The best part is, they are all up to YOU, from fabric to size!

Oh, and if you do them "assembly line" fashion, they go very quickly! My first try, I made 6 in about 2 hours, and I was still figuring out the sizes and the best way to sew them. And if you have a cool group of girl friends, you can all get together and make these in no time flat.

[kayray]

Nice tutorial!  I made some of these wayyyyyyyyyy back when after seeing some pricey cotton flannel ones in a natural foods store.  This was probably ten or twelve years ago.  I made them out of recycled flannel shirts, no waterproof layer.  I made several extra "liners" so I could slip in an extra one on those "heavy" days and overnight.  I use them w/o a liner along with tampons, too. Y'know what?  I'm STILL using them!  They're a bit worn, certainly, but nowhere near worn OUT.  Amazing.  Think how much landfill space I've saved!

I get a rash from paper ones, anyway, yuck.

I just throw them in with the regular wash, after soaking them overnight in a sink of cool water.  Germs haven't killed me yet ;-)

Kara

[tns]

*great* tutorial!

i've been knitting mine lately, but this may actually get me off my bum to make some that are more "professional"- looking!

edt for typos