Homesteading: A Woman's Journey

Quick & Easy Pads

I have been wanting to sew my own cloth menstrual pads, but after trying several of the free online patterns, I realised that they were not very dependable.  I tried the suggested flannel and fleece, but didn't like the end results.

 I found that though flannel does have some absorbancy, it wasn't absorbant enough.  The fleece was great for absorbing, but it would wick the moisture too well, causing it to wick on the sides and around to the backing fabric.  I finally came up with an idea that works well for me.  I thought I would share it here for anyone else who would like to try it.

 At the WalMart, I found a 18 count pack of inexpensive terry cloth washclothes for under $5.00.  I already had some ProCare waterproof fabric left over from making Abbie's diapers and some assorted fabrics from my scraps.

 To make a pad, I folded a washcloth in half, then in half again to form 4 layers, pin together.  Lay the fabric scrap, wrong side up, on a flat surface.  Next, stack on the waterproof fabric, then the folded terry cloth.  I lay as many of the folded terry cloth pieces as I am able to fit and pin them in place.  Next, using a zigzag stitch or a serger, stitch around the edges of each folded terry cloth.  Then, I simply cut them apart.  I am able to whip up a batch of these pretty fast.  If you want to make "wings" for them, here is a very easy idea.  Measure the width of the crotch area of your panties.  Take this measurement and double it and add another 2.5 inches.  This will give you the measurement all the way around the crotch + 1 inch overlap + seam allowance.  This gives you the length of the strap.  I make the strap 2" wide, which ends up as 1.5" wide when finished.   For the straps, you will need to cut 2 pieces for each strap.  Lay the fabric, right sides together and stitch all the way around, using a 1/4" seam and leaving an opening for turning.  Turn to the right side and topstich edges.   

Now, here is where you can get creative.  You can attach the pad to the strap one of several ways.  I sew these into place, centered on the back of the pad.  You can use hook & loop tape or snaps if you don't want the strap attached permanently. 

I love these as they are absorbent and comfortable.  They are also very inexpensive to make.  You can also adjust the size or layers of absorbency by the way you fold them or folding 2 washcloths together.  If you have a need for heavier pads, you can take some preshrunk thick cotton batting and wrap the terry cloth around it.  The batting is very absorbent and holds the moisture very well. 

I hope that I have explained it well enough.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

Cloth is the greatest!!!!!!!!!

10:45, Saturday, March 3, 2007 .. Posted by maa

I am not sure what the strap is. I bought some PUL(waterproof fabric) from ebay at a good price and it works great.It is always for sale there, if you want some.It is 100% leak proof and has pretty designs.
I also use washcloths and have found, at Wal-Mart, microfiber dish towels that work GREAT. I have found that if I sew too many layers together then I have trouble getting them dried. SO I stack several layers and just sew the top and bottom ends all together. This way they stay together but wash and dry much better.
Once a woman goes cloth the whole cycle is much more comfortable to deal with and think of the landfills that we are not adding our junk to.

I am glad that you put this post on and hope other women will start using cloth. It is a great way to cut the paper waste in our world. Thanks!
maa's mom

Strap

12:44, Saturday, March 3, 2007 .. Posted by oklamouse

The strap is used like the "wings" on the store bought ones. You wrap the strap around the pantie to hold the pad in place.

I thought about using PUL but found that I like ProCare better. You can dry it in a hot dryer and not damage the waterproofing. PUL has the waterproofing laminated on one side of the fabric. ProCare has the waterproofing extruded into the fibers of the fabric so that it is all through the fabric. I get it through a Canadian company, Wazoodle, at about 1/2 the price of the US stores. Unlike PUL, you do have to use another fabric on the outside if you want something cute or with a design. For me, it is worth it because of how often I wash the pads & diapers.

Another vote for cloth!

03:33, Saturday, March 3, 2007 .. Posted by kissesmomof4

I am another cloth user and let me tell you it is the best. If more people could get past the "yuck" factor it would save them a lot of money, save space in the landfills, and provide women with a much more comfy period each month. I line mine with cut up matress pads!