As promised, here is our cloth pad tutorial:) I have taken plenty of photos so you can see exactly how Jen made her cloth pads. It was lovely to work together on this project with my Jen. She drew the designs for this pad herself and is so happy to share her creative process with you:)
Materials:
Flannel material (we recycled some pyjamas that are no longer worn)
Towelling material for the inner pad
Sewing machine
Scissors
Cotton
Metal press studs and gadget to attach the press studs
These are the drawings for the towelling inner pad on the left and the outer flannel pad on the right. Jen drew both of them on an A4 size piece of paper. The left pad is 8 inches from top to bottom and the right pad is 8 and a quarter inches from top to bottom (slightly larger).
This is the pad base diagram, 9 inches from top to bottom and 8 inches from side to side at its widest in the middle.
Cut out cardboard templates for the pads.
Trace around the templates. You need 2 pad bases cut out.
And two of these pads covers cut out in flannel.
Trace and cut out 4 of the smaller towelling pads for the inner pad.
All the pieces cut out.
Sew all the 4 toweling pads together.
Then zig-zag around the edge.
Put the two right sides of the pad bases together and sew all the way around.
Just cut a straight line opening through one side of the pad base and turn onto the right side.
Zig-zag around the outer edge of the outer pad.
Put both of the pad cover pieces right sides together and sew all around the pad cover.
Cut a straight opening on one side of the pad cover.
Turn onto the right side.
Put the towelling inner pad into the pad cover.
Zig-zag all around the pad edge.
Finished pad base with sides and pad. Place the cut pad openings together so that they will not be visible when the pad is finished.
Cut pad openings are placed together and are not visible.
Sew two straight lines either side of the middle of the pad to secure the pad to the holder. The cut openings will also not be visible if you lift the pad on the sides as the pad has been sewn on either side of the middle.
Attach press studs to either side of the side flaps.
And you are finished!!
Jen and I have spent wonderful mama daughter time together by making this tutorial, having many conversations about the menstrual cycle and all the other changes that are taking place too... I really feel that this is a wonderful way for her to transition into womanhood, slowly and mindfully... Have a lovely day,
xo xo
Linda and Jenna
Jen and Linda, thank you so much! We will be making a bunch of these soon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Elizabeth
This isn´t "only" a great tutorial, it is a great idea! thanks so much Jen (!) and Linda!
ReplyDeleteJenMuna
Nice and comfortable and breathable too....lovely job Jen and Linda, great tutorial :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent tutorial - thank you ladies!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about making some of these! I love your tutorial. How do you like them? I started using the Diva cup but I like the reassurance that a pad gives.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, lovely tutorial. I've been using my homemade cloth pads for a few years now and mine are a little different, I include a layer of thin waterproof fabric inside the top pad, which you cut a little smaller and squish in last through the turning hole, it all seems to hold in place with no scrunching inside. Mine are made of flannelette and no toweling.
ReplyDeleteAlso I have found that any stitching across the bulk of the pad leads to leaking, you might like to redesign a little if that happens! Once I have the layer of waterproof fabric and no stiching except around the edges I have a very secure pad, and oh so comfy compared to any disposable product.
PS because I use the thin waterproof fabric rather than toweling my pads are not too bulky ...Which is nice ... :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Fiona,
DeleteWaterproof fabric is great, but on warm days and in really hot countries with regular pads you get too sweaty,uncomfortable and your skin gets irritated. So I'm wondering, because I'm just looking into this waterproof fabric breath the same way as regular pads?
What a great bonding experience!!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful idea. I doubt I could use it cos I bleed too heavily. Wonder if my 11yo would like these? Her menstral cycle is very close to starting now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excellent step by step tutorial.
Dee
Sydney, Australia
xx
Hi Dee, I too am a HEAVY bleeder and if you make these out of washcloths or terrycloth material it works better than any store bought pads.. No cramps from tampons and no stained clothes from leaks, love them!!
DeleteI can not untill I have the time to have a go and make these. I have been thinking of using a moon cup but I prefer this by far. Well done you and Jen. I'll let you know how I get on!
ReplyDeletethanks for your tutorial, i love it, if i can save it.
ReplyDeleteGirls, I think what you're doing is great. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't done this before. What fabric is best used? I'm reading about organic cotton, does it make a difference? Can I just use old cotton and fleece clothes at home to recycle.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing, Linda and Jenna, I love your style, it seems very convenient and looks similar to regular disposable pads. this is also the first time I see that the pad is stitched on top of the pad base. I was just wondering, why don't you place velcro on the areas you cut open and have extra pads on the side to change? Wouldn't that be more convenient?
What a well laid out tutorial. Thank You for sharing. @Shtiya what a great idea about the velcro I'm going to try that when I make these :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I mean, we use cloth diapers for our babies, so why not use cloth pads too? I don't know why this hasn't crossed my mind until I saw this!
ReplyDeleteHow does the cleaning go? Do they seem to clean each time pretty well? Or do they stay stained?
I'm prone to YI, so this should be great... allows more breathing room!
I'm going to be making some of these soon, and am reading different tutorials and comments to find all the different elements I like best. I love the idea for Velcro, but am wondering how it would hold up... Would a snap near the end of both ends work without causing leakage?
ReplyDeletethe idea is very nice but I want to ask how to wash the stain is difficult and certainly many are left behind
ReplyDeleteKeep a cold water basin near the toilet. When you take off a soiled pad, soak it in the cold water for several hours, wring it out, then put it in with your other dirty laundry. It helps to pull out the blood so you avoid staining. :)
ReplyDelete