One of the things that women really need is sanitary napkins. However, sanitary pads can be expensive and some women find them less comfortable to wear. Cloth pads are not only more economical and environmentally friendly, but also more comfortable to wear. Cloth pads are not hot and smelly, unlike disposable pads because they are made of materials with better air circulation. Cloth pads also reduce the risk of TS syndrome or toxic shock syndrome. But the best thing is that cloth pads are easy to make!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making Pads
Step 1. Make a pattern on a cardboard
First make a rhombus shape with curved edges. It is about 25 cm long by 20 cm wide. Cut the pattern when you're done.
The top and bottom corners should be slightly wider. The width of each corner is about 6.5 cm
Step 2. Use the pattern to form two sheets of cotton flannel
These two fabrics will form the outside of the pad, so choose what you like. You can use patterned or plain colored fabrics. You can also combine patterned fabric on one side, and plain on the other.
In addition to flannel, you can also use cotton fabric. Also look in the quilting and calico sections of fabric stores for other color alternatives
Step 3. Sew the two pieces of fabric with the front sides facing each other on the inside
Put the two pieces of fabric together first using a pin with the front sides facing each other. Sew around this section with a hem of about 0.5 cm. There's no need to leave a section to turn it over because you'll be making an incision in the center of the fabric.
Step 4. Make a vertical incision in the center of the fabric
Make sure you only cut a piece of cloth, not both. Slice right in the middle. Its length is quite a few centimeters.
Try trimming a bit of each curved corner. Trimming each corner a little will help the reversal process a lot
Step 5. Turn the front side through the incision in the center of the fabric
Use your fingers to push the corners through the incision. Use a pencil or knitting needle to push the corners that are difficult to turn.
Tidy up the pads by ironing them
Step 6. Sew around the top of the pad
You can use the same or a different colored yarn. You can even sew it with a zigzag stitch to make it more interesting. At the beginning and end of the seam, sew with a reverse stitch, then cut the thread that sticks out as short as possible.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Pad Stuff
Step 1. Make a pattern on another cardboard
Start by creating a vertical rectangle that curves at the top and bottom. It is about 20 cm long and about 6.5 cm wide. When you're done, cut out the pattern.
Step 2. Use the pattern to create the fill section
For the filling, prepare 3 to 4 sheets of soft towel. Use the pattern you've created to cut a few more flannel sheets; this time add a seam distance of about 1 cm. A soft towel will fill the pad. While flannel will be the wrapper.
Use flannel that matches the color of the pad
Step 3. Sew several pieces of filling together
Use 0.5 to 1 cm wide seams. Sew around using a zigzag stitch. Set aside when you're done.
- Do not sew flannel with this part of the filling.
- You can use any color yarn. This part of the contents will later be included in the wrapper.
Step 4. Sew two pieces of flannel to make the wrap
Use pins to hold the flannel together with the front sides facing each other on the inside. Sew the circumference with a seam of 0.5 cm. There is no need to leave a section for turning. You will later make an incision in the middle.
Step 5. Make a vertical incision in the middle, then turn the fabric over
Do it as when you flipped the pad above. This time make an incision about 10 cm long. This distance is sufficient to fit the filling into the wrapper.
Cut off the curved side a little. This cut will greatly assist the reversal process
Step 6. Insert the stuffing into the flannel
Simply insert the filling through the incision in the center of the fabric. Trim until it is perfect.
Part 3 of 3: Putting All the Parts together
Step 1. Connect the base of the pad and the filling using a pin
Rotate the pad so that the longer side is vertical and the cut side is facing up. Place the filling on top with the sliced side down. Make sure it fits snugly in the center and is vertical. If the location is right, put it all together using a pin.
Step 2. Sew around the filling so that it attaches to the pad
Sew around the filling with a seam of 0.5-1 cm. Reverse stitch at the start and end of the seam, then trim the thread as short as possible. While sewing, remove the pin.
You can use either yarn of the same color or a different color
Step 3. Sew deeper 1 cm from the first stitch and not too close
Use the same colored thread as before. This stitch will further glue the filling to the pad, as well as prevent the fabric from folding.
Step 4. Attach buttons or Velcro/adhesive to the wings
You can use the type of buttons that must be attached with a special tool. However, you can also use Velcro. Do not use Velcro with glue. Although easy to install, this type of Velcro is not durable and will eventually come off.
Attach it by adjusting the underwear because these wings will be glued together on the outside of your underwear
Step 5. Put on a pad
Place the pad with the base of the pad down and the filling facing up right on your underwear. Fold the wings under the underwear, then button. These pads should last 2 to 4 hours depending on the number of periods.
Step 6. Wash the pads properly
Store the pads in a dry bag until you get home. Rinse with cold water and then wash with hot water and detergent. Then, rinse one last time with cold water, then dry with a dryer.
Tips
- So that the pads do not shrink when washed, before sewing, wash the cloth first.
- Make sure the fabric you use is 100% cotton. Synthetic fabrics do not ventilate properly, resulting in sweat and unpleasant odors.
- Also consider using high-quality fabrics. Pads made of cloth like this will feel more comfortable and last longer than those made of cheap cloth.
- You can look up patterns online and then print them instead of making your own.
- Customize the pattern to your needs and size.
- Fold the top and bottom ends down, then fold and snap the wings over the top. The pads will become smaller so they can be tucked into the bag without being noticed.
- Do not use detergent with fragrance when washing it because it can cause skin irritation.
