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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: Bama
Date: 07-31-2007, 03:51 PM (1 of 21)
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Anyone made their own? I found several patterns for them, but thought I'd just try tracing around my favorite disposable brand for the right size. I've always hated throwing so many into the trash to end up in landfills. And now with a daughter using them too. I thought I could at least try using cloth ones at home. I used to think the idea was kind of gross, but I've read that a lot of women prefer them and that they're more comfortable. Any thoughts or suggestions for making them? I was thinking I'd use cotton flannel. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: MaryW
Date: 07-31-2007, 04:58 PM (2 of 21)
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This lady has been on the web for years. http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm I think it might be something you have to try to see if you are comfortable with the whole idea. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Carol in ME
Date: 07-31-2007, 05:37 PM (3 of 21)
| I've made a few. I find them more comfortable than purchased disposables. I don't bother making them anymore, though. A washcloth folded in quarters lengthwise, or thirds, works just as well, and stays in place. And my washcloths are a towel, cut into eighths or sixths, (something like that) edges folded in and zig-zagged. |
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003 Total posts: 105 |
From: CarolWI
Date: 07-31-2007, 07:27 PM (4 of 21)
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I have been using them for about 5 years now I think. Don't need them for the monthly anymore but have them thinner for a daily pad. It's great not spending that money on those and adding to the trash either. Much more comfortable than the paper ones. You can pick out some fun colors or prints too. I've also sold a few here and there too. Give them a try, it's the only way you'll know. Don't know about DD though, mine thought they were too gross to try. |
User: CarolWI
Member since: 04-03-2003 Total posts: 33 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 07-31-2007, 08:02 PM (5 of 21)
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There's a giant thread on craftster on this topic: DIY Cloth Pads Tutorial (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=18462.0) -- the first page has the tutorial, but as you can see there are 67 (!) pages of discussion after so if you're looking for ideas you might page through there. I've thought about making some for myself to use at least at home last year when I was having some chaffing issues with regular pads (sorry if that's TMI!). DH is pretty understanding about such things, so I don't think he would mind as long as I didn't leave them hanging out on the towel racks or something.  But I'm a little put off at the concept of soaking them. What do you do for this, Carol, if you don't mind me asking? It seems like that would be the most cumbersome part of it. I've also considered a menstrual cup (DivaCup or the Keeper) for both the environmental and comfort issues, but it also doesn't seem very convenient for when you're out of the house. There was also some concern back in the 70's about endometriosis being related to menstrual cups, but there was never really convincing evidence to back that up from what I could find. I'm considering getting a Mirena IUD sometime in the not too distant future, and the cups can actually make the IUD come out if you get too much suction...that's kind of a scary thought, so I'll wait until I make up my mind about the IUD before I get one, I guess. Anyway, Bama, it would be pretty cheap and easy to give it a try! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
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From: Bama
Date: 07-31-2007, 08:35 PM (6 of 21)
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Kaitlyn, The lady on this site says she does not soak them. http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/organiccotton/clothpads.html I also read somewhere to use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. Thanks for the craftster link! |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Bama
Date: 07-31-2007, 08:37 PM (7 of 21)
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Don't know about DD though, mine thought they were too gross to try. I'm afraid my dd will think the same thing. Maybe I can convince her to try them at night. I told a 20-something yr old friend of mine about them and she wants me to make a couple for her to try. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: PaulineG
Date: 07-31-2007, 09:40 PM (8 of 21)
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I've been seriously thinking about this myself. Mostly my skin is pretty tough but I'm sensitive to purchased pads (there's only one or two I can use), have to use hypo allergenic tp and there's only a few soaps I can use as well. Only thing is will the benefits be erased by the chemicals I'll need to use to clean them. It's like coming full circle really - women used fabric pads for years and years - and nobody thought anything of it then. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Bama
Date: 07-31-2007, 11:15 PM (9 of 21)
I read recently that the materials used to make disposable pads are not sterilized.  Reading that is pushing me more to give it a try.And Pauline, think about the chemicals and chlorine used to make those disposable pads. Eww. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: MTjumpnJX
Date: 08-01-2007, 01:10 AM (10 of 21)
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Seven years ago I made my own. I used flannel, dish cloths, wash cloths, hand towels, bath towels & old baby diapers. I cut them into rectangles to the size & thickness that works for me. I only use them at home. At work where would you dispose of them? I always get chafed on the store bought ones. They are rarely in the right spot to protect your panties. I store the pads, period panties & baby wipes in a pretty pillowcase in the bathroom under the sink. Used pads go into a Ziploc bag till there are 4-6 & get washed with bleach & other white clothes. Hope this helps....... |
User: MTjumpnJX
Member since: 05-17-2007 Total posts: 29 |
From: Magot
Date: 08-01-2007, 03:00 AM (11 of 21)
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Kailinnegan - my daughter uses a mooncup and says it is great - no problems out of the house as you don't actually lose that much - she did discover the hard way that handstands whilst wearing one are not a good idea. There was a post here some years ago on this subject ut it probably got lost when the boards went. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: SandyGirl
Date: 08-01-2007, 07:08 AM (12 of 21)
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Our grandmothers or even great grandmothers would be so envious! And proud!!who knew??? I have never, ever thought of doing these but you have gotten me thinking. One question, how do they stay in place? Did I miss something on the flaps?? Velcro? Wow! I can't believe that we are even talking about this. No, I am not a prude, just intrigued, seriously, with the idea of making these. sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: CarolWI
Date: 08-01-2007, 09:30 AM (13 of 21)
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As far as how I wash them. I don't need them for menstrual flow anymore so they just get the daily "dirt" on them and just go in the laundry with everything else just like your underwear. Before I did use to keep a pail of some kind to throw them in to soak and then in a day or two washed them with the regular wash. I tried making them with stitching down the middle but it was through all the layers and just seemed to make a place for the leakage to go through because of the holes caused by stitching. I have also used DH old T-shirts cut up for the inside as it is cotton to absorb and not bulky. Carol |
User: CarolWI
Member since: 04-03-2003 Total posts: 33 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-01-2007, 09:39 AM (14 of 21)
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Oh yuck. I'm glad I'm just about finished with all that before I would feel guilty about the environment. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 08-01-2007, 02:00 PM (15 of 21)
Aww, Dorothy, you won't be joining us in the menstrual pits?  Sandy, most of the designs I've seen have snaps so they just go around the crotch of your panties, but there's nothing attaching them in place there. It seems like most people don't have a bit problem with them moving around too much, but I suppose if you wanted you could "customize" a set of panties with velcro so it could be attached more securely. I just love the internet, where we can talk freely about such sensitive issues. 
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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From: lendube
Date: 08-01-2007, 03:03 PM (16 of 21)
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I don't like polluting the environment either. Aren't there pads made from recycled materials that are all natural and earth friendly? I bet if I looked online I could find them, or at Trader Joe's, Henry's, etc. Now that I'd be up for. Been dealing with the monthy thing since I was 10 and I'm 51 now with no signs of it EVER stopping. Guess I should consider going eco-friendly, it could still be a while.  Going back to bloody rags in a bucket? I don't think so....... I do admire all of you for your willingness to try it though. I don't have sensitivity issues but I do understand that motivation. Good luck but don't count me in.  Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 08-01-2007, 04:29 PM (17 of 21)
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Ya know, I have to agree with L. above.....my DH would not put up with a pail filled with these and frankly, I pollute the environment in so many other ways, what is one more!! Ladies, glad you found a solution! Hopefully, I won't be wasting the $$ for too many years..but for now......alas! sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: EmaCon
Date: 08-01-2007, 04:34 PM (18 of 21)
| I'll stick to tampons. I'll help save the environment some other way. |
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-01-2007, 04:36 PM (19 of 21)
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Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 08-01-2007, 05:22 PM (20 of 21)
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I'm with you Emacon! I used cloth diapers for my first 3 & always hated having that bucket in the room. I know my DD(15) wouldn't go for it even though she wants to be an environmentalist. But I say for those of you comfortable with it go for it!!!
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 08-01-2007, 05:30 PM (21 of 21)
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I always thought tampons weren't as bad as pads if you use the kind with the cardboard applicator since they are biodegradable. I wonder how long a pad lasts in a landfill... Unfortunately tampons don't really work well for me, plus I'm kind of paranoid about toxic shock.
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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