How to Make Your Own Menstrual Pads

Cloth pads are far better for the environment and for your skin than commercial, disposable brands. Although you can buy your own cloth pads from various sources, they can be a bit expensive and you may prefer to make your own. They are not difficult and all you really need is a basic knowledge of sewing.

First, you will want to take a store bought pad with wings and trace around it on a piece of paper. This will be your first pattern. You can adjust it later if you need to. To finish the pattern up, add a ¼" seam allowance around the edge. If you want to add a pocket in the back of your pad, you will want to also create another pattern piece, using just half the existing pattern, cutting it lengthwise and adding the seam allowance down the middle.

Now, assemble your fabrics. You will need three or four layers of terry towel, cut in a long oval to fit the center of your pad, between seam allowances. Cut one of your regular pattern out of a colorful flannel fabric, this will be the top part of the pad. Cut two of the half patterns from the same fabric to make the bottom. You will also need another piece of flannel, it can be plain or decorated, as it will be inside the pad and never seen.

Sew the toweling to the center of the plain flannel and then place the top piece of colored flannel on top, with the print facing up. You may tack these two pieces together with a running stitch, if you like.

Next, hem the flat side of the two half pieces and place them face down on top of the main piece which you have already assembled. The two halves should overlap slightly. Now it is just a matter of sewing around the outline of the pad and turning it right side out. You will now have a handmade cloth menstrual pad, with a pocket in the back.

To finish everything up and make it neat, top stitch the pad around the edges, about ¼" in from the edge. Add Velcro tabs or a snap to the wings and you can easily attach it to your underwear. For extra absorption, make a handful of extra terry towel inserts and simply pop them into the pocket when needed.

Cloth pads are not only great for saving the environment, you also save money and your skin will thank you. These pads can be washed like any other garment, in your washing machine and you can change the pattern to fit your body exactly for maximum leak protection.