Making Your Own Sanitary Pads

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Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« on: April 13, 2006, 09:47:00 PM » by konk

Erica, those look great and are exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, I can't justify the cost at this time. Yes, I realize in the long run you save money but sometimes the money isn't there for the up front cost, especially for myself and 2 daughters.

Does anyone have directions on making something similar? I do sew.

I think if I went this route a big plastic bowl with a lid under the sink with suds and germicide would be sufficient if I could keep my son from being nosey!

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2006, 12:12:12 PM » by ecajean

Quote from: konk on April 13, 2006, 09:47:00 PM

Does anyone have directions on making something similar? I do sew.

Oh do I ever! Here are a few links.

Pocket style:
http://pacificcoast.net/~manymoons/howto.html
http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm

All-in-One style:
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/PADS.html

I'm having trouble finding more. I've emailed a couple of people to see if I can get more! I KNOW I've seen plenty around. There are also several patterns for purchase, just google "mama pad patterns" and you'll get plenty. But I'm trying to find free ones to down load for you...

Also email me ecajean@snuggleyou.com if you need a source for Hemp or Organic fabric...I happen to "know" someone Wink

. Or if you don't have a snap press...

~Erica

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2006, 12:36:12 PM » by Lanie

A few years ago I found a company that sells natural menstrual products and for $6 she'll mail you an actual pattern that worked great for me and I don't sew much. I am very petite at barely 5'2 and had to adjust the size of the pad so it was a bit more comfortable and you may have to do that for you and/or your girls. I use all sorts of beautiful patterned flannel to make mine and they are soft and very absorbent. I don't know how terry works as an insert because I don't have a serger and haven't been able to successfully make one with my machine (or maybe it's my limited knowledge of sewing), so I just use a triple layer of flannel for the inserts.
Now, the company is extremely earthy and new-age-y so I just ignored most of what I read. I think most of them are, but I thought I'd tell you anyway.
EarthMamaGoods.com

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2007, 08:46:10 AM » by momof6

Ok, so I thought I was a weirdo for using cloth instead of disposable sanitary pads! Glad to know I'm not alone. Does anyone know of a pattern which is really easy (I'm not a great seamstress)? I presently use long cloth diapers, just the thick foldables I got years ago at Walmart. I'm actually content with them, but am willing to try something else more contoured. I use Motherease diapers for my 2 babes, so doing laundry very often is not a problem.

Can I just say THANK YOU for this website?! I am finding out so much!!

momof6

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2007, 08:56:25 AM » by ladyhen

Okay, momof6, I prefer to NOT think of myself as a weirdo in spite of all the evidence to the contrary! LOL Cheesy

I think the pattern that Many Moons Alternatives has on the web for free download is pretty good. I prefer to round the edges for a more tapered shape. I don't know the web address, but a search should show it.
I completely agree about the laundry thing! After doing cloth diapers for 5 children, I don't think the sanitary napkins are too big a deal.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2007, 09:36:00 AM » by ~CKMom~

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm

Hopefully this link works. This site has a great pattern for making them, and good practical ideas for taking care of them.

This website cracks me up. If you had told me a year ago that I would be using cloth pads, I would have said, "Ewww!" (That coming from a nurse!) I have resisted this for awhile, but I kept coming back to these cloth sanitary product threads. And, for the first time this month, I've joined "The Club"! I truly am amazed at how much more comfortable I feel. I wish I hadn't waited so long!

I have to be honest though ... I don't think coffee enemas are in my future anytime soon!

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2007, 01:57:14 PM » by momof6

Thanks for the websites! I'm heading there now. And no, I never thought I'd go for cloth years ago either, but I've stepped outside the box.....and am loving it!!!

I'm a former RN! ha!

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Sheri

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2007, 03:56:04 PM » by homesteadmommy

I was all excited about making my own pads and sewed a small stack. I was so disappointed when I had my period and I could barely wear one for 1/2 hour without soaking through. I guess that I need to put a waterproof layer in. Any suggestions on what would be good material for that?

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2007, 05:26:40 PM » by Naomismama

The pattern I used suggested cutting the bottem layer out of a water proof crib pad. Or if you make your own diapers and have some PUL lying around that would probably work too. I found those crib pads at the thrift store and used that. I just made them a few months ago but am still nursing and haven't gotten a period so can't say from experience that it works reat but I would think that it would. HTH!

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2007, 07:08:20 PM » by SC

I found a wonderful site with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own pads. I thought I'd post it here if anyone might be able to use them.
http://www.diapersewing.com/

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #10 on: January 12, 2008, 06:00:40 PM » by KJB1611

I am working on making some of my own cloth ones for after my baby is born. I have wanted cloth ones forever but haven't had a sewing machine to make them or the money to buy them. Now I have a machine and I think it would be a good "learn to sew" project. I'm using the Hillbilly Housewife pattern, just because it is the one my friend showed me how to do.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #11 on: January 12, 2008, 07:59:01 PM » by blackbird

I am making some using the Hillbilly Housewife pattern too, but I am turning and topstitching because it looks nicer. Also, I am cutting out one oval of rubberized cotton? (lap/mattress protectors/pads) to put on the bottom as a waterproof layer. No sewing required for the waterproof part. I plan on just using a safety pin for the wings. I have a few more inserts and a couple more pads to sew up and I will be ready for that postpartum time.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #12 on: January 13, 2008, 11:52:50 AM » by healthybratt

Quote from: LKS on January 12, 2008, 08:58:39 PM

I am intrigued. I could do the ice cream bucket under the sink. I think Wink

. I am off to look at patterns. Where did you get your pattern from HB?
LKS

I took out my favorite disposable and drew around it and modified to my satisfaction, adding seam allowances and using this site for a guide and instructions. I did not use the 3rd piece of flannel as suggested, only a top (1 piece) and bottom (2 pieces) and 2 layers of terry cut from an old bath towel. Just a heads up, if you're using a sewing machine and making seams to turn to the inside, you might want to cut your towel pieces smaller than what you really want as they tend to stretch more than the flannel will allow and it will give you less seem allowance or it will bunch up.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2008, 04:45:17 PM » by blondiegreen

For those of you who sew cloth pads, can you just use microfleece as the backing and still not have leak issues? I hope that makes sense. Or do you still need to add a layer of PUL?
I was thinking of making a pocket style with just microfleece and then having flannel inserts.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #14 on: May 15, 2008, 10:20:31 PM » by born-an-okie

Just thought I'd post this neat website I found last night for those who make their own cloth pads, or would like to.
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/PADS.html
The pattern at the bottom of the page is the one I think is really cool. Simple and cheap! I've been working on sewing my own pads this week (finding time is hard). I made a few a while back, but I've wanted to make changes to them for a while. I must have heavier cycles, 'cause just fleece backed pads aren't enough for me. I'm trying some PUL to fix the problem, but it is tricky to work with. I have already come up with my own design, but I'll probably try to make some like on this website and see how I like them as well.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #15 on: May 20, 2008, 10:07:40 AM » by DHW

Quote from: thus_I_fight on May 20, 2008, 09:45:56 AM

The thin ones were just four layers of flannel (these bunch up more, though)

Could you stitch several lines across the pad an inch or so apart to keep the layers from bunching?

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #16 on: May 20, 2008, 12:18:43 PM » by mexmarr

I want to start using cloth after this baby is born. I don't have too long to wait, since I alwys start back after 5-6 weeks. I've toyed with the idea of trying to make some myself with the sewing machine sitting on m lap. But that might be a little hard to try on bedrest, lol. Myabe I'll get a friend to help.

How many layers would you use if you were going to cut a used towel for the inside and receiving blankets for the outside? (for AIOs) My flow is medium.

I don't have a snap press, but wings are essential. What would you use? I've seen individual snaps that you hand stitch on. What about velcro? Or just safety pins?

OTOH, where is the cheapest place to buy good ones? I want to compare options, but can't afford to spend much. What is I can get by with?

Is it worth trying to make PP pads, as that is such a short time, and I probably wouldn't be able to use PP during my regular flow very well. I don't like big and bulky if I don't need it, and I don't want to "waste" too much fabric that could be used for fegular ones.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #17 on: May 20, 2008, 12:34:36 PM » by thus_I_fight

Quote from: DHW on May 20, 2008, 10:07:40 AM

Quote from: thus_I_fight on May 20, 2008, 09:45:56 AM

The thin ones were just four layers of flannel (these bunch up more, though)

Could you stitch several lines across the pad an inch or so apart to keep the layers from bunching?

It's not the layers that bunch; it's the whole pad. They're so thin, they don't stay in place as well as the thicker pads. But, since I only use these on really light days, it's not much of a problem.

As for leaking, they do if I don't check them on heavy days. But I usually use the bathroom often enough to keep an eye on whether they need to be changed. For added peace of mind, you can include a waterproof fabric under the terry layers. Waterproof fabric (PUL) can be purchased, but I'm all for doing things as cheaply as possible. You can cut up an old waterproof changing pad, or crib pad. If I did that, though, I might leave out one of the layers of terry, or leave out the bottom layer of flannel. I don't know if my sewing machine could handle that thick of a pad!

When I made these, I made three different kinds. The light ones had four layers of flannel. The medium had eight layers. And the heavy days ones had the two layers of terry. My favorites are the terry. They are thicker, but they absorb so much better, and stay in place.

And, I agree with Roehrmomma. On heavy flow days I use two thicker pads at night, in snug-fitting undies. They work fine.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #18 on: May 20, 2008, 12:43:26 PM » by ladyhen

Quote from: mexmarr on May 20, 2008, 12:18:43 PM

Did you look at the pattern on the hillbillyhousewife site? That is the basic pattern that I use and it's pretty easy to make. I have been making the liners with 3 or 4 layers of towel, but I have thin towels. If the pads are too thick it is more difficult to get them clean and dry. If more protection is needed, then just add another liner. I still haven't gotten around to putting the snaps on and my girls aren't complaining about the safety pins -- so.... Wink

For postpartum, couldn't you just use a couple of pads and extra liners? Either that or do like I did -- folded washcloths. They work really well and it was easy to wash them out and toss them into the diaper pail to be washed with diapers.

You will probably find that you have much less bleeding with cloth.

For buying them already made, I would recommend Lotions & Notions. There is a link at the top of this webpage advertising them as having 'cloth alternatives'. Wonderful company with products made by sweet stay-at-home moms.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #19 on: May 20, 2008, 12:56:03 PM » by thus_I_fight

I'll re-post this link that was posted here earlier. At the bottom of the page is a super-simple pattern that uses a washcloth and two layers of flannel. When you use it you just fold it in thirds, and they dry much faster than the multi-layer ones I made. And, they have tabs and snaps! So these may be more what you're looking for.

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/PADS.html

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"I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills." Habakkuk 3:19

Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #20 on: May 20, 2008, 01:29:55 PM » by LKS

Mexmarr,
I made some using old towels & receiving blankets & I just use a safety pin. All in all I am very happy w/ them but I need to buy/make more.

LKS

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #21 on: May 20, 2008, 02:01:20 PM » by Sparkys9

Mexmarr,
I used the Hillbilly Housewife pattern for pp pads. I just added 2" to both ends. Worked great, no leaks. I never have put snaps on so, they're just pinned. It's never bothered me and I'm sort of....plump. Roll Eyes

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #22 on: May 20, 2008, 04:07:25 PM » by jenibee

Hey, look at this pattern !

I went to Wally World today and picked up some cloth, and these are the ones I'm making for myself. The directions aren't completely clear - I had to reread it twice - but now that I've got it figured out, it looks super simple to make. Whaddaya think?!

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #23 on: May 20, 2008, 04:52:06 PM » by herbs girl

Jenibee, all the patterns are kinda neat really! Thanks for posting the link!

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #24 on: May 20, 2008, 05:01:29 PM » by freshisbest

p.s. yes, like someone said above, I too have used washcloths.

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #25 on: May 20, 2008, 11:08:50 PM » by MommyGus

Quote from: freshisbest on May 20, 2008, 05:01:29 PM

p.s. yes, like someone said above, I too have used washcloths.

I do this too and it works great for me. I made myself some, and I like them, but I don't have enough of those, and haven't gotten around to making more yet, so in a pinch one day I used some old dishtowels, and it worked as well or better. So those dishtowels are now "mommy's dishtowels" and the kids know that they don't go in the kitchen any more

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #26 on: May 21, 2008, 07:01:10 AM » by lovingmomof2

Okay, I have finally decided. I am going to make my own before next month. Grin

Here is what I plan on doing. I am going to make 4 pads , long (night time) and 2 regular. I am going to make several liners, I am thinking layer of flannel, layer of terry, layer of flannel. I haven't quite decided over snaps or velcro, but am leaning towards the velcro; I think it would be easier. I would put the velcro on the bottom of the liner and on the top of the pad that way I can put the liner on top of the pad and it won't slip or fall out. What do y'all think? Any suggestions?

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #27 on: May 21, 2008, 10:40:18 AM » by girly

Quote from: lovingmomof2 on May 21, 2008, 07:01:10 AM

Okay, I have finally decided. I am going to make my own before next month. Grin

I really like the idea of velcro - I've thought about that myself. I have never had anyone seem interested in it so I've not tried it but I've thought about it several times. Good luck making your pads

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #28 on: May 21, 2008, 11:03:11 AM » by herbalmom

I thought about Velcro but kinda gave up on the idea- if things ever do slip around the hook side of Velcro could be rather painful rubbing where it shouldn't. Shocked

Also, if it did happen to get 'gooky' it seems like it would e much harder to clean, esp the loop side, than snaps. If you do use Velcro I would be sure to put the hook side facing away from the body. Just my .02. Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Making Your Own Sanitary Pads
« Reply #29 on: May 21, 2008, 12:17:26 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: girly on May 21, 2008, 10:40:18 AM

Quote from: lovingmomof2 on May 21, 2008, 07:01:10 AM

Okay, I have finally decided. I am going to make my own before next month. Grin

If you get velcro I highly recommend that you use circles and not rectangles or squares. The disposables I used to buy had squares and the corners used to poke me in the legs - owie. Shocked

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