Eve's Treasures™

Cloth for Mama

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. ~ Proverbs 31:10

Simple sewing directions for cloth menstrual pads

The easiest way to make them is to cut rectangles of 100% cotton flannel (double napped, preferably unbleached and/or organic - but I know some of you won't care - actually a hemp/ organic cotton blend is best,) approx. the length of the pads you are used to, and 8 times as wide. (For regular size, cut rectangle about 28" x 9-10". You can go a bit trimmer or wider, or longer if you desire. A larger woman may prefer 11".) Serge or hem all edges. To use fold in half, then half again, and then a third time. Neither "sticky" nor plastic is needed. When you wear these, the nap of the flannel will keep them from slipping, but if you are concerned about security you can sew on a couple of strips of narrow velcro, grip side. Figure the position with the pad folded, then unfold and sew on. To use, fold and position so these "catch" in your underwear. If you don't use the velcro, just position. If you are worried about leak through, see last paragraph below. It would be a little trickier to do on these foldable pads, but possible.

I prefer a style that requires just a little more sewing. I cut mine aprox. 18-20" x 13.5", then fold in half to make a 9-10" x 13.5" rectangle. Round the two raw corners. Serge the cut edges together. Stitch two rows across the rectangle, each about 1/3 in from the edge, so the layers don't slip. Fold these in 1/4ths (twice the same direction, to make 9-10"x 3.5") to use. For a heavier pad sandwich a layer in the middle part - 4-6" x 6.75", be sure to catch this middle layer in sewing your 2 rows across the rectangle.

These "foldables" are easier to make, come cleaner, and dry faster than an enlongated oval pad (below) and are easier to use than a 2 or 3 piece "winged" cover with inserts that you have to "stuff". But I've given those options below for those that think they'd prefer a different design.

For panty-liners use 4 elongated oval layers, aprox. 2.5" x 6.5" (or a little larger, depending on your size,) serged together. I've also made larger ones like this, but the "foldables" above are easier to make, and dry quicker than the several layers (8) needed for a straight oval regular pad. You can also shape the regular ovals into an hourglass (thinner middle) for more comfort, if you desire. Some use terry cloth for the inner layers, but that is even slower drying. If you're worried about leak through (you shouldn't be) you can put a layer of soft wool, (my recommendation - or, not my recommendation, micro-fleece or PUL) on the underside.