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The HBHW Recommends
Homemade Sanitary Pads
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I learned about homemade cloth menstrual pads on a Christian Ladies’ message board in 2002. I had just been diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. Some of my symptoms were heavy, irregular and painful menses which left me feeling very much like the Woman in the New Testament with the issue of blood who touched Jesus’s garment to be healed. I even joked that I had periods of biblical proportions. Financially, we were in a tough spot at the time. Making decisions between groceries or sanitary pads is not a pleasant place to be so I was tickled when another mom shared a link to homemade pads. I ran some simple ones up on my sewing machine that day and have pretty much been a convert ever since.
Before the 20th Century, most women used cloth pads or “rags” during their menstruation. Disposable pads didn’t become common in America until after WW II. Among rural and low-income women they didn’t catch on until the 1960’s. As with diapers, there have always been people who prefer cloth to disposable. Disposable pads do not biodegrade very quickly. Plastic diapers and sanitary napkins are likely to be two of the most common artifacts that future archaeologists will find when excavating landfills from the 20 and 21 Centuries. I wonder what kind of commentary this will be on our present lifestyles? Only time will tell.
Outer Pad with Wings
Cut 2 with flap extended & 1 on fold with flap closed
Inner Pad
Cut 2 of flannel and 1 or 2 of filling or more flannel
Printing Instructions: Set Margins to 0.25 or 1/4 inch each.
To make your own sanitary napkins you need the following supplies: 
- A sewing machine with a zigzag stitch.
- Flannel: Old flannel shirts & baby blankets work beautifully but new flannel works fine too. Be sure to wash it in hot water before using to prevent shrinkage.
- Thread
- Snaps or Safety Pins
- Scissors
The Outer Pad
Begin by printing both of the patterns and cutting them out. The Inner Pad is a large oval. The Outer Pad is actually 2 patterns in 1. With the long straight side extended, it is the topside. You will need to cut 2 of these. With the long straight side folded in, it is the bottom side. Place the straight edge on a fold of fabric and cut 1 of these. Look at the pictures for examples. 
Make 1/2-inch hem down the long straight side of each of the 2 top pieces. Straight stitch or zigzag stitch this hem, as you prefer. Now arrange the 2 upper layers of the outer pad over the lower layer. The front hems should overlap slightly, or by about 1/2-inch.
Zigzag stitch around the outside twice. If desired you may straight stitch down the dotted lines shown on the picture to the right. This allows the inner pad to fit more securely inside the outer pad and also makes folding the wings a bit handier.
Some women apply a snap or button to the wings at this time. Place them at points “A” in the illustration. Velcro is not advisable because it has a tendency to chafe. Personally, I don’t <
like
to go through all the work of applying snaps or buttons so I use a safety pin instead. Large diaper safety pins work beautifully for pinning the wings together. To the right you will see a picture of the pad pinned closed. The wings fit around your underwear just like disposable pads with wings. Some women wear the pad with the pocket seam facing down, next to their underwear. Other women prefer the pad placed with the seam-side next to their skin. Try it both ways to see which you prefer.
The Inner Pad
The inner pad is the absorbent part of the sanitary napkin. It slips inside the pocket of the pad. The beauty of this is that you can use as many inner pads as necessary for the rate of your flow. During heavy times, or overnight, use 3 or 4 Inner pads. For a lighter flow use only 1 Inner pad. For a panty liner, use the outer pad without an inner pad. The reason you use several layers instead of 1 very thick layer is because several thinner layers are easier to wash and have a shorter drying time. Additionally, the many exterior surfaces of the pad layers makes them more absorbent than a single thick pad would be. 
For the inner pad you want to cut at least 3 layers, maybe 4, depending on the thickness of your fabric. Use the same pattern for all of the layers. 
Use flannel for the 2 exterior layers of the inner pad. Use 1 or 2 layers of flannel or terry cloth, cotton quilt batting or another absorbent material for the interior layers of the inner pad. I used old flannel shirts, a flannel baby blanket and an old towel for my fabric. The towel was ripped and had a few holes. I used it as the interior layer of my inner pads. The flannel baby blanket was the exterior of the inner pads, and the flannel shirt was the outer pad, the part with wings.
After cutting out your layers for the inner pad stack them neatly. Zigzag stitch around the edges twice. Trim the edges if desired. I used dark thread in the picture so you could see it against the light flannel. Make 2 of these inner pads for each outer pad. They are very easy to cut and stitch, so you may want to make a few extras for heavy days.
After completing each part of the pad, slip the inner pad inside the pocket of the outer pad. Pin it in place and see how it feels. You will be surprised at how comfortable it is.
Washing and Maintenance
When you make your own pads you have to wash them instead of tossing them into the garbage. Keep a small bucket of water with a lid in the bathroom, preferably out of the reach of children and pets. Add a spoonful of vinegar if desired. Remove the inner pad from the outer pad. Soak the used pads in the bucket of water. Drain the water into the toilet before washing the pads. The water can also be used to water house plants because they like all the extra vitamins and minerals. Make sure you use cold water so that the stains will come out. I wash every morning. Some women stash all of the used pads in a pillowcase or plastic bag and wash them all at once when their period is over. I don’t do this because I have a washer in the house and I find it more sanitary to wash them every day. They can drip dry or machine dry.
If you do not have a washing machine, then they may be washed by hand. Run cold water over them in the bathtub to remove most of the blood. Place the pads in a medium bucket or tub. Add a little soap and cold water. Using a clean plunger, plunge the pads until they are as clean as you can get them. Plunge for a good 10 minutes for the best results. Rinse the pads well and squeeze them dry. Hang each pad by it’s own clothespin and they should dry pretty fast, even in the winter.
If you like, you can iron the pads, but do not use starch on them. Be careful not to use fabric softener either because it will make them less absorbent.
A No-Sew Alternative
If your sewing skills are lacking, or you simply do not want to go through the trouble of sewing your own pads you can try this instead. Purchase absorbent terry-cloth dishtowels. Wash them before using. Fold them into rectangles about 3 or 4-inches by 10 or 12 inches. Use safety pins to pin them into your underwear at both narrow ends (the front and the back). These are a bit bulkier than home-sewn pads. They are quite comfortable though, and are a legitimate alternative. They may be washed the same as home-sewn pads. I’ve also seen washcloths recommended. Fold them into thirds, or quarters (long ways) and fit them into your underwear. Apparently they stay in place without pinning because of the friction between the terry-cloth and underwear. For heavier flows fold together 2 or more wash cloths.
About Fabrics
When I made these, I used fabrics I already had in the house. You may purchase new fabric instead if you like. Use a sturdy double-napped flannel if you go this route. It will last the longest and give you the best results. Cotton quilt batting is very nice filler, but you can also use additional flannel, which is less expensive. Wash everything before cutting or sewing. Flannel will shrink. After sewing, wash the pads again before using. This helps them hold their shape better. Men’s flannel shirts and flannel baby blankets make excellent flannel for your own menstrual pads. They can sometimes be found for 25¢ or 50¢ a piece at yard sales, which makes pads very cheap to sew at home. Brightly colored fabric is less likely to show stains than solid colored or light fabric is. I prefer to use patterns and dark colors for this reason.
About the Pattern
I created this pattern free hand after measuring commercially available, disposable pads. My pattern is a little bit wider and longer than some patterns available on the Internet. This is to accommodate the average woman, who is a size 14 or larger. Standard pads and liners are created for a size-6 woman. Pads made from this pattern are less likely to leak because they are large enough to fit properly. If you are a smaller woman, or prefer slightly smaller pads, there are several other patterns available online. You will find them linked below.
Note: Some of the sites may refer to ideas you do not agree with. Please overlook anything you find offensive and focus on the useful information instead.
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Natural Choices |
Cloth Menstrual Pads |
Instructions for Cloth Menstrual Pads |
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Frugal Baby Pattern |
Museum of Menstruation or MUM |
Okay, But EEEwww . . .
I’ll admit, many people have this reaction the first time they consider homemade pads. It is weird. We never see anything about it on television so that’s the first sign that it’s NOT socially acceptable. Sewing and using homemade pads seems like something that only weird-os and freaks do, probably off in the woods somewhere, or maybe a nice cave in the wilderness where they can commune with nature and get in touch with the moon. Nice women would never use homemade pads. After all, your hands get wet and you have to touch your own body fluids which is kinda gross. Plus you have that icky bucket in the bathroom so everyone knows that you’re up to something sneaky. The whole idea is enough to make some women vomit and make some men run for cover in a sweaty, testosterone filled locker room.
Believe me, I sympathize. I had to get used to the idea before I became a convert. For some women the conversion process happens overnight. For others of us, it takes time. We have to go slow, talk it over with other women, learn a lot more about it, and try it secretly to see if it really does work (it does). If we have always hated pads, then homemade ones may seem like an even more uncomfortable way of dealing with a monthly necessity. Everyone may say cloth pads are more comfortable, but just because it works for them, doesn’t mean it will be the same for us. Besides, the bucket in the bathroom is just tooooo gross. And what if the husband sees them and laughs at them or thinks that we’ve lost our minds. What if the mother in law visits and sees the bucket and we have to explain it to her, or a visiting preacher’s wife, or worse yet, the Preacher?!!! Gee whiz, it all becomes such a statement, and honestly, this is not the type of statement that most of us want to make to the world.
Relax. Take a deep breath. It is less weird than it seems at first glance. Think about women from the past. Our hearty ancestors who pioneered this country; while they rode their covered wagons west, what did they use every month? What did Native American women use back when they owned the continent? What about Eve and her daughters? What did Sarah use? Well, Sarah was barren, so maybe she didn’t need them. But what about other women in the bible? Give it some deep thought. Queens and peasants, Pilgrims and Puritans, they all have one thing in common. They had to use something to catch their monthly flow. If you visit the Museum of Menstruation, you’ll discover all types of articles that inventive women have used over the years. Absorbent sea sponges and baby socks have been used as tampons. Animal fur, dried plant fibers, and various types of cloth have been used for pads.
The truth of the matter is that cloth pads are not weird. Disposable ones are. Disposable pads and tampons have been commonplace for less than 50 years. This means that pretty much all of the women who are currently menstruating have only been exposed to disposable choices for their monthlies. Pads or tampons seem to be the only option. This is very much a comment on our current society. We use everything once and then toss it away. Disposable feminine hygiene products are a big scam perpetrated by manufacturers who want to keep us on a leash so we have to keep buying their products. They are making as much as TEN to TWENTY Thousand dollars per woman over her lifetime. If you think of the millions of women in the USA alone, the profits are staggering!
At heart, I am a rebel. One of my goals in life is to be dependent upon as few manufactured products as possible. My life and my money are more valuable than that. My freedom is more valuable than that. I will not give myself over to disposable pads if there is a free or cheap alternative that gives ME control over my budget and my body. Modern consumerism is a crock. It is an illusion that makes us feel like we have a semblance of power over our lives, but really it’s just newspeak for letting commercialism and it’s attending obsessions consume us. Extricating ourselves from consumerism is frightfully difficult. The strings and layers it encompasses are sneaky little buggers that are hidden in all aspects of our lives. One of the ways that we can achieve more personal freedom and attain genuine control over our circumstances is to snip those strings every time we find a self-sufficient alternative. For me, this means turning to cloth pads exclusively.
I would rather get my hands wet than give Corporate America one more ounce of control over my budget or even more importantly, my body. There are so many things I have to buy that when I find something I can make for myself, it is reason for rejoicing.
Which brings us back to that bucket. An ice cream bucket with a lid works great. I keep mine under the bathroom sink so it’s not a topic of conversation. Most women keep their disposable products in the bathroom, and the bucket is the same thing. Stash it in a private place and don’t give it a second thought. When I drain the bucket in the mornings, I do it in the bathroom while I’m already in there and no one is the wiser. As I start the first load of laundry for the day, I dump the rinsed pads in there and they wash up with whatever else is in the laundry. The wet pads cannot contaminate the other clothes in the washer. Dirty clothes are dirty clothes. Mud, dust, grime, dishcloths that have been used on bloody noses, rags used to wipe up the floor, it all comes out in the wash. The clothes in the washer are getting clean and one type of dirt will not give cooties to another type of dirt. After the washer has run it’s cycle, all the laundry is clean and ready to start its life anew, sort of a fabric version of baptism.
I live in a house with boys. They are blissfully unconscious of what the bucket is for. They don’t even ask. When they help fold the laundry, they just put the clean pads in the “Mommy Pile” and assume it is part of the world of women that they don’t want to know about. When the boys were younger, and I had to wash my pads by hand with a clean plunger, I did it in the bathroom as part of normal, daily chores. They had no idea and no care what I was doing in there. I could have been cleaning the tub or the sink or the toilet as far as they were concerned. It was all the same thing to them. Now that they are older, and one is a teenager, they have chosen blissful ignorance about my pads. Sometimes I have dried them by hanging them individually on a string strung up in the shower. I close the shower curtain and the boys ignore them completely, the same way they ignore my bras and frillies when I hang them up to dry. Fred doesn’t even notice the pads anymore, or if he does, they are just a normal part of married life. He is married to a woman, and therefore there are feminine details he must get used to and accommodate.
When I must travel a lot during my period, I bring a few plastic zipper bags to store any used ones until I get a chance to wash them. In hotels they are easily washed by hand and dried by laying them over the tub, or for the more adventurous, by laying them over the heater in the room. Fresh pads can be stored in zipper bags and used as needed. Once we grow accustomed to the idea of using cloth pads, it seems like such a normal part of life, that the details become irrelevant. The details of brushing our teeth or washing our hair are mundane. No one is interested in them and we do them without a second thought. Cloth pads are the same way. Once we get into the cloth pad zone, it becomes abundantly clear that they are the best solution available. Our first thought may be “Ewww!” but our final thought is “Aaahhh!”
The Story Of The Woman With The Issue Of Blood
Mark 5:25-34
(25) And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
(26) And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
(27) When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
(28) For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
(29) And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
(30) And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
(31) And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
(32) And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
(33) But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
(34) And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
This article may be copied or linked to as desired. Please include a link back to hillbillyhousewife.com. The patterns I made are placed firmly in the public domain. They are not copyrighted and can be used however you see fit, even to sew and sell in your own home business.
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78 Responses to “Homemade Sanitary Pads”
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Website & Graphics by ccd
May 5th, 2009 at 12:18 am
I ENJOYED THIS WEBSITE VERY MUCH AS I HAVE A LEACKAGE PROBABLEM AND I USE AT LEAST 24 PADS A WEEK SO THIS WILL HELP I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO CHECKING OUT THE REST OF YOUR WEBSITE. THANK YOU CAROLYN TEXAS
May 5th, 2009 at 1:27 am
I am too sewing-challenged to make my own pads, but I found a source for cotton pads and ordered them by mail some 20 years ago, because I was much more grossed out by the idea of filling a landfill with tampons and sanitary pads, than I was by cotton pads. I used the same 8 or 10 pads for more than 10 years, until menopause, and they lasted just fine. Then I used the old pads (bleached) for cleaning, polishing furniture, etc., until they finally wore down to shreds and I had to throw them away.
One cool thing about “the bucket” that I’d like to pass on to others is that the rinse water can be recycled too! Just dilute it with a little extra water and use it to water your house (or outdoor) plants. It makes a WONDERFUL plant food and your green friends will thrive. And, it’s kind of fun to realize that they are living off of something from your body… it makes a special link with the plants. Who’d of thunk it? I got the tip from We’moon, years ago, who supplied my original cloth pads: http://www.yoni.com/wemoon/index.shtml
Now 10 years later I am using a new set of fancy schmancy cloth pads that I got at a natural foods grocery store, instead of using sanitary pads for issues of minor incontinence as I get older (almost 60 now). They still work just fine, easier and more comfortable than disposables, and so much cheaper. No plant fertilizer though
Keep passing the word!
Maureen Moss, Beaverton, OR (yes, really! it’s a suburb of Portland)
May 7th, 2009 at 9:38 am
I, too, am a cloth pad convert! I bought them from a WAHM and will never go back. I don’t dread my periods anymore. Cloth pads are good for you…notice if your flow lightens after a few cycles of using them. Mine did, also my general aching subsided that usually accompinied my monthly period. I have read that the absorbant chemicals in the disposable pads are designed to make you bleed more. If there’s truth to that I don’t know, but I do know how I feel using cloth pads.
As for my ‘bucket’ I found a pretty vintage bean crock…an I soak them in peroxide for an hour or so before washing them to get hem nice and spanking clean
Great alternative, healthy, and frugal post!! >>HBHH Rocks!<<
May 12th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Well, Sarah was barren, so maybe she didn’t need them. Ok I gotta say I’m not okay with this statement,I myself have pcos and have had multiple surgeries that have left me barren but, I have a period (a heavy one too) just like anyone else.I realize that you said “maybe” but my feelings were a little hurt just by the assumption.So much has been taken from women like myself that all we sometimes have left is our period.
May 19th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Just like cloth diapers, Borax would be good to soak them in as well.
May 20th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I switched to cloth pads after my son was born. I started using cloth diapers when he was 2 months old and shortly after learned about menstrual pads. I was intrigued and when I got my period back, I used washcloths and preemie prefolds folded in my underwear. It was SO much more comfortable! I learned to sew later and my first project was a pad. I eventually made about 10 of them from my husband’s old t-shirts and scrap fleece for the backing. I used the hammer-on metal snaps from wal-mart. Considering I spent NO money on them (the snaps were given to me) I got TONS of use out of them! I used them for 4 years, minus the 9 months I was pregnant (stupid period came back right away again!). I recently splurged and made a whole new stash. I still mostly used scrap fabric and spent almost no money, but they are pretty and very comfortable. I ended up making 3 dozen in various sizes. Think I went overboard? LOL There are some people who think it’s weird but most people are just intrigued. It’s just not something they ever thought about. I came up with a pattern/design that can be completely hand sewn and fastened with a button (button hole is a slit cut in the fleece). They take about an hour to an hour and a half to fully assemble and sew. Let me know if you are interested in featuring them on your site.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Shauna - I would love to see your pattern! I’m allergic to metals, so pins and metal snaps are out of the question for me. Velcro is sharp if it makes contact too. A button sounds like an ideal solution!
Rose - Peroxide is great, my husband puzzles why I buy it in bulk.
June 5th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Years ago there was a company that made organic cotton pads, and as I was going broke buying commercial napkins for my irregular, frequent, and heavy periods, I invested in some of them. They gradually wore out over the years and I had lost the company information and didn’t have a computer, so I went back to using disposable pads. In the decades that I’ve been a menstruating woman, I have probably contributed enough stuff to landfills to walk to the moon and back. I got used to buying pads again, and now that I am older I have a weak bladder and wear pads everyday. I fell into doing things the way “everyone else” does them and didn’t even think about making my own pads. Thanks for a great lift to my day!
Linda
June 10th, 2009 at 7:53 am
wow loved it! really that’s how i felt, my mother in law lives with us and so far shes seen some pretty out of the norm. frugal things i do this one will defiantly top it! i mean my husband probably is going to laugh at me soon but he’ll come around…we are already going to use cloth diapers on our first son and that’s how i stumbled upon this great idea i always hated disposable pads so gross. well anyway, yeah it was great what you wrote i really enjoyed it thanks!
June 13th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I am intrigued. I have three daughters and I have been discussing this with my oldest. We could save a ton of money…. I am going to try it and see how we do. My youngest will probably be grossed out, but who knows, you never know until you try. I appreciate the pattern and the soaking ideas. You ladies keep up the frugality!!!
June 20th, 2009 at 11:53 am
I have been using cloth pads for a couple of years now and I LOVE them! I buy mine from a SAHM at http://www.mom-and-me-creations.com/. She does excellent work and the hemp stays looking brand new. They are just as absorbent and beautiful now as they were the day I got them. My daughter and I each have our own wetbag to store clean and dirty pads in - they are cute and no one has any idea what they are carrying.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:38 am
Now I need to get my sewing machine back from my sister in law! I have been pad and tampon free for over a year using a menstrual cup which I highly recommend. http://www.divacup.com It’s a small investment when you consider how much you are saving by not by pads and tampons every month. I absolutely love it! I think a small stash of homemade “panty liners” will be the perfect compliment to my diva cup. Thanks!
June 22nd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
What a great idea this is. I just made up 12 pads. I had my daughter pick out her favorite color and I got my favorite color and made up some. I do NOT sew. But with the pattern that I printed out it was easy. Thank You
June 26th, 2009 at 4:33 am
A private little can in the bathroom sounds a LOT more proper to me than embarrassing wrappers that are filling the garbage can all week. Talk about curious little boys digging in the trash! And the wrappers are noisy and totally give away what you are doing in the bathroom. This is much more private. I’ve never heard of homemade rags before, what a concept. The bucket can be discreet, why not a Folgers blue coffee tub that comes with a handle and a lid? Or why not a diaper wipe container that has some borax water in it, and keep it in Mama’s Basket on the shelf?
June 28th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I almost didn’t use my real name for this! LOL!
I bought a pack of 12 cloth diapers and cut 6 of them in half. I use them as pads most of the time. I do have to wear a disposal pad when I can’t change pads for 4 hours or more at a time. I tried wearing my rags to work and had a major leak! But I just fold the half diaper into thirds. Easy peezy. If I need more protection, I fold another one “long ways” and wrap it up with one. That’s a little longer than normal and gives me 5 very absorbent layers of protection.
I use a milk jug with the top cut off as my bucket and tuck it away in the little space between the commode and the tub. I soak them in a little shampoo and borax until I take a shower and then kind of stomp on them in the shower and put them in the laundry with the towels. I don’t think it’s any “nastier” than cleaning your panties if you leak out of your tampon or pad. Do “normal” women just throw them away, or do they clean them in the regular laundry?
I don’t mind them at all and I save so much money by not buying pads as often. I use about 5 pads a month (one per day). I don’t think my room mate knows I use them and my son doesn’t “know any better”. I keep them folded in my underwear drawer and I’ve had to ask him to bring me one while I was in the bathroom. He kind of understands what they are for, but he doesn’t know that every woman doesn’t use them.
The other six cloth diapers that I bought are cleaning rags.
July 4th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Wow I thought we had advanced the concept of keeping bloody pads in a bucket in the bathroom is so nasty. I cannot believe a christian woman told you this. Is our God so small that he cannot provide you money to buy a bag of pads? I am sure you have other things that you purchase that you could cut out in order to do this. As poor as I have been and I mean no food for days I never had to resort to such cheap habits. It is nasty and unsanitary and disposables was made for a reason.
And using the bloody water to water your vegetables? Ugh!
July 5th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Thank you for sharing this idea! So simple and yet I’d never heard or thought of it. I’ve been irregular most of my life and worn a pad most days, however I recently had a hysterectomy. Oh, the money I’ve wasted.
I was wondering if anyone has experimented with plastic as a liner to prevent leaks? Perhaps sewing a plastic liner from a plastic bag? I’m thinking more of the softer “department store” plastic bag that would also be quieter than the grocery plastic shopping bags.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
From a woman who wears 30/32 sized clothes, let me tell you that even the “super” and “overnight” pads aren’t long enough for me. I have to put two on, one overlapping lengthwise. And heaven help me if I’m active, because even granny-panties shift and 2 sometimes aren’t long enough. I’m so going to measure my set-up next time (while I’m using the last of my stash of disposables) and then make myself some size-adjusted flannel pads. I can’t wait to try them out!
One idea I’m wondering about, since I have extremely heavy flows, is if I take a heavey-duty waterproof mattress cover and cut it to fit the inserts for the very bottom layer, will it add that extra layer of protection against seepage? Of course, using the dryer would be out of the question on these, but air-drying them should work nicely. Anyone tried this idea?
Oh, and to Yuck, God isn’t small but your vision is. Please try to not be so condescending or narrow-minded next time you post to someone’s forum. If you so prefer we all use disposables, can I send you my address and you can keep my supply filled?
July 13th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
“Glad & TJ”: I cloth diaper my baby, and have just started menstruating again, and therefore searched out information on cloth for myself. The same fabrics used to sew cloth diapers are ideal for cloth napkins. Natural fabrics absorb and man made repel. So cotton is great for the pad, backed with poly fleece, or the like. For over night or heavy days you could turn to laminated fabrics. Poly urethane laminate (sp?) is a favorite, since it allows for tumble drying….. other plastics wear quickly, even when exclusively hung to dry.
“Yuck”: You’ve got to joking right? Honey, we all have the same God, and I thank Him for my strong mind and able hands, given to me to provide for the needs of myself and my family. Why should I give my hard eared dollars to large corporations just so I can put their chemical filled paper and plastic between my legs? I can do a lot better then that on my sewing machine…. And…. Our bodies are not ‘yucky’ they are beautiful for one! And they make precious babies! Our menstrual cycles symbolize this creative power in each of us. I hope that as you age you will gain a greater respect for your own body, and for other women in general.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
hmm…well I love the story..but Im not sure..I have such a heavy heavy flow that I hav to wear both tampons and pads each day..im not sure this would work for me..I ruin pants every month..but love reading all of the great info.
July 15th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I love your website and have usually visited for recipes and such, but I found a link to this post from a blog I was visiting and was glad to see it was from the hillbilly housewife. This is something I’ve been researching for a while, and I’m definitely ready for a change. I spent about $30 on a set of cloth panty liners from a seller on ebay, but I’m convinced that I can make my own pads and cheap.
I love the bold and firm tone you took in expressing the reality of the companies that sell disposable products. It is “a crock…” and hopefully more women will learn the alternatives.
July 16th, 2009 at 5:00 am
Well I might just try these. Our stupid government added GST a number of years ago and we poor women have to pay 10% on top of the price of sanitary options as the stupid man who had to decide which goods got taxed decided that sanitary options were an optional for women - like there was some way we could just decide not to have a period (without the option of getting pregnant!). So basically we get taxed just because of our gender *rolls eyes*
Thank you for all the information
July 17th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Ok, I have story! (first time visitor, so bear w/me lol)
When I was 15 (maybe) I went to a 3 day camp, overnight. we were lodging in a dorm room for college students, so we had to bring EVERYTHING we needed for those 3 days. And I *think* it was over the weekend.
Anyways, Aunt Flo made her appearance while we were eating breakfast. My parents didn’t drive, and the woman that did, was NOT happy that morning. So, I had NO supplies, and since this woman was NOT happy, I was not about to ask her if we could drop by a drugstore lol. And being we were dropped off, I had no access to a drugstore! Or to even know where one was.
So I had some wash cloths, I HAD to use those, but they did NOT stay. Eventually I had to overcome my embarrassment and ask some girls I got to know. Luckily, one of them had supplies just in case!
So if you will use the washcloths, secure them w/something. Oh, and I learned a lesson! NEVER leave town w/o supplies, even if you think you won’t get it!
July 18th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Personally I have always hated the trash full of those disposable things. No matter how you try to hide them they often find their way to embarrassing you. Think animals ripping into the trash on trash day before the truck comes, talk about being tp’d! I have been intrigued with the idea ever since I started using cloth diapers years ago but have been afraid to try it, not sure why. But I have gotten older and wiser and since I took the plunge and stopped washing my hair with shampoo 5 months ago, I think I’m ready. Now how will I convince my teenage daughter?
July 19th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Thanks for sharing this. My daughter has sensory issues and has extremely sensitive skin and is allergic to disposable pads. Your pattern looks like a great solution for her. She is also environmentally conscientious and likes the idea of being responsible regarding the use of the disposables into the landfill. Thanks again. My mom is going to help me with these because she is the seamstress in the family.
July 21st, 2009 at 11:18 am
Thank you for the idea that I could make my own!!! I have a few 5 y/o cloth pads that ar now only good for pantyliners (as they “soak thru” quite quickly) and was searching for a good price on replacements. Now I can make as many as I want. I think I’ll make them pretty, too!!
August 1st, 2009 at 4:00 am
I have had “the surgery” so I don’t have to worry about pads for menstruation anymore but I do use cloth pantiliners. I bought a pack of white washcloths, cut them in half and that is what I use daily.
I have plenty of these and can change as often as I feel is necessary and feel nice and fresh.
My private pail in under my bathroom sink and I just throw it all in the wash, line dry and use again. Great feeling.
I just wanted to say that I loved your comment HBHW “The clothes in the washer are getting clean and one type of dirt will not give cooties to another type of dirt.” So true and so funny!
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Hey this is a great idea! It’s both wallet- and eco-friendly.
I did want to mention one thing, however. For all of you with heavy and/or painful periods, try considering going on birth control, even if you don’t “need” to (if you know what I mean). Many women use the pill for this purpose alone and it really works. My husband is a senior medical student who will be going into a family medicine residency program next year. When he was on his OBGYN rotation, he saw lots of patients who had heavy and painful periods that were using hormonal contraceptives and they help a lot. If you are worried about cost, just remember that you can buy the generic Ortho TriCyclen pill for $9 a month at Walmart and Target.
If going on birth control won’t work for you (maybe for religious or other reasons) it’s still worth it to see your doctor if you’re having painful or heavy periods. A lot of times there is a good solution. Just because we’re women, it doesn’t mean we have to suffer in pain!
Everyone take care!
August 10th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I came across this site earlier in the year and immediately sat down and made myself some cloth pads. I didn’t use them on days I worked outside of the home only if I was home for the day. I loved them! I react to store bought pads and have problems with a heavy cycle.
A couple of months ago I was laid off and had extra time on my hands so I sat down and made myself some thicker pads and quilted them on my machine. They are all made of soft t-shirt fabric over pieces of old towels. I spent no money to make them only my own time and literally old rags. They are so soft and I have no reaction to them. No one knows any different and I just soak them under my sink in borax and water until I do laundry. Now I use them all of the time. I feel great using them and there is also the added advantage of saving money that always helps. I am glad I made the first ones when I did to try them out. I found that they are not “gross” and they are actually easier for me to use than store bought. Wish I would have made the switch sooner.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I was a tampon user for many, many years. I suffered from painful periods and a heavy flow. Two years ago I made the switch to cloth. What a difference. I now have shorter, lighter periods and not much cramping. At first I felt a little uneasy about handling my own body fluids, the soaking pot in the bathroom and had questions about the kind of protection cloth would provide. Then I thought about wash cloths. I have no problem washing my behind with one, tossing it into the wash and reusing it. At least cloth pads aren’t shared with family members and guests and you don’t enterchange uses from hands to face to bottom. Even after the cloth pad has been washed you know what area it has been unlike the wash cloth. I figured if the wash cloth wasn’t gross then the cloth pad isn’t gross either. I’ve followed the HBHW pattern and sewn my own and I bought a few from Moon Pads. I use the ones from Moon Pads when going out or for over night protection because they absorb very well, feel dry and don’t slip. I wasted a lot of years throwing away money and using products that weren’t needed. Cloth is the only way to have a ‘happy period’. Thanks HBHW for posting.
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I use something called a diva cup, it’s like a tampon but it cost me $40 and I’ve used it for 4 years now. It’s saved me about $350 since then. I do still use panty liners though so I’ll be making my own! Thanks for the idea!
August 29th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
i came across a website by accident about cloth pads, and decided to try them, since i would always get a rash no matter what brand pad i was using , and i didn’t like wearing tampons,,,, I love quilting and had alot of scraps. I made up a pattern for 3 sizes, one is a panty liner, (smaller for those “off days”) a medium for the period days and one that is longer for using at night, also i have made extra liners for use inside the pads for those extra heavy days,they have wings and a button closure,,, my stash has grown and they are pretty patterns, who wants to wear the same color all the time , its your time to have fun ,,,, for me my routine is, i rinse the used pads in the bathroom sink then go to my laundry room where i have a plastic margarine tub i keep in the laundry room for soaking the pads in peroxide and water, and then once i am finished with my monthly “friend” i put then in a lingerie bag and throw them in with the towels, which is slightly bleached and hang them in the laundry room to dry…. I LOVE THEM ….my cycle has become lighter, and no more irritation.. i also read that the chemicals in pads to make them smell clean and absorbent can have effects on the flow of menstral cycles…. my sis thinks I am a “tree hugger”, but i think about the money i am saving and the amount of waste i am not creating in the landfill, though it may not be alot, once you get 20 -30 women throwing out tampons, panty liners and pads it will grow to be alot and that is just a few women just think about a city the size of new york,,,, scary isn’t it??
August 30th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I stumbled across your site and like your ideas. While I would love to go green and be more environmentally conscious by making and using my own rags, my flow is so heavy that I am not sure this would actually work for me. I am an avid recycler and also compost.
How often do most of you change your pads? More frequently than with disposable ones? Don’t you need a plastic barrier to prevent leakage?
My flow is so bad that I have to wear one, if not 2 super-heavy tampons (yes, 2 simultaneously!) with a dayliner. Those need to be changed every 2 hours - like clock work… even through the night. At night, even though I am petite (size 6) I have to use 2 super-long over-night pads, doubled up to prevent leakage, then I still lay on a towel, in case I sleep too long and have a problem. Needless to say it is miserable. What is a girl to do… It’s part of lif, and God’s gift to me, I guess.
Any suggestions? Am I a candidate for this or should I stick to the tried and true and “new”?
Thanks and good luck to the rest of you!
August 31st, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Green with envy, here are a couple of suggestions. I buy PUL and use it as a barrier with homemade pads. I put it as the last layer on the back of my pads. It helps to prevent leaks. Also to help minimize my flow I use red raspberry leaf and red clover tops in a tea twice a day. It can really cut menstrual flow down. I can’t even us DIVA cups due to how heavy my flow is. These are just a couple of things that really helped me.
September 5th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
What is PUL?
Also, I have wanted to try this for years, but for some reason (I guess being afraid of leaks myself, and don’t like to sew), haven’t. If I could get something to help prevent this, I might just try it.
I have some old (not even stained) cloth diapers that I was just going to donate, but I will use these (as well as the liners…) to convert into these pads. What a great idea! I am so glad that I still have them. That should save me a bundle.
September 6th, 2009 at 5:18 am
I have been wanting to do this for sooo long! I feel now that I am not alone! While hubby is deployed this will give me time to get use to the idea..
I can’t stand dealing with the pads and wrapers all in the trash. They do seem to find a way to make it to the top. I have no sense of smell for about 12 years now (I have 10% of it actually) but I do remember living in dorms and if someone didn’t take care of their sanitary uses (yea now that is gross) it would leave the room smelling funny.
Whats worse have a trash can in the bathroom for your husbands boss to ask to use the rest room and see it or smell the bloody pad sitting in the bathroom trash can or use the cloth pads and have them rised and soaking like everyone under the sink or something.. The more I think about it the more I like the idea..
But Having harsh periods (I have painful periods and Fibromyalgia)and not being a size 6.. sleeping is the worse.. Thought about making the overnights similiar design to our panties without wraping.. or have panties made just for this that have a pocket designed to insert the pads.. (my grandma had some liked that).. I love the getting back to the way of where we came from .. many ways it is so much simplier! Less stress in a lot of ways and you wouldn’t worry about having to run out of them or not having the money to buy them.
I know I keep my santary stuff in my purse and my car plus the diaper bag for the “JUST IN CASE” situations.. lol
“yuck” regardless if you agree or disagree, there is a poliet way to express how you feel. But also if we don’t take care of our world now.. there wont’ be one for our kids to take care of. You should be grateful for all the things that have been shared that you do accept and have been using to make your life simplier, happier, easier, and more pleasant. If you didn’t like the idea you didn’t have to post and be rude.
I would much rather put the savings aside and let it build.. who knows how much can be saved.. no just fiancially but with the earth and land we have. I am a new cook, and stay at home mother and while husband is deployed a temporary single mother to my four children 2yrs - 6 yrs old I have a lot to do, but this is less stress if we can design them to fit our custom natural curves given to us by our wonderful beautiful children!
p.s. They now have machine washable and dryable mattress coveres. I saw someone posting about not being able to dry it. I got a king size for 25$ with a 10 years unlimited warrenty. So the materials its made of must be good.. and Fleece is a good water resistant material (however can only repel so much)
The same material used for this can be used for making your own baby wipes too..
Thank you so much for this site I have completely enjoyed and I love all the information.. I find myself looking for information just so I can share it! You guys are awesome!
September 7th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Thanks for the ideas. I, too, live in a house full of boys (dh and 3 sons) and hate the trash full of pads. Due to my babies so close together, I can no longer wear tampons and I am only 27. I am going to give this a try. I am tired of buying femine supplies and the rising costs of it.
To all those with very heavy cylces: birth control pills can help. I have not had any success with pills (they make me gain weight and depression), I got a mirena (IUD) in March. My periods are so light now that I mostly only need a panty liner. My Dr. says that after 6 months, many women dont get periods at all and it lasts 5 years. you can get pregnant immediatly after getting it removed, too. Just make sure that your insurance is going to pay for it because it is around $900. Before the mirena, I was totally irragular Iand frequent) and periods often lasted 2 weeks.
Thanks for all the tips, HHW. I am looking forward to using your tips, as I just found your sight today when I was searching for a recipe for home made ketchup LOL.
September 8th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for the post! I’ve made and bought cloth pads that I’ve used for several years now along with a diva cup (which I love!) and they have worked quite well. I have a baby and I simply wash everything with his cloth diapers. Once he’s out of diapers, I will probably go ahead and use a small container and wash with delicates. I wasn’t sure how I would feel at first, but love that I don’t have to spend the big bucks for pads anymore!
September 8th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Katie - just so that you know, any woman who has irregular and/or absent periods should get checked for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It is a metabolic disorder that happens to have gyno symptoms, and often goes over-looked. Typical symptoms include irregular or absent periods, weight gain/difficulty losing weight, facial/body hair, scalp hair loss, acne, darker patches of skin typically around the base of the neck or in places where skin rubs together (armpits, under breasts, groin, etc.), and any symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
It’s only been in the last 7 years or so that doctors figured out that it really was based on a metabolic issue, so many family doctors and gyno’s aren’t up-to-date on their PCOS research and may not make that connection. Before, the common “treatment” was simply BCP’s (birth control pills), which cover up the symptoms, but do nothing for the actual problem, let alone manage the increased risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes. Treating the metabolic condition, on the other hand, DOES manage those risks, and often also helps reduce the other symptoms, too.
If you want to know more about it, go to http://www.pcoscommunity.com.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I too did not like the idea of filling the landfill with tampons or pads. However, I was looking for something that was a little cleaner and didn’t like using pads at all. I found this website (http://www.keeper.com/) which tells about the tampon alternative. It is called The Keeper. I purchased one last year and have found that my periods, which are very heavy the first two days, were still heavy but “emptied” quicker and less painfully with The Keeper. My periods are shorter now too because, I believe, that using The Keeper does not inhibite the drainage process (especially with clotting) and helps it empty faster and most definately safer. I am certainly saving money too as The Keeper paid for itself in three months. And, one of the best parts, it is MADE IN USA.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Like Martha, I found an alternative that works better than I ever dreamed. Like the Keeper, I have found the Diva Cup. If you can use tampons, you can use a reusable cup. It is not like a diaphragm.
My reproductive health has improved greatly since I started using it and I can’t praise it enough.
Everyone should at least look into it.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
A few months ago I finally got fed up enough with the rash I got from store bought pads. I can’t wear tampons comfortably so that wasn’t an option either. I have read this page about 10 times now. I don’t have the time to sew BUT I found that the cheap white washcloths from Walmart cost $4 and work like a charm. I stay comfortable and they’re reuseable. They also work better than any ‘overnight’ pad I have ever used. One day I will be getting a Divacup but for now I have found an alternative that fits in my budget.
I wash my cloths right after I use them, toss them in my ever present vinegar/water bucket (we have a baby in cloth diapers) and go on with life. When it’s time to wash the bucket load, I add a little bit of non-chlorine bleach to my homemade washing detergent and you would never know what those little cloths were used for!
September 16th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Thanks for this site!
I made about 15 pad sets 2 years ago.
They have held up great and are WAY MORE COMFORTABLE than disposables.
I haven’t quite been able to get rid of tampons yet, but this has still saved me a lot of money.
If anyone has a home made tampon pattern, I’m up to try it!
Thank you again.
September 20th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed this article. I am long past the point I need these but it is certainly something I will point out to my daughter. She and I both tend to believe in green/frugal where practical.
I did want to suggest that those of you with heavy irregular flows go to the gynecologist and find out why your periods are that way. It might be something you can fix.
I lived with it for years and just assumed that is the way things were. Finally I grew desperate as I had reached a point where I bled 4 weeks straight and just could not keep dry. It turned out I had several pretty good sized fibroids (they can only find these with an ultrasound). They immediately put me on iron (I was so anemic they wanted to do a transfusion but I refused as who knows what wee buggies might be lurking in someone elses blood) and suggested a hysterectomy. I opted for a series of shots that forced me into menopause as I was getting near the age for it anyway and have been eternally thankful since.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:02 am
Its so great to see so many women catching on to this idea and how good it feels! one thing about the disposable pads and tampons is that they are only available in certain sizes. yeah, there are a few different sizes, but once you think about and start making your own - whether it be using washcloths, making pads or even knitting tampons, you can make them the exact size for YOU! they are totally personlised.
i dont like to use even the tiniest tampons as i never bleed enough so when i remove them they are still dry and its quite uncomfortable. its so silly how long it took me to realise that so many manufactured goods ARENT going to fit me, they are all made for average sizes, so instead of moaning i accepted it, and now i will buy clothes if i like them and just adjust them to fit. (im pretty short!no shop bought trousers will ever fit me)(i only buy second hand clothes anyway so i dont waste much money, and it all goes to charity). Well the same goes for the pads. and its feels so great to have your own personal way of dealing with periods, in whatever bright or patterned colours you might use! you can have some big thick ones and some smaller panty liners… once id made a few of these I couldnt stop feeling so happy and proud about them!! :o) :O) recently i decided to try using a knitted insert to see if it will be good for absorbption, so will let you know how it works!
I do wonder though if they smell after a certain amount of time?- because i have a poor sense of smell and often cant tell. i know the disposable ones all have chemicals in them that will prevent the odour - so you dont have to worry. I have wondered about maybe spraying a little scented water onto the pads before using them to help with this?
:O)
October 8th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I saw these when I was looking for cloth diapers (which I love). I made a few before my son was born, and they were so comfortable with the bleeding after his birth. I never have had really heavy bleeding after my children were born, but it did last awhile. I hated having to use the disposeables if I ran out of pads. The second batch I made I used cut up stained onesies, and old flannel recieving blankets. The onsies were only stained up by the neck so the fabric was still pretty. I just cut and folded the blankets until they were the right size. Covered the pad with fabric cut from the onesie, and then sewed the snaps on each side. Some of them got lined snap areas as well. And some of them got the back side covered in a soft cut up rain jacket I had. It seems to have stopped any “bleed through”. Anyhow, I LOVE them for their comfort. Another thing just to mention I always wear black underwear on those days when the visitor is here because they won’t show if there is a light leak. I haven’t had to trash a pair of underwear due to stains from bleeding since I was 21…I’m past 35;). Anyhow, they clean up nice, and I wish I had known about these when I was young and going to school and had no money. And if you use these just to save money I have read that the average woman in this country could buy a NEW car with the money she saves during the time she needs them. That would have converted me when I was in high school.
October 8th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I just read somebody worry about the smell. I don’t know about anybody else, but I have never had a problem. I soak them for only about an hour in water and then wash them on the heavy cycle with high quality organic soap…no stink. And my nose works overtime.
October 8th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Thoughts on menstrual blood and odor.
What causes the menstrual blood on sanitary napkins to smell is the action of bacteria on the blood. It’s much the same as body odor from perspiration. What keeps our armpits from smelling is some method that stops the bacteria from getting to the sweat.
When using cloth pads at home the pads will go directly into your soaking bucket. There is no time for the bacteria to get to working on the pad like it does on the disposable supplies that end up in the trash for a day or more.
As to the old time jokes about the odor of a menstruating woman . . . I’m in my 50s and remember them from girlhood. Just change your pad every couple of hours or so if your flow is medium to heavy. This also helps avoid “overflow.” Using just one pad a day (even a perfumed disposable one) is just asking for an odor problem.
Regarding the desire for a “waterproof” layer, especially when away from home . . . doing a web search for homemade cloth diaper making supplies will lead you do supplies that can be used for homemade pads made from new fabrics, including PUL.
As to “Yuck”, I don’t know if you are male or female, but I believe that God created woman just as she should be to bring his children into the world. Our menstrual flow is just a part of being a woman. While I believe that a woman should dress modestly, I do not believe that a woman should be ashamed about how a woman’s body functions or the day to day realities of having a menstrual cycle. I also believe that God expects me to be a good steward of all the blessings he has given me.
How I choose to be a good steward of the financial blessings given to me and my family is none of your business. Just as it is not my business that you choose to spend your family’s money on disposable sanitary napkins rather than buy food when you were forced to make a choice. “As poor as I have been and I mean no food for days I . . .”
October 8th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I have been making my own pads for a few months, before that I was having some very heavy flow days, and hardly ever didn’t leak ( in disposable pads), I still have some preaty heavy days but not as bad, at night ( and on the heavy days) I use half an old towel folded up( about the same size as a hand towel) it seams like a bit much but I don’t have stains on clothes, I will also use wash cloth folded in 3rds or 4ths up the back at night.
And for the lady who mentioned staining pants, in prep for my 3rd birth (at home) my midwife told me not to worry about staining anything that could be washed- she’d just throw in some Hydrogen Perxide with them and the stains would come right out- they did!!! now I will pour it straight on any clothes that get blood on them- my son had a nose bleed the other day and was really worried that he had ruined his Fav. shirt- I poured some on it right away and throw it in the wash- it came out perfect!!!!
October 10th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I just wanted to add that you can use a crib mattress pad to make a leak proof barrier. You know the kind that has quilted ducks and teddy bears in the infant department at walmart. Just use the pattern for the inner pad. Cut it out, you might want to zig zag around the edge. Or you could use a lap pad, the kind that aren’t quilted. You can just cut them out you don’t have to finish the edge. Then you can add that leak proof layer when you need it and on light days leave it out. And on another frugal note you can get these at thrift stores for $1 or less.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Just some of my own thoughts after wearing cloth (minus 2 years for pregnancy and nursing) for 8 years now:
Style: I prefer the ones that DON’T snap or velcro or button around - I use either lace or felt as the bottom layer and it holds in place quite well.
Water-proof: I’ve not needed that, since I stack extra pads on top of one another. BUT if I did need it, I would insert a layer of something just before the bottom layer of each pad.
Soaking: As with my son’s cloth diapers, I ended up not soaking and really didn’t rinse that much either. During my son’s last few diapering months, after I started menstruating again, I just added my pads in with his cloth diapers and washed - but I never soaked them. I actually found that soaking my pads would stain the cloth (like a bleach stain). Ok, I don’t really care about stains on my own pads, but I did purposely make them with pretty designs, for that more feminine affect.
Washing: I use two nylon lingerie bags with zippers - one to store the clean ones and one to store the dirty ones (the bags are two different styles and sizes! One is just the size needed to hold all the clean pads - the other is HUGE to allow for free movement in the washing machine.
We use homemade or all-natural cleaners and I’ll add a bit extra washing or baking soda.
I need things really easy and this was it!
October 20th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Thanks for your wonderful article. I have been using homemade pads for a few months now. I found a pattern on http://www.manymoonsalternatives.com , but I ended up making my own copying a disposable. I just made a few different layers all the same size with a waterproof layer and added snaps. After much trial and error I figured out that you can use an old table cloth (the plastic and felt kind usually with a pattern) as your waterproof layer. Plastic side out of course with another fabric layer on the outside. So far it washes and drys just fine. The liners were sewed into the pad, without the folded layer on top because that drove me nuts. I just soak mine with cold water and give them a spray of stain remover for the tough spots. I also have used recycled items in my pads(shirts, towels, etc.) flannel is the best so far.
I have noticed a reduction in the pain and the amount of flow. I still use disposables when necessary, but I like the breathability of homemade.
Reuse, Recycle, Renew!
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:13 am
I’ve also switched to using cloth sanitary pads lately because I am concerned about polluting the environment with my own disposable pads. I also find cotton cloth to be much more comfortable and non-irritating unlike disposables.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I made some pads this week and tried them out the last few days. All I can say is “WOW”. Why didn’t I know about these years ago. I use the instead soft cups and a pad as a back up in public places or on really heavy flow days. Yesterday at chruch was a really a heavy flow day for me and I wore a cloth pad. My cup leaked and I was in the middle of practice. I couldn’t leave. I thought great its going to be a total mess. It wasn’t. I use old towles as a insert and it was three layers. It didn’t even make it through the third at all. It was great. And I also noticed there is no smell like there is with regular pads. I thought I would try cloth pads out because I thought it was neat and would save me money in the long run. I am waiting on a cup that I ordered a few weeks ago to. The only downside to using cloth is when I told my mom about it she thought I was crazy. She thinks I am trying to live like they did in Bible times. That is not the case. I am just looking for ways to save money. And to also have a “happy period”. I plan on making many more. Thank you for this site and all the pattern ideas. The one on this page I really like. Cloth Rulz!
October 29th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I think I read through all this fairly carefully and have not seen a reference to a problem I have had, and that is that the pads “walk” backwards quite a bit. Do folks pin them to the panties or apply velcro to a pair of panties and the pad? Or is there another way to prevent this? Thanks for your time.
November 6th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Annie Major,
Maybe you could pick a few pairs of underware just for you period, and put snaps or hooks on the pad and onto your underware at the front?
November 6th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I just hold mine on with large safety pins - one in front, one in back, one in middle if necessary.
November 8th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I’ve heard a lot about cloth pads for menstrual flow, but I’m past that now. What I have instead, unfortunately, is rather severe “urge incontinence.” I have to buy the largest incontinence pads that I can find, and they are very expensive. They also don’t always work. They don’t absorb fast enough in a deluge. Does anyone know of any other non-disposable pad that would work for this? Thanks.
November 8th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I told my co-worker about these pads after I saw them in your newsletter. She came up with the name “lady’s days” after I made a few sets for myself and her using my own design. So far it’s been great and saved her and I a lot of money. However one thing I included in my design was I cut out a few liners out of a clear plastic and stacked the cloth liners on top before I enclose them in the carrier part. Otherwise I would bleed right through.
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
Thank you so much for this posting. I was looking into purchasing reusable pads but was surprised at how expensive they are. Looking at this, I can make the same thing at a fraction by just using old flannel that I found at the thrift store. I am so excited.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:30 am
i LOVE cloth pads. if you are worried about start up costs, and dont sew, you can get FANTASTIC pads from katie bubbles of 2 cute 2 resist on hyenacart. shes got a great product, at a great price. (i get 10″ heavy ones for 3.50 EA) my flow has gone from super heavy (super plus tampon AND a thick icky overnight pad, changed every 2 hours) and about 10 days (!!!) to a “normal” flow, and about 6 days on average. i also have less pms symptoms.
and is SO not gross.
i have a bucket right next to the toilet, and just toss them in there as is, no soaking, no nothing.
i also use cloth toilet paper. (family cloth) NO COST!! cut up an old t-shirt. you could also cut up a terry cloth towel or use baby washcloths for “tougher messes” i just wet those in the tub with some hot water, and i feel shower fresh, no matter what my body decides to throw at me.
i wash the family cloth and the cloth pads together. i do a pre rinse in the washer, add the kitchen rags and use the sanitize cycle on the washer. it all comes out smelling fantastic. i dont know if i would wash the kitchen rags with the bathroom rags if i didnt have the sanitize cycle on my washer though.
if you are debating, TRY IT!!
OH and no more rashes.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Don’t ask why I read this article to begin with, because I am not sure!
Anyway, a tip for getting blood stains out…
I used to work at a commercial laundry, and we did several hospital’s linen, so there was a lot of bloody stuff. They have fancy chemicals to remove blood, but our supplies salesman was a nice guy, so instead of making more money on us he told us this secret:
Salt!
Yup, plain ordinary salt.
We would put about 5 pounds into a 750 pound capacity washer as the first “wash”
Cold water, enough salt to make a medium brine, then let washer run through first 1 or 2 wash/drain cycles, then re-start washer with whatever cycle and soap you normally use.
You can also use it in hand washing.
I have used it when a friend cut themselves while cutting veggies, and got blood on a white shirt sleeve. I put cold water and salt on the spot, scrubbed the cloth against itself with the salt in between, then rinsed and repeated, final rinse, and the blood was almost all out, and came clean in the wash later.
Oh, and I put Cayenne Pepper powder on the cut to stop the bleeding…
It actually doesn’t burn, and works quite well. I have even used it for a bloody nose. Just snuff a tiny bit. (Note I said tiny! I had another friend that trusted me enough to try it, but went a little overmuch… It stopped the bleeding!)
December 20th, 2009 at 4:38 am
HEY Ben - that’s a great tip. thanks.
December 30th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Not sure if I’ll try the cloth pads or not, but for those of you who bleed alot, or have pcos you should read the info Dr. John Lee has on this. http://www.johnleemd.com It has great info on progesterone and I have been using it for 2 months now and feel so much better. My period went from 12 days to 7 days and has gotten much lighter, less painful, and I am not a *itch anymore! Hope this helps.
December 30th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
oh yeah, I forgot to put that Walmart sells a progesterone cream for like $13 and it has as much progesterone as Dr. Lee recommends.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I read ALL of your comments (I never do that). Thank you all for your honesty and for being willing to share with others. I have been irregular all of my life, until this year (I am 36). Last year I developed horrible hemorrhoids and I felt that the pads I was using were making them worse. I would improve, but then they would come back with my period. I was also using bathroom “wipes” and they started making things worse as well, bad reactions, itching and rashes. After changing my diet and loosing 30 pounds, my hemorrhoids have cleared up, but now I seem to have super heavy periods, worse than ever PMS, and I am developing rashes and itching during and after my period. I try tampons, but I feel that they stop my flow. I end up with worse cramps and a longer period. I have two pairs of flannel pj’s that barely fit me now, and are not going to be wearable much longer (I have another 30+ pounds to loose). I am going to try this! I think I still have the cloth diapers I used on my children, I can use for pads, and lap pads that will make great liners! Also, I am thinking about making myself some bathroom wipes as well. I loved having the wipes and that extra clean, but my body does not like them, and my budget can’t afford them either. This came just in time. I just added pads to my shopping list this morning! Thank you again!
January 11th, 2010 at 11:38 am
I’ve never been a fan of pads and I started using tampons as soon as my mother would allow me too. I recently had a D&C after a missed miscarriage and I’ve come to find that pads aren’t so bad after all. I love homemade things. As a member of the LDS church we are tought to save where we can and with this economy I’m always looking for ways to save money. I don’t have a sewing mechine and it’s not exactly in our budget, but I am going home to visit and I’ll be borrowing my grandmother’s. I’m even trying to talk my mother into convering to cloth, as well. Who know’s maybe making colth pads together will be a nice, not to mention inexpensive, mother-daughter activity!
January 11th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Hi! I made a few of these today out of some old clothes and wanted to share a little tip. I used an old tshirt and cut the two pieces for the top layer along the bottom hem of the shirt. This saved the step of hemming those pieces and it looks much nicer than if I would have hemmed it myself lol.
January 18th, 2010 at 12:41 am
I am SO thrilled to have found this site! My sister is 15 yrs. younger than myself, and she is the one who told me about cloth pads and how they have reduced her cycle from 7 to 2 days, and made them quite lighter! I sew, so I am going to be making some cloth pads ASAP, I am also hoping that this could help fertility as 8 out of 10 of my pregnancies have ended in miscarriage. I never put much thought as to what is in the pads and tampons that I have been using for 24 yrs., who knows, they may have been a contributing factor.
As far as using Peroxide and buying it in bulk, another thought may be to buy the 40 Volume peroxide that you dye hair with and just dilute it down to 3%. (40 volume would be 40%) 1 oz. water to 1 oz. 40% peroxide makes 20% peroxide. I’m a hair dresser and do this all the time when I do my foils, so I know it works. You would just need to add say 10 oz. water to 1 oz. 40 volume peroxide to make 4% peroxide for your soakings! 1% higher than the store bought peroxide, but I don’t think it’ll hurt : ) I’m not sure what the bulk bottles of 3% peroxide cost, but the 40 volume peroxide usually costs around $4 a bottle, so this may be a more cost efficient way to go!
P.S. Just a little FYI, I saw my gyno the other day as I had a scare this cycle, and he told me that as a substitute for hysterectomies, there is a new(6 or so yrs. old) out patient type procedure called “Oblation”(sp?). What it does is uses electro type waves to remove the inner layer/liner of the uterus, rendering it non-functional. This has a 2 day recovery versus a 2 day hospital stay and 6 week recovery from a hysterectomy. 50% of women have no cycle afterwards, the other 50% have very light bleeding and shortened cycles, you will still have a normal menopause at the appropriate age, and it does’nt affect your ovaries at all. I am just mentioning this for the ladies who are done having babies, who may be having severe periods and do not want to go on the pill for health reasons.
Thank you for having and sharing this site!
God Bless! <
January 26th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I have PCOS also and I didn’t want opne more thing interferring with my cycle so I made some today out of 3 of my husband’s old socks that had holes in them. I figured they were made to absorb foot sweet why not other liquids. I laid them together and folded them together. Then I covered it up with the cut off sleeve of one of my husban’s old red t-shirts and sewed on 2 snaps. Voila! Gotta love recycled clothing.
January 29th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
margaret,.. first of all I would like to state; that Iam a missionary with the license to preach the gospel. IN reply to the christian, yuck that was toO judgemental she couldn’t give her name, you are considered a coward sometimes we miss and use the word out of of text. This is one reason most people do not want to be christians, because of christians sayingS,AND DOINGS. DON’Tjump the gun without really thinking things through. people are also saying theY cannot us the disposable. Have mercy on them until their change come don’tmake fun of them pray. that GOD BLESS
January 31st, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Hi ladies! First off I’m a guy who just happens to share the same ideals of slowly trying to untangle myself from the grips of mass consumerism. I’m constantly blown away at how we’ve let ourselves get so caught up in wastful spending in the name of instant gratification and convenience. I just wanted to say bravo. This is a great idea that I have informed my fiancee about. The title of the article was too intriguing to ignore and I had to satisfy my curiousity. I just happen to apply the same priniples to my life in regards to cooking. It has slowly made me more aware of the needless junk that constantly tempts the money from our wallets, and pollutes our land. So I praise anyone who finds ways to avoid the poison darts of commercialism that bombard us every where we turn. PS I’m not a hippy.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Hristo, I am a 62 year old lady who used cloth diapers on all 3 of my sons who are 41, 39 and 22; I used homemade pads for myself since I was about 21 when I found I was allergic to all the deodorizers in the ones on the market. I still use them (transitioned directly from menstral to incontence.) What’s wrong with being a hippy?
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I am allergic to sanitary pads, too. I have read, also, that the chemicals in the pads make you bleed more. Anyway, when I didn’t have the time to make sanitary pads I have gotten cotton wash clothes. One heavy days I would fold two or more wash clothes together and use less as the days go one.
Just make sure what every you use, is cotton, it absorbs better and is kind to your skin.
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:55 pm
In a very late response to KJN on November the 8th…
Maybe try cutting up, or just folding up, some of those “sham-wow” cloths? they really work for cleaning up messes from my children and used with a water barrier cloth might be just what you need. I buy a cloth from hancock fabrics called “baby-dry”. it is just a vinyl table cloth like material. kinda like flannel that has been covered with plastic on one side. if you wanted, you could just use an old flannel backed table cloth for hte water-barrier.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Also, as a “clothie” girl myself, I have a tip for using simple rectalgular pads. I made some from four layers of soft cotton cloth in a variety of lengths. To use them, I fold them half lengthwise and pinch the fold in the center of the cloth. Then I Tuck It between my “folds” just enough to hold it in place. It NEVER Slips! I also place a second rectangle directly in my panties, usually a longer one for the coverage, on my heavy days.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I have been sewing away, as I’m sure I will need these soon with baby girl over 9 months old. I also used a Diva cup for my few cycles between babies and am very pleased with that.
Here is another “no sew” idea I have heard about. You can use premie sized prefold cloth diapers folded into thirds and place them in your underwear, similar to using a wash cloth. I imagine these would be more absorbant and have less lint. Little-lions cloth diapers sells seconds of the premie size for $6 a dozen. This is more expensive than using found materials, but way cheaper than disposable.
http://www.little-lions.com/page50.html
February 7th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
I’m not a Christian, but a pagan, so perhaps this might not be the best answer, but I hope it will help someone! This pad’s design is awesome, even though I’m a petite woman, but with my heavy flow, it works quite well. I personally prefer wool to PUL. Wool felt can be bought cheaply if you know a person with sheep. Cheap old sweaters work well also. However, I wouldn’t suggest the craft wool out there, because it can itch and pill funny. Wool is really absorbent and only requires one or two layers on top of it for comfort. Fussybutt moonbows use wool,and the one I have is really amazing, but they’re quite expensive, so it won’t help you save money. They’re sturdier than anything I can personally sew though, but I’m horrid at sewing and don’t have a machine. They are gorgeous though!
With washcloths, you should safety pin them 3 times in my experiences for them to be the most effective. Once near the front, once near the back, and once to hold all the layers together lengthwise. I also suggest soaking them in a bucket with a dash of soap or cheap shampoo in it(VO5 works wonders and smells quite nice!)and suzding them up. Scrubbing the tops gently after letting them soak gets rid of any residue, and then all they require is a little rinse to get the soap out.
My only suggestion is that if you have a REALLY heavy flow, I’d suggest 5-6 layers for the inner pad. An easy way to cut down on bulk for this(at least it feels less bulky…) is to just stack the inner pad layers.
I find I have to change cloth pads far less often than I did with disposables, mostly because they don’t feel disgusting when wet. They leak in about the same amount of time, but with cloth pads, you can make them longer in the back where there’s often less blood while sleeping, and thus prevent leaks!
The idea of cloth wipes does disgust me personally, but it would be a huge savings with my family going thru about 3 rolls of TP per week! I’ll have to try that out with some old teeshirts.
In regards to YUCK-If you believe that your God created your body, wouldn’t you realize that your God gave you periods as well? Admittedly, one of the Goddesses I worship is the Goddess of menstruation(Hera) among other things, but still. If you’re skipping food for a few days to buy pads, of all things, I’m not sure where I should consider your priorities in laying. Personally, food and donations to charity fall far above pads. If I use cheap old clothes from goodwill or worn out clothing for my periods, I can donate more to charity, even if I have enough to eat and save with. I always thought that charity and donations were a big part of life for Christians…
I also don’t expect a God to give me money for periods. I expect my Gods to allow me to be able to make money, and give me the options for jobs, but only if I work hard given the best of the gifts they gave me. Perhaps it’s different between Christians and pagans/Jews(The religion that I was raised in.), but somehow, I don’t expect my Gods to suddenly give me $20 each month if I wasn’t careful with savings that month. That seems like a rather cheap trick for any God to play. Gods can’t just do a magical trick to make your life better. You have to make your life better yourself, by hard work and using the gifts the Gods give you in the womb…I guess I’ve always expected a higher power to work in a greater way, because they are great!
Yeah, cloth pads are a little gross, at first, but the weird smell that disposables get with the fragrance and rotting blood is arguable worse than the sight of blood in water, as I’ve found cloth doesn’t smell at all. If you use dark pads, you don’t even have to see the blood when you use the bathroom in between pad changes, and all you see is it on the toilet paper and in the soaking bucket’s water. If you use an opaque soaking bucket, you don’t even have to see any sort of blood except when you drain it! Really, 1 minute of disgust per day vs 5 minutes per 2 hours or so?