When I was newly widowed around 20 years ago, without means and living alone, I simply got the wash cloths and folded them to a narrow strip, and when they were dirty, rinsed them thoroughly then threw them in a small bucket of hydrogen peroxide for a while before washing them. The HP eats the proteins and everything else washes away. This worked for while I was at home, I didn't try it out and about.
I am way past needing sanitary pads, but I would never dream of using reusable ones. There were times when I was a teen ager in the 50s that my folks couldn't afford to buy pads, and my Mother and I were both using rags. They were very uncomfortable. We didn't reuse them, just threw them away, but still neither one of us liked using them.
Yeah, I'm all for folding, and not sewing. It makes it much easier to fully clean and it dries quicker. I primariy use the keeper, with cloth back-ups.
Although I am beyond having a period in age, I do have incontinence and do so very much appreciate the ideas. I will also quilt the layers together because I have found them to be more absorbent for a liquid than the plain unquilted pads. I have in emergencies used old face cloths folded three times, which work fine, but it may not work for all women's fit. Good luck and God bless. : )
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Request: Homemade Sanitary Pads
Archived on 03/04/2009
Does anyone make their own sanitary pads? I need to know what to use and measurements. If someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it.
Jenn from PA
Answers:
RE: Homemade Sanitary Pads
They can be very comfortable made from 100% cotton flannel. I used a safety pin to fasten rather than snaps to save sewing time and effort! If you change them often, they don't leak through, or you can buy a waterproof fabric or polyester polar fleece to use as the bottom layer. (08/22/2005)
By Betsy
RE: Homemade Sanitary Pads
I make my own pads.
At the store find the brand that is the most comfortable fit, and the ideal size for you. Use that as the pattern/template.
Get some hand or bath towels and just literally draw round the pad onto the toweling and cut out (1 oblong shape).
Then cut out either one more or two more pieces exactly the same way depending on the thickness that you require.
Next get some waterproof material like a shower curtain (I personally buy cheap vinyl waterproof table cloths) and cut a piece from that the same shape.
Sew all pieces together around the edges. I either machine sew, (zigzag) or blanket stitch around the edge to prevent fraying.
Sew some little stretchy hair bands at each short end, and you can then use them with a sanitary belt.
It saves a fortune, and you can wash them with your usual washing in a machine. They last for ages! I did some about 5 years ago, and I've still got them. Mine are basic plain colors at the moment, but I'm going to do some stripey ones and patchwork ones, and put some embroidery on others. They are totally more comfortable that shop ones because they are natural fibers and they don't irritate. I really recommend doing it. Have fun and good luck. (09/23/2006)
By Jane
RE: Homemade Sanitary Pads
I can tell you how I sewed mine simply and maybe it can help. I purchased a package (1 dozen) Gerber pre-folded diapers at the store, then I checked the remnants basket in the material section and bought 2 yards of pretty pink flannel material. For heavy days, I purchased 1/2 yard of POLY flannelet (for the backing). Now, not only is this cheaper in the long run, but it was easy to cut and put together at home.
Lay the diaper out flat. Place a disposable pad of your most comfortable size in the top center to use as you pattern. One end of the pad will be at the center edge, with extra at bottom and the thin section of the diaper that goes around the baby to be pinned will be on the edge. Leave about a 1/2 inch wide x 1 1/25 inch long oval at center of each side of pad if you prefer wings.
If you are using a pattern material, make sure before you sew it that you turn it inward first so when you turn it inside out your pattern shows. Next (if using wings, fold them in first) lay your diaper cut out on top of your flannel cut out and sew around the edges leaving one end open. Turn the pad inside out through the opening and then sew that end shut, and make a small stitch where your wings are to keep them snug.
Sew a piece of soft baby Velcro to the wings and you are done. You can get 1 maxi pad and one liner from each diaper giving you 12 pads and 12 liners or if you need extra absorbency, use the end piece as an extra layer for your regular pad. If you change your pad when needed, you should not have the use for any sweaty plastic liner. Cloth baby diapers come in some pretty pastel colors at some of the fancy baby stores, but you will pay a little more for them.
I bought mine for $12.00 basic white. I wash these in cold water after rinsing them well and dry them in the dryer and they have never failed me. Good luck. Sorry I don't have an image.
