How to Make Cloth Feminine Pads

Cloth pads are alternative menstrual products to manufactured tampons and pads. Whereas retail menstrual products must be purchased each month and are disposable, cloth pads can save you money as they are washable and reusable. Women who are sensitive or allergic to synthetic materials in manufactured pads may benefit from using natural fiber pads. If you are interested in creating your own menstrual cloth pads, start with a basic pattern. You can always alter the measurements of the pad to fit your comfort level and body shape.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Marker
• Thin cardboard
• Scissors
• 100% cotton flannel
• Terry cloth
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Snap fasteners

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Instructions

• 1

  Draw a 10 inch by 4 inch vertical oval using a ruler and a marker on a piece of thin cardboard. To give your pad wings, use a ruler and a marker to draw two 2 by 2 inch squares on each side of the oval. Position the squares so that they attach to the center edge of the oval.

• 2

  Cut out the cardboard pattern using scissors.

• 3

  Fold a square piece of 100% cotton flannel in half and lay the cardboard pattern on top of the flannel.

• 4

  Trace the cardboard pattern on the flannel using a marker.

• 5

  Cut out the flannel pattern using scissors. You should have two identical flannel patterns.

• 6

  Spread out a piece of terry cloth on your table and trace the cardboard pattern on the terry cloth using a marker.

• 7

  Cut out the terry cloth pattern using scissors; cut about ¼ inch inside the marker line. Your terry cloth pattern should be slightly smaller than your flannel patterns.

• 8

  Place the terry cloth pattern between your two flannel patterns. The two flannel patterns should have their design sides facing out.

• 9

  Sew your patterns together using a sewing machine. Make a zigzag stitch around the perimeter of your pattern that is about ¼ inch away from the edge.

• 10

  Place your pad on the table. Using a needle and thread, sew by hand one part of a snap fastener onto the right wing near the wing's edge.

• 11

  Flip your pattern over. On the opposite wing, sew by hand and using a needle and thread, the other part of the snap fastener near the wing's edge.

• 12

  Trim any access threads hanging from your pad using scissors.