Layers

[twoton74]

Hello,

I am preparing to make some cloth pads, and have some issues that I hope you will be able to help me with.

My Fabrics:
Heavy Bamboo Velour 360GSM (for the top)
super Heavy Bamboo Fleece 500GSM (for the absorbent core)
Bamboo Flannel
PUL
Polar Fleece Cotton Flannel (for the bottom)
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My questions are:
1. How many

Comments

[dalyax]

Hello!

It sounds like you are off to a great start, you have some really good fabrics!

1.) Considering you have a heavy weight bamboo fleece, I would personally use only 2 layers (maximum) of it for a heavy flow. Or, you can use 1 layer of the bamboo fleece + 2-3 layers of the bamboo flannel (for quicker drying). It's just a matter of thickness, so test it out!
For a light flow pad, 1 layer of bamboo fleece is great. And the bamboo flannel can be used for light flow as well (perhaps 2-3 layers) if you run short of bamboo fleece or want a thinner light flow pad.

2.) In my experience, bamboo flannel dries almost quickly as the standard cotton flannel. It's also great to use as a topper fabric since it always stays soft.
Bamboo fleece, especially the heavy weight kind, takes a while to dry. It's why I suggested to use only 2 layers maximum and supplement it with bamboo flannel for more absorbency without thickness (and longer drying time). A lot of my pads are made with bamboo fleece. After I dry them in the dryer, I usually hang them for a day since they are not completely dry yet. This doesn't occur with my thinner pads.
It all depends on the combination you use and how many layers.

Additional note: PUL can make drying time longer, especially how you sew it. Don't sew through the PUL to attach it to the core. I use PUL as the full shape of the pad (full coverage on wings). And, when I soak my pads, the pads made that way float like air filled pillows (because the PUL creates an air pocket, but doesn't block the back of the core from being washed).

Good luck! If you need extra tips, let me know :)