Advice for a first timer

[joy1989]

Hey Lovely Menstruators!
I'm thinking about making my own cloth menstrual pads. Can you give some useful advice from things you've learned making your own?  Thanks.

Comments

[oceansolitude]

I made my first batch of pads with flannel I had in my sewing stash and older terry cloth towels, you can buy fancy fabric, but you definately don't have to. I made them over 4 years ago, and they still work just fine. I also used buttons on the wings instead of snaps. Buttons were what I had and I was trying not to spend much money. I have used the metal snap kit more recently to make some baby clothes and it is not too complicated or expensive.

Foldable style pads are simple to make and have lots of strait lines so are easy to sew. I also like that they unfold for easy cleaning, but since it is attached it is easier than pocket/insert pads. ecomenses dot com has lots of good advice and some patterns too.

I had not sewed much since I was a kid, and hand sewed my first set as I didn't have a sewing machine yet. Beginners or out of practice sewers can definately make pads. Sewing pads actually got me into sewing other things and I have now made baby clothes, quilts, purses, curtains, simple dresses, and tote bags, and pads for both my sisters. Just take it slow, and remember that cloth pads are about function, so if the stiches are crooked it doesn't really matter.

My drier doesn't like to dry anything with more than two layers of terry cloth sewn together, so AIO patterns were not for me. I second or third the advice to try a variety of patterns to see what works for you and your situation.

Good luck!