A few years ago I discovered handmade women's sanitary pads/napkins for sale on some of the modern cloth nappy websites. I didn't take too much notice of them at the time. Not long after I discovered them being mentioned on simple living blogs, but I have to admit the idea of washing them put me off a little.
When Ben arrived and I started washing nappies, soaking bibs and bits and pieces, a shift in my thinking occurred. If I was avoiding using disposable nappies full time because of environmental, financial and chemical contact reasons, then why wouldn't I want the same for my own body?
Women used cloth style pads using various fabrics and scraps long before the disposable adhesive strip style variety was invented in the 1980's. The popularity of the cloth variety has come back into our lives again, as women are starting to choose these over disposable ones for comfort, environmental impacts and financial savings.
There are several companies now making cloth pads and plenty of Australian work at home mums are making them too. But I decided on the weekend to make a few, to see if they were something I was comfortable wearing. If they were, then that would be another change in our lifestyle, that would help us to save more money and reduce our environmental impact.
Personally I believe one handmade sanitary pad won't suit everybody's needs...a little like cloth nappies. We each have a different body shape and different cycles. This can be seen when you look at the variety of sanitary pads in your supermarket aisle. There are heavy, light, wings, long, super long, regular and so on. Although I do believe there are a few in there that really aren't necessary! I decided the best way to start was to 'copy' the shape of my favourite commercial brand. I won't name the brand but it is a 'cotton' product. This way I knew the size and shape would be comfortable to start with.
I have seen homemade pads made with pockets for inserts but I decided to make mine complete and add in layers for absorbency. I will see how they go and adjust them to suit. You may need to make a few different ones to suit your needs during your cycle.
The first one I made (not pictured) was created entirely from organic cotton terry fabric. It was exceptionally comfortable and it made me wonder? Is the comfort of a cloth pad the same for babies wearing cloth nappies over disposable nappies? Wearing this made me feel good...I kind of can't explain it...but it feels very 'natural'.
I made these ones yesterday and thought I would share with you how I created them. They are very simple, super quick and worth a try if you have been wondering too!
You will need:
A commercial sanitary pad or pattern shape
Fabrics ( I used organic cotton terry and upcycled some flannel bunny rugs)
You might like to cut up old flannel sheets, t-shirts or other natural fibre fabrics. Hemp and Bamboo fabrics are exceptionally absorbent (more than cotton) and have natural antibacterial qualities too. They do, however take longer to dry.
Sewing machine, scissors, pins & template plastic.
Snaps or press studs. I wouldn't use velcro personally as I don't think it would be very comfortable...but you could try it?
I removed the adhesives strips of paper from the disposable pad and stuck it right side up on the template plastic. Smooth it out. Allow at least a 1/4in allowance around the pad. Trace around the pad using a pencil 1/4in away from the edges of the pad. When you get to the wings (or you may not have wings) you will need to add some extra length here. You will need around 2 inches to 2 1/2 inches of wing from the pad so the wings will overlap to attach, but you may need to lengthen/shorten this depending on your body shape. I would recommend you make one of these first and then adjust the pattern to suit.
Cut around the shape on the traced lines.
Position your template onto your fabric. Trace the shape twice and cut around shapes on the traced lines. Now depending on the thickness of your outer fabric you might like to make an absorbent strip that runs up the length of the pad. I did this just by cutting a rough strip of cotton terry smaller than the length of the pad.
Pin the absorbent strip to the wrong side of one fabric pad shape. Stitch an 'x' through the strip centre.
Position the two pad shapes right sides together and pin around the edges. Machine sew a 1/4in seam around the edges of the pad leaving a 2in opening for turning.
Clip into the curves of the seams and turn right way out. Smooth out the seams, turn the edges at the opening under and press. Top stitch the edges to neaten and then add your snaps/fastenings to the corresponding wings.
A little tip. You may like to try your pad on first before adding the snaps/fastenings as my first one was a little bulky where it attached. I find it helps to have the outer wing snaps as close to the edge as possible (see photo's below). This reduces any bulk (between your legs)!
You might like to try making these with an overlocker and just join the front and back together with right sides facing out. I am going to experiment with different fabrics and absorbent panels and I like the idea that each one I make will be unique and sweet!
To wash I am just soaking mine in cold water in a bucket in the laundry (may give them a scrub with hand soap if necessary) and then throwing in the wash with other items. They will get washed every day or second day. Hanging in the sun to dry will help shift stains and I will try some bi-carb soda for persistent stains.
What I love most about these are you can make the shape to suit YOU and adjust the absorbency to meet YOUR body's rhythms, they are very comfortable to wear, are inexpensive to make - especially if you upcycle your fabrics, they are great for the environment (pour the bucket water over your outdoor plants for a nutrient boost), and they are chemical free against your delicate skin if you make them from organic/natural fibres. I am not sure that I will 'venture out' too far with them until I am confident using them and when I do, a small wetbag should do the trick, concealing them in my bag.
There are other various ways of frugally and naturally managing women's hygiene and menstrual cups are another method. I have found The Keeper website useful for information. If you aren't ready to try cloth pads or cups have you considered trying some of the more naturally made products commercially available? Most disposable pads are made from similar materials to disposable nappies and scented, bleached materials and glues etc aren't the best things for your body. Have a look in your supermarket aisle, is there a better choice for your body?
I would love to hear from anyone that makes these or uses them too. Have you found particular fabrics the best, do you prefer an absorbent insert, how did you come up with your pattern?
Thanks for visiting,
Amanda x
P.S There is a tutorial for these in Amanda Blake Soules book, Handmade Home. She has re-affirmed that these are a 'good thing'!
