How to Make Reusable Menstrual Pads 🙋✂
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- Here are your step-by-step instructions on how to make reusable menstrual pads for a plastic-free period and planet. CLICK TO SHOW MORE #diy #crafts #zerowastehome
With a little practice on the sewing machine, you can make your own reusable sanitary pads and ditch single-use menstrual products. Read the blog post about why I quit disposable pads and how I switched to DIY menstrual pads.
Note: These are ONLY for low-flow period days or as a backup to the menstrual cup!
⏱️ Time required: Sewing machine pros: 20 minutes.
🙋✂ Supplies for Reusable Menstrual Pads:
+ Ruler
+ Thick sheet of paper (A3 or A4)
+ Pen or marker
+ Scissors
+ ¼ yard of 100% cotton black flannel
+ ¼ yard of 100% cotton printed flannel
+ Sewing machine
+ Sewing pins
+ Thread
+ Measuring Tape
+ Scissors for cutting fabric
+ Chalk or another type of marker to mark the fabric
👉 Read the instructions on 🙋✂ How to Make Reusable Menstrual Pads here : www.permacraft...
👉 Thumbs up if you liked this 📽 video! : • How to Make Reusable M...
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Ready to ditch single-use sanitary products & have an Earth-friendly period?
This is wonderful, was planning to do this for the female street kids in my country as they can't afford to buy the disposable one's. God bless you 💕
That's wonderful! What a great project. Amazing :)
@@Permacrafters 🙏🙏
That is what brought me here to help out those who cannot afford Sanitary Pads etc....blessings n love ❤️ to all
@@warriorchild2521 Love hearing that! That's wonderful :)
@@Nana-ob4xv Hi. How is the project going?
thank you for posting this, I grew up in a poor family and normally went days without pads when I was younger and had to use toilet paper or whatever I could find, I was always ashamed and mad about it but I’m glad to know I wasn’t the only one having to go days without normal pads.
I love the simplicity of this design. It is good for less experienced sewers or those who don't have the patience/time to do more complicated designs.
So glad you like it! Yes, we purposely chose one that would be easier for beginner sewers so it's more accessible 💜
Yup that's me (less experienced sewer)! I am in the middle of trying this pattern while using the fabrics that I have around the house. I am trying to find solutions to the "period poverty" claim/argument.
I'll be making a video soon to show the truth about the fountain of our flowers. Period pride is an attack against the scriptures and God. The truth is an atonement had to be made for her that was sick of her flowers therefore it is sinful to God. (Leviticus 15:28-30) Thank God that Christ is now our atonement for those who believe (Romans 8:1-5).
For the black piece inside i would add a light old washcloth piece or towel for more hold!
Previously my mom used to use cotton cloth as pad during her periods... And she felt ashamed of washing them n all... Then I started using regular pads... Now the trend is again going to cloth pads... Don't know why we go ahead and will come back to our grandmother's and mother's only... Not only this...in everything...
So many things from the past made much more sense ecologically and financially 😊
My first pads were cloth. Earned my own money for disposables. Now as a grandmother in my late 70s, I am finding that taking a trip with incontinent, for 3 + weeks out of country it is going to be more practical with washables. Coming home I will possibly return back to disposables. We will see. Maybe be using both. But the way our world is going?
cos back then there was more thought and effort but into the designs of stuff (washing machines, pads, food packaging ect) but now things just being produced as cheap and quick as possible
@@kathystorrer Maybe cloth for home and errands and plastic for working and trips? That’s what I would do.
Actually the way we use was uncomfortable bt we learn new way to use it and washing prosess to maintain hygiene..............
thanks for the easy tutorial! if anyone wants more absorbent pads you can try a few layers of linen, or a looser weave of 100% cotton, or any fabric thats popular for its absorption qualities.
great suggestions!
My mom made this for me and these kind of pads are just much more comfortable! Thnaks for making this video!
The ones made from fabric are more comfortable
Just used this tutorial to sew my own pads for the first time! They're so comfortable, im in love 💕
Awesome!!! We love hearing that. Happy you made these 😍
Hi! Coming from 1 year later- how are they holding up??
@@madonna4342 they are all still intact! I've used them pretty much every month since I made them
What fabric did you use ? And does. It absorb well ?
Same
I made these for my incontinence. Spectacular instruction video. I really appreciate how you cut slits to turn both inside out. Genius!
I have started to use these as some brands of sanitary pads give me a reaction. I don't have any problems with cotton resusables
that's wonderful!
THANK U SO MUCH!! I didnt have a sew machine but i did it by hand! It dosent make any sound whitch is perfect for school!
amazing! So happy to hear that!!
Instead of cutting the slit to turn in inside out, cant you just leave a small opening in the edge, turn it right side out then finish sewing by hand? Then you dont have any cut fabric left to fray with time.
Hi! :) We haven't tried that option. On our experience, stitches sew by hand are usually weaker than the machine ones. We haven't had any fraying problems so far, and we have been using these pads and washing them by hand for over a year.
@@Permacrafters sweet, good to know, thanks for replying :D when you sew by hand, to make the stitch stronger, just double your string! Then its actually stronger than your machiene sewing muahahaa!
Dasha S nice! I will try that the next time!
@@Permacrafters You can also turn it inside out, fold the seam allowance in and top sew along the edge to close to opening and make the outer edge nice and flat. Super neat and less hassle than handsewing
That's a great idea!
I've decided to give cloth pads a try. I hate how they're so much more expensive than disposable ones. So, I'll be using up some fabric I already have.
Well they're expensive originally but the price of disposable ones adds up a lot over the years
I have a pattern for this but for the life of me I couldn’t understand why they said to make a cut in the middle. NOW I get it! Thanks for your video!
This is my favorite method so far!! Thank you
Thank you for this. after seeing all the harmful chemicals in disposable pads ive been watching videos on how to make my own.
I love this idea!! I have a question how would a teen girl know its time to change if the cloth is black? Also how does this work when a teen girl is in school? Quick wash in bathroom until get home to properly clean and dry?
I would wear it for no more than 4 hours, unless she has an even heavier flow. When she's at school, she puts it in the leak-proof pouch that cloth pads are usually sold with, and she switches out for a new one. No need to pre-clean it at school :)
Its awesome and so warm for winter ❄️ thanks ❤️
Thanks for your help
happy that you have found this helpful! :)
Great video. Is that black fabric a special fabric? Because it sounds like total of 4 layers of fabric, how it can prevent from leaking through? Even when light period. Thankyou
To make it work for heavier periods could you just do two more pieces of the black fabric to add extra layers or would this not work? Also do you have a video of how to make heavy flow reusable pads?
hi, i am from kazakhstan, can you describe the materials of the fabric
Hi there! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. For the black fabric, it's 100% cotton black flannel. For the colorful fabric, it's 100% cotton flannel. If you'd like, all the details are in our blog post and we show a few examples of fabrics on Amazon that would work: www.permacrafters.com/how-to-make-reusable-menstrual-pads/
Also, if you have a heavier flow, we recommend using a PUL layer which is a mix of cotton and synthetic materials (plastic) for higher absorbency.
You don't add some type of plastic to keep it from seeping through to your clothing?
Cutting it there in the middle might make it leak there.
Thank you so much!! This is wonderful!!
People who use these must have awfully low flow periods. I would bleed right through that in less than half an hour, unless I am misunderstanding the materials you used.
Hello! Yes, these are only for your low-flow days (which makes up 3 out of the 5-6 days for me). These can also easily be used as a backup to the menstrual cup. We plan on sharing how we make our heavy-flow pads too with PUL layers, since this video has been picking up lately and we've gotten the question several times!
@@Permacrafters Oh ok, thanks. I spot for a few days, but then I move into heavy flow pretty fast and do my best not to bleed to death. LOL
I guess we are all different.
hi! i make cloth pads for women's shelter and I'm going to do my best to explain the materials. usually, i use ZORB as core fabric, which is highly absorbent (used in diapers) and I use flannel or cotton in the core as well to absorb any blood that may be squeezed out of the ZORB. Contrary to popular belief, pads and tampons make you look like you bleed much much more, and these pads are much more absorbent than disposables. you will be shocked! trust me when i say you will not bleed through it if the pad is made correctly and with good materials!
Would love to try these but what stops the blood from staining your clothes?
Hi Sinead! The cloth layers are sufficient to absorb the blood if you have a light flow, or on your light flow days. If you have heavier periods, you would need to add an additional PUL layer to avoid leaking. Hope that helps!
Thank you so so much!
happy you like it :)
Thanks for this video🤗❣️
I was really searching for this☺️
When you don’t have a mom to buy you pads
That's why im watching this.
@@sarahangelicadelossantos910 sorry to hear that😔
Sorry to hear that 😔
@@B2U23 its fine :
girl same 😂
Whats the purpose of cutting the slit in the middle? Fab video thank you xxx
Thank you so much! The slit is simply to turn the fabric inside out. If you don't turn it inside out then it's uncomfortable.
@@Permacrafters ohh brill thank you xx
Thank you very much easy to stich and learn
happy you like it!
"Give a man a fish, feed him a day. Teach a man to fish..." 😁
Nice work
thank you! :)
I wouldn't recommend metal since over time it will rust next to your private parts. I would use plastic or hook and loop tape
You should sell these I will buy lol
haha thanks! If only we had the time to make enough to sell ;)
Super cute
Looove the fabric it looks super adorable. But it won’t leak? Cause I have heavy flow
These are great for low to medium flow. For heavier flow, you can add a PUL layer that will add the required absorbency and use the exact same pattern :)
pls tell me what kind of fabric i mean z black one
Hi there, it's 100% cotton black flannel. The details are in our blog post: www.permacrafters.com/how-to-make-reusable-menstrual-pads/
How do you handle the used pads when you are outside the home, say at work or shopping?
We have a leak-proof baggy to put them in while we are out and about. it's the same kind of material moms would use to store their baby's wet cloth diaper in. Avoids smell too.
Is it just four layers of cotton fabric....? How does that hold the blood in?
Hey there! We use 2 pieces of 100% cotton black flannel for the liner, and 2 pieces of 100% cotton printed flannel for the pad. These are perfect for low-flow periods or on your lower flow days. We haven't had leakage issues with this model. If you have a heavier flow, you can use these pads as a back-up to the menstrual cup instead. Otherwise, if you want to just use a pad, you can add a PUL layer to prevent leakage. You could also add wool, fleece, or another layer of cotton flannel.
Why pads..go for menstrual cup..
Great question! In many countries the menstrual cup isn't accessible, so making your own pads are an affordable way to manage your period. Also, the menstrual cup can break your hymen, so some virgins prefer not to risk that pain by using pads. Also, it can be difficult to insert for young menstruators. Hope that helps answer your question! :)
It's very useful
glad you think so!
Woow easy to make, would definitely make them for my school
yay! happy to hear it
If you don’t mind me asking what sewing machine do you have?
Hi! I have a Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine :)
So we are going back to olden days???
In a sense, yes. However these are a wayyy comfier fit than your grandmothers used to use :D
Should we use cloth pads, if yes ✅then how many days we can use?
Yes! You can wear about 3 of these cloth pads per day.
Can you please suggest which type of fabric to use....
Is 2 pieces of the black flannel absorbent enough for a light- medium flow? Does it go through at all?
For Cristina, it works throughout her whole period. For me (Christelle) it works well on my medium flow days. If I were to use these on my high flow days, I would add a PUL layer. I also use them on high flow days as a backup to my menstrual cup.
Most reusable pads I find online have a waterproof layer on the outside what kind of material could I use that's waterproof?
I would use a PUL layer :)
This is a great idea to make for charities but what a waste of fabric. It hurts to see that much waste.
Hi Becca! We showcase it this way to make it accessible for beginners (and many who don't have access to period products). None of the fabric is wasted, in fact you can check out how we use the leftover fabric to make makeup remover pads here: czcams.com/video/efCavkHhazI/video.html
Thanks 😊
You're welcome! 😊
Please how do you properly wash the reusable pads - student friendly way
are they very absorbent? Would they work for women who have very heavy flows? thanks!!
For heavier flows, you would add a PUL layer to prevent leakage. This is for low flow days or to accompany the menstrual cup as backup :)
great video!
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Hi so I found a dinner sized 100% cotton cloth for black part but I don't have anyother cotton cloth for print part so can I use pillow cover or t shirt
I’m pretty sure that would be fine but you could just use the black cloth for the whole thing if you wanted
what kinds of cloths did u use? thank you. nice video.
Hello! You can find the details in our blog post: www.permacrafters.com/how-to-make-reusable-menstrual-pads/
This is what we used: ¼ yard of 100% cotton black flannel (enough for 3 pads)
¼ yard of 100% cotton printed flannel with a design you like
Good video
is 'black fabric' an absorbant material I have not heard of? or is this any old black fabric?
We use ¼ yard of 100% cotton black flannel (enough for 3 pads) (Organic Cotton Flannel). You can find more detail here: www.permacrafters.com/how-to-make-reusable-menstrual-pads/
❤❤❤Useful Idol❤
I have a bunch of fuzzi bunz cloth diapers. I was thinking of cutting them and remaking them into cloth diapers since they are no longer used. The outsides are waterproof material. I would have to cut the area where the snaps and closures are to reposition the. I also have the insert s. I am just wondering if it would be easier to start from scratch??
Hi! I definitely would give it a try! I love repurposing fabrics for all of my projects as much as possible! If you don't have enough material for one piece, after taking all the snaps and closures, you can sew a couple of fabrics together. It will be easier to start from scratch but more rewarding to reuse those cloth diaper fabric if you have time. Just make sure that the layer that will go to your body is 100% cotton and clean them properly. :)
Exactly what I'm trying to do, gingerly removing the snaps, so they don't leave big holes. I might have to think about another fabric for the top wrap over section, here's hoping I don't need to x
@@TrulyNamaste what if you cut the material around the snap area and see it in place where it needs to be for the pad. Might look like a zig zag quilt but it might work.
Make this pads and send it to woman in palestine. Try to help them in any way possible
What type of absorbancy does this have?
Hey Lia! We use these as day pads on the last 3 days of our periods, and on the first days as a back-up to the menstrual cup. If you have very heavy periods, you can add a PUL layer (which is plastic, so will not biodegrade), or add several more liners.
Permacrafters okay :)
Bakas hai
Do you sell these?
No, we do not. But a great brand is Gladrags.
God is always here for us! He will never leave us nor forsake us nor forgetten us! Keep sharing the gospel! He loves us so much!! Keep doing what God want u to do! Keep fighting! Love u!!! Do what God want u to do! And let the Father plans will be done
Have faith in Him!!! Y
Imagine we go this for homework 😂😭😭😭
how many times can use one?
For professionally made cloth pads, it's typically up to 5 years. For this one, it may be a bit less depending on your sewing skills and the materials you use.
How to wash this reusable pads
Wash with cold water and soap
Wash with soap and water
Some women soak their pads in water prior to washing them; it avoids staining. I personally don’t do this and my pads are just fine and come out clean, especially since the liners are black. Just make sure not to use a laundry cleaner that contains soap or it’ll coat the pads, and don’t use any bleach or softener either, like vinegar. You could use the cloth diaper laundry powder that I use, which contains 2 parts baking soda, 2 parts washing soda and 1 part sodium percarbonate. If you want to avoid blood stains, washing on cold will help (with black pad liners, this isn’t an issue). I hang dry my cloth pads to keep them in good shape, but you could machine dry them so long as it’s on low heat.
I somehow ended up with an H and not a pad, so I had to draw another pattern 🤣
These are all just cloth? Won't the blood leak to the pants?
Yes, but it depends on your flow. These work perfectly for lower flow - never had a leak issue. They can also serve well as a backup to the menstrual cup. For heavier flow, you can add a PUL layer for extra protection. (At the end of their lifecycle, you'll need to remove to PUL layer in order to compost the rest of the cloth layers.)
is it any special fabric
Hello! You can find the details in our blog post: @t
This is what we used: ¼ yard of 100% cotton black flannel (enough for 3 pads)
¼ yard of 100% cotton printed flannel with a design you like
link here: www.permacrafters.com/how-to-make-reusable-menstrual-pads/
How safe is this?.... Isn't it dangerous for female private part?
Hi there! It's perfectly safe to use cloth pads. However, if you have a yeast infection, you need to be careful and wash them extra well. If you have no vaginal health issues, you can go ahead and use these. Of course, wash them well after every single use.
Can i use any fabric for the pads?
hi! you'll want 100% cotton black flannel. and 100% cotton printed flannel. The details are in our blog post. www.permacrafters.com/how-to-make-reusable-menstrual-pads/
this is so scary
There are other safe & eco-friendly alternatives if this one is out of your comfort zone. There's the menstrual cup or period underwear, for instance.
I can't understand why would you want to re-use a pad? we dont have to do that anymore not in today's time...I'm quite sure it's not safe...bacteria always get in!!
Great question! There are many reasons.
The first is health. Sanitary pads typically contain plastic, rayon, a negligible amount of dioxin adhesives, and the scented ones contain fragrance. Hormone disrupters and carcinogens have been found in menstrual pads.
The second reason is the environment. One pad contains the equivalent of 4 plastic bags, and a single pad can take up to 500 years to break down. Many pads go through the sewage system and end up in the ocean, which is a big health hazard. There's also many environmental concerns when it comes to the sheer production of cotton & pesticides. When it comes to reusable cotton pads, they don't create trash and they don't contain harmful chemicals.
The third reason is they help alleviate period poverty by providing affordable access to women around the world who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford sanitary products every month.
In terms of your concerns with bacteria: The pads must be washed between uses with warm water and detergent, just like underwear, or even cloth diapers. In terms of bacteria on the reusable menstrual pads, the only times to be extra careful is if you have a yeast infection. In that case, wash well and sit them out into the sun until you have treated your yeast infection. And if you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, this can spread by contact with contaminated blood. If you have hepatitis C, as long as you are putting your used pads in a baggie before washing them, you don't run this risk.
I hope that information is helpful for you and answers your questions :)
@@Permacrafters thank you ...I was not aware of all that.
Am I the only one thinking she wasted fabric by not placing the pattern on the side when tracing it 😌
Hi Tahmina. No, you are not the only one. I did it that way because it's easier for beginners who have no sewing experience. In this follow-up video you can see how I make DIY Makeup Remover Pads from the leftover fabric. xx, Cristina czcams.com/video/efCavkHhazI/video.html
Awful music
Noooo it's not healthy at all to reuse pads even if you can wash them never risk ur health !
Hi Reem! It's perfectly safe to use cloth pads. Have you heard of cloth diapers? These capture fecal matter, and even those have been used safely for generations. However, if you have a yeast infection, you need to be careful and wash them well. However, it will be pretty obvious if you have a yeast infection as you will have itching and pain. If you have a healthy vagina, you can go ahead and use these. Of course, wash them well after every single use. If the ick factor is too much for you, an alternative is menstrual cups. Cloth pads are a great alternative for alleviating period poverty too. Happy to answer any other questions :)
Then next they'll be coming up with reusable tampons... Ewww SMH
Actually, reusable tampons exist! haha There are sea sponges & even knit tampons. 🤯But they are a serious health hazard & we are very much against them! Washable pads may not be for everyone, but they definitely help address period poverty around the world.