Difficulty: Medium
Budget: ~£13
Time: ~30 mins
Cloth Pads are a lot more simple than people make them out to be! They can be easily made with scrap fabrics, it’s personalised, and will last an age – not to mention helping the planet out!
More importantly, they reduce the use of plastic used, energy used, has less toxins than disposable pads – performs better too(!), and it’ll save you money in the long run!! 🌏
So what are you waiting for?! Check out the tutorial and get making!! We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on instagram!!
In our example we used: Pink Peonies on Ivory Cotton Fabric for our Top Layer, Zorb Original for our Absorbent Layer, and Baby Pink Anti Pil Polar Fleece for our Backing.
Go to:
Fabrics You'll Need
Top Layer: Cotton Jersey is the most comfortable due to it’s stretch but you can also use Cotton Poplin or Digital Print cotton
Absorbent Layer: Zorb Original or Zorb 3D are the best options. But for lighter flows you could also use Bamboo Terry Towelling or Bamboo Fleece.
Waterproof Layer: You can use a separate hidden waterproof PUL layer or make life easier and choose Zorb 4D which is an all-in-one absorbent and waterproof layer!
Bottom Layer: Polar fleece is the most cost effective solution.
Snaps: You’ll need Kam Snaps to keep them secure
Step 2:
Draw out the core pattern, leaving a slight gap around. We like to leave a bit of space around the pattern that we can cut later.
It’s up to you what fabric you want for your core so we have an absorbency guideline for what fabric to use:
Light – Bamboo Fleece, Bamboo Terry Towelling, PUL Backed Terry
Regular – Zorb Original, Bamboo Fleece, Zorb 3D Dimples
Heavy – Zorb 3D Dimples, Zorb 4D Core PUL
Step 3:
Draw out the pad pattern using your choice of fabric – this will be the top layer. Cut around the pad pattern leaving a gap around.
Step 4:
Place core layer on wrong side of the top layer (the fabric used in Step 3).
Step 5:
Sew around the core layer to attach.
Remove any excess fabric on the core layer.
Step 6:
Using the pad pattern, cut out the backing, but, just like in Step 4 cut around the pad pattern leaving a gap around. Backing fabric can be:
– Polar Fleece
– Stretch-Fit PUL Organic Cotton Fleece (integrated waterproof layer)
– Stretch-Fit PUL Cotton Jersey (integrated waterproof layer)
Step 7:
Place right side of top layer fabric (core layer sewn on) to right side of the backing.
Sew around leaving at least a 1 inch turn hole (wing is the easiest place).
Step 8:
Turn the pad right side out through turn hole made in Step 9.
Poke out wings, iron, then top stitch all around the pad.
Step 9:
Get your pad snaps and snap setter and place 1 pad snap with the socket facing down close to one of the wings.
Place another pad snap with the socket facing up on the opposite wing.