Reusable Cloth Pads
In today’s video tutorial, we’ll show you how to sew reusable cloth pads—a perfect way to reduce waste each month. Patterns in several sizes are included.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew reusable cloth pads in several shapes, from a panty liner to regular, night, and ultra/PPT options.
The shaped wings close around underwear with a snap. The same snap lets the pad fold into itself for transport before it can be rinsed or washed.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Select the top, absorbent, barrier, and outer layers.
- Secure absorbent layers and finish fabrics that fray.
- Handle slippery PUL without unnecessary pinholes.
- Sew curved pad shapes with an opening for turning.
- Trim curves and corners for a clean shape.
- Close the opening and install the snap.
Materials and care
The demonstrated combination uses dryliner next to the body, bamboo terry for absorption, PUL as a breathable waterproof layer, and cotton against the underwear.
The class also discusses cotton knit, flannel, fleece, minky, hemp, and other terry fabrics. Test combinations and layer counts to find a comfortable result for your intended use.
Wash the finished pads in cold water with mild soap. The original guidance advises avoiding bleach, fabric softener, and tumble drying.
Make it your own
The panty liner shown uses a lighter layer arrangement, while other pads can include PUL and additional absorbent layers. Two snap positions can provide an adjustable fit around the underwear.
Choose straight, zigzag, decorative, or central stitching around the absorbent area. For another washable project, see the reusable facial cleansing kit.
Pattern options
The PDF contains pad and absorbent-core pieces for panty-liner, regular, night, and ultra/PPT options.
The video class includes a downloadable PDF with the different pad and absorbent-core pattern pieces.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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