DIY Reusable Menstrual Pads

It wasn’t too long ago that my girls and I made the switch to reusable menstrual pads. I know. Not a topic anyone really wants to discuss, right? If you’re looking to really save money though, making the switch for the ladies in your home is a great way to do it. However, cloth pads can be expensive. Making DIY reusable menstrual pads, however, is not and since I wanted to show you exactly how it’s done, I thought it might be nice to post a free sewing pattern for you.

There are a lot of reasons that a woman might want to switch to using cloth pads. For us, it was comfort, cost and the added benefit of fewer chemicals touching such sensitive areas.

I am not big on chemicals in my life period which means I try to avoid them as much as possible. This is why, in 2015, my family and I began the long – and sometimes tedious – journey to make as much at home rather than buying it.

It started with a list of 30 things to make at home and since then has grown to be a rather large list.

Making the switch to reusable menstrual pads was one of the first changes we made and for us, the switch was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

DIY Reusable Menstrual Pads Free Sewing Pattern

If you too have been wanting to ditch disposable products for reusable ones, switching to cloth pads is a great way to start.

It’s such as simple swap and one that has the potential to save you thousands of dollars over the years.

Not to mention the health benefits of making the swap. There is very little evidence, but some women who have switched to reusable menstrual pads have reported:

• Fewer cramps and PMS symptoms
• Lighter flow
• Reduced PCOS symptoms

Doesn’t it seem worth it to make the swap to see if they will help you as well?

Supplies You Will Need to Switch to Cloth Pads

When you make the switch to cloth pads, you will need a few supplies. Yes, you’ll have to buy them ahead of time, but they will help you to care for your cloth pads and to keep them in good, useable condition for years to come.

Supplies Needed for Cloth Pads:

• Bucket
• Lingerie Bag for Washing
• Wet Bag for Storing Used Pads Between Washes
• Borax and Baking Soda for soaking and stains
• Cloth Pad Drying Strap

Cloth Pads Free Sewing Pattern

This free sewing pattern is simple enough that you can make them whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or are just beginning learning how to sew.

It’s also a very basic cloth pad pattern. There are tons of different designs available. If you’re new to using cloth pads, give this free sewing pattern a try until you know you want to stick with them.

Once you’ve decided that, you can look at other cloth pad sewing patterns that are available to try other shapes and types.

Supplies Needed:

• Sewing Machine
• Scissors
• Snaps
• Snap Press
• Sewing Clips
• Pad Outline PDF Found Here
• Fabric for the outer pad
• 3D Zorb material for the inner pad

When you choose the fabric for your DIY cloth menstrual pads, you can use any fabric you would like that is not water resistant.

P personally prefer fleece, flannel or 100% cotton fabric for my own.

To start making your DIY reusable menstrual pads, print the pad outline PDF file found HERE then cut it out using the outer lines.

Once it is printed and cut, use sewing clips to clip the outline to the fabric you have chosen for the outer pad. Cut 2 layers of fabric using the guide.

These are the top and bottom of your cloth pad.

Next, cut out the center portion of the pad pattern. Use it to cut the Zorb fabric layers.

You can change the absorbency of your DIY reusable menstrual pad by how many laters of Zorb you add.

Cut as many as you will need fopr one pad based on the list below:

• 1 layer = pantyliner/very light flow
• 2 layers = light flow
• 3 layers = regular 
• 4 layers = medium
• 5 layers = heavy flow
• 6/7 layers = postpartum/super heavy flow

Sew the Zorb onto on unprinted side of fabric. This will become your pad and it’s core.

Once you’ve attached the core, sew the other piece of fabric – printed side down – onto the pad to create the bottom.

Be sure to leave it open at the top.

Reach through the open end and turn the pad right side out. Stitch the top closed.

This next stitch is optional, but one I recommend. To keep the material from bunching up inside the pad, you can place a single row of stitches down the center of the pad.

Next, poke a hole in each of the wings and place the snaps. Make sure they are placed correctly so that the male and female ends match up correctly when snapped.

Once the snaps are placed, used the snap press to press them into place. Wash them in a lingerie bag to prep them and dry by hanging and your DIY reusable menstrual pads are are ready to be used.

Looking for more DIY projects that will save you money? Try these:

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