How to sew a cloth pad - Exposed Core Style

[@jaquitaclark564]

I am so excited to get into making these. I have a 12 year old who hasn't started her period yet but all of her friends have and she's nervous about it. I think having pretty and custom products like these will make her feel better about it. You're the best teacher that I've found on youtube and I am thankful for your simple and easy to follow tutorials.

[@daciasdiy1861]

My daughter is not at all enthused about using reusable pads . I’m so Bummed about that part ! She’s like no way !

[@bethanymay3056]

Ever since you asked me why I don't just make my own pads, I have watched a lot of your videos, practiced sewing, and tonight I finally made myself pantyliners just like these! I have to say, they came out better than I thought they would! I want to thank you for your encouragement and your videos, links to everything you have used over the years. All of it was very helpful. I now have discovered a new passion! Thank you so much!

[@billettescrafts]

Your very welcome ❤️

[@mellou04]

Thank you for taking the time to create this tutorial! I have had cloth pads on my want to do list for months but I’m in the same boat as you with kids at home. Hopefully I will take time to do this soon!

[@billettescrafts]

Welcome 👏❤️

[@pbunn79]

Thank you for this. I've been struggling with getting it right, but will try this.

[@billettescrafts]

You are so welcome!

[@brunacirelli]

These are sooo pretty and you make it look so easy! Love the tutorial. This video really makes me want to start sewing a stash for myself!

[@billettescrafts]

Go for it

[@severussnape3949]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Those CRUNCHIE Craft Scissors 😂 All Sewing/Crafters Own One ❤ So Hard To Get Rid Of ❤ Thanks For Sharing Your Talents With Others ❤

[@MomAsol]

This is great tutorial ❤

[@dianecohen318]

LOVE your fabric choices-the topper is so pretty! Happy New Year!

[@redtulipsbags3316]

I love your video! Thank you for all of the information!

[@kathleenabbiesanjuan3453]

I think this is the easiest way on how to do an expose core 😍

[@bonbonmon75]

Thanks for the video! I'm a newbie and u helped alot!

[@kathybrooks1748]

Your videos have really helped me make my own cloth pads. But I’m still working on making my own patterns, with libraries having limited access to their computer’s and printers. Also I don’t have it in my budget too purchase a printer, so I’m doing everything old school. I love making things that makes me happy. I’ve made a few of my favorite cartoon characters cloth pads, like tinkerbell, The peanuts, Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat, Marie from the Aristocats and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Then I’m going to work on making an overnight, regular and panty liner pads of Dumbo.

[@return2basics242]

I have watched this video as well as others in the past 48 hours or so (thumbs up everyone!! I browse around just in case there's an additional trick) So.... because I've been browsing around, I have personally witnessed that you guys as content producers are getting feedback stolen from you. My own feedback isn't showing in the thumbs-up section (and I'm sorry, but I don't recall if I left a worded message here - as I said, I've been watching as many of these similar videos as I can so I can learn as much as possible

[@Manzanitamystic]

Exposed core seems soooo easy compared to the “traditional” way of seeing a cloth pad! I’m going to finally try it! I’m using moon glow patterns and can totally do this with the patterns I already have. (they stopped making patterns like 5 years ago 😭😫😭😫, I miss them they were amazing)

[@jenniferringsparr5195]

I agree, they seem more easy and faster too. After my vacation om gonna try this method and the ”traditional” version

[@coleneritchie5625]

I do believe you answered my question about the straight of the grain as you was making this pad. I didn’t really see how it could make a difference either way. You can save more material this way.

[@darlaann1610]

Nice!

[@nicoletumblin8427]

Love that you made another cloth pad video!! your videos are so good! quick question though....if i wanted to make some moderate and heavy pads as exposed core, would i do it the same way for the exposed core? would that make the seams too bulky if i was using 400 or 500 gsm bamboo fleece? any tips would be great, i just mastered (for my own use lol) the hidden core pads and i was really wanting to make some exposed core pads to try......thanks in advance for any help :)

[@billettescrafts]

Thx for reaching out Nicole. Yes so use your 400 or 500 gsm and do 1 layer as a moderate and 2 layers for heavy. Exactly how I did in the tutorial👏🏻👏🏻

[@nicoletumblin8427]

@@billettescrafts thanks 😊

[@adeline19792]

Thank you so much 😊

[@billettescrafts]

You're welcome 😊

[@JenJen-pq3kd]

Great video. Which pattern is it from Versodile?

[@billettescrafts]

I’m not sure, maybe her basic

[@LMGlibra1978]

I was wondering if you have any opinion for using homespun cotton for a topper fabric. I am a gusher but trying to avoid the hassle of constructing a gusher style pad. I am wondering if the hoemspun cotton would be a good option as a quick absorber. Have you experimented with it? Looking for your insight so that I don't waste materials and time making something that doesn't work well.

[@billettescrafts]

Try it !

[@sabrinaweaver5535]

I have cloth diaper inserts most are bamboo. Would they be good to used for the inside pieces? I haven’t been able to sale the cloth diapers and may as well use them for something.

[@billettescrafts]

Try it !

[@cleicecleice9415]

Thanks

[@nettigoodman6354]

One more question.... I have a lot of linen, but have found that so few cloth pads have a linen topper. For me this seems like an excellent fabric to use, what do you think? It's tougher than cotton, gets softer over time, it's antiallergic. It's a great insulator. Why on earth isn't everyone using linen? Am I missing something?

[@billettescrafts]

The beauty is you can pick any topper you want👏👏

[@CrystalsTrips1]

Did you make one using linen yet? If so how was it when you used it?

[@nettigoodman6354]

@@CrystalsTrips1 Yes I did! It needs a lot of preshirnking, mine took 3 prewashes, it turned out perfectly. Its getting softer and softer and has a naturally open weave, so it was extremely quick to absorb. I have no idea why linen isn't used more. Potentially less colour options.

[@agnesckm]

Wondering the backing can I add a layer of cotton with beautiful print instead of seeing the plain fleece?

[@billettescrafts]

You can, it’s just going to make the pD thicker and isn’t necessary but if your going for it, that’s up to you 😊

[@nettigoodman6354]

What material is the floral print made from? Thanks in advance!! (If it's just cotton? Doesn't it feel wet?)

[@billettescrafts]

Nope, cotton is my favorite to use. Plus it breathes well and isn’t too hot

[@nettigoodman6354]

You’re a star! I’ll try this out now. Thanks so much again for the video!

[@laurastrele]

Absolutely love cotton topper. Feels dry and not too warm

[@QueensNative]

Great video! Thank you for sharing... I’d love a link for soft shell fleece 🤗

[@billettescrafts]

Oh darn let me add that into the description! I knew I was forgetting something

[@QueensNative]

@@billettescrafts 😊 thank you,!

[@erinfay11]

Does an exposed core cause irritation? I am allergic to pads even the organic cotton ones. Wondering if the extra fabric will lead to more irritation than a hidden core?

[@ambermuenzel367]

I tried this method and I like it but I wonder if leaking is a problem with the stitches for the core going through the waterproof layer

[@billettescrafts]

I’ve made thousands of these pads for my Etsy shop and clients and myself. They’ve never leaked.

[@flormendoza4268]

@@billettescrafts I was wondering the same, I'd like to make this model for my shop, but first i'm making it for myself and try it, even i don't have heavy flow, hehe; thank's for sharing :)

[@CJ-ho1eu]

Are these good for people with incontinence?

[@billettescrafts]

Yes, use heavy organic bamboo fleece that’s mentioned in the description

[@alisonraymond2079]

What's the fabric that you use for the topper fabric?

[@billettescrafts]

Cotton 😁

[@gingergamer3270]

Did you sew through the backing fabric?

[@billettescrafts]

Yea you do, you would think it would leak but it does not

[@ServeLearnTeach]

Do you have an Etsy shop or online way for customers to order pads?

[@billettescrafts]

I do not make them for sale anymore. I’m sorry. Had to close up shop, kids are homeschooled since the pandemic and life just got to busy 😜 Maybe someday again I hope

[@nilminideen5296]

Can you please tell me where you get the stencil from please ?

[@billettescrafts]

Versodile.Etsy.com

[@sweetkitty7675]

Would you uses the same material to make a peepee teepee?

[@billettescrafts]

I’m not sure, never made one before

[@eloisacontrerasjimenez4483]

Where do you get your pretty fabric?

[@billettescrafts]

Etsy! Look up Tula pink fabric or Amy butler fabric ❤️

[@TanjaDebels]

If you sew the pad on top, you sew through the pul. So you make holes in it. Don't you have leaks when you do that?

[@billettescrafts]

You would think you do but you don’t! Your flow is caught in the center of the pad and absorbed by your core material. Heavy organic bamboo fleece, which I’ve linked in the description, is the best for this. 1 yard will make you TONS of pads. I’ve never leaked or had clients that leaked!! Unless for example it’s your heavy day and your wearing a Pantyliner, then of course your core material is not enough. But even then it’s never been through the pad, just over the sides. Give it a try! Cloth is amazing for your cycle, comfortable and absorbed differently then a disposable and leaves you feeling dry ❤️👏

[@renee2502]

Yes Tanja you should sew the core to the topper first then assemble the rest finishing with turn and stitch.

[@KatieCottingham]

@@renee2502 If it's not zigzagged, the single needle strike through the PUL won't cause leaking even if you sew through it. The material was made for hospital use, and the science behind the long usage is that when you wash and then dry hotter the coating seals around the stitching in addition to further sealing the fibers of the fabric they coat. This is part of why PUL stands up to longterm use in medical settings.

[@xkimmixstarrrx]

I would love to know how to make the plastic piece you draw around please? Xx

[@bethanymay3056]

She mentioned in one of her videos that she went to the dollar store and bought their plastic cutting boards. I did the same thing and they work perfectly!

[@xkimmixstarrrx]

@@bethanymay3056 ahhh! We don't have a dollar store here in the UK. but I'm guessing it's like a chopping board that's cut into the shape then?

[@bethanymay3056]

@@xkimmixstarrrx Yes

[@pepperred4370]

Do you have a shop where I can order your pads?

[@billettescrafts]

I’m not currently making them

[@deannagile6367]

How big was your square of PUL?

[@billettescrafts]

1 yard will get a lot

[@daciasdiy1861]

I’m Gina Ake my first one s exposed I’m making the gushers first

[@dldzioba]

Why cut one of the patterned fabrics to turn out rather than just leaving a gap to turn?

[@billettescrafts]

It’s easier and the end result is very tidy looking.

[@a.highsmith7323]

Is the topper PUL as well or is it cotton?? Can you use cotton as the topper??

[@billettescrafts]

There’s no pul in the exposed core part

[@gadgetg003]

I'm SO CONFUSED! It looks to me like you are putting the pretty patterned side against your skin and the plain side against your panties which seems like it is the opposite of what you are supposed to do with the ones being sold on Amazon. Am I misunderstanding?

[@billettescrafts]

Thanks for commenting. There are some makers and some bulk makers on amazon that makes cloth sides with the pretty side faces toward your undies. In my opinion, and the opinion of my makers circle, we like to create with the pretty side facing you, so you can enjoy the prints. Yes they get bled on but that's our preference. When making your own cloth pads or if custom ordering through an Etsy shop, you can ask for the topper fabric to black or white or something plane. It's not a big deal it's just a makers preference. Hope this helps

[@coleneritchie5625]

Do you have to cut them on the straight of the grain like you do garments, etc.? Would it really matter?