How to sew a HEAVY Cloth Pad with a stepped core

[@itzakpoelzig330]

Use a cotton waffle-weave fabric for the side that touches you. I don't know if I'm unusual, but my blood comes in gushes, and smooth fabrics can't absorb it fast enough to prevent the blood from just sliding off the pad sideways. Useless. I needed a much more textured fabric, like waffle-weave, to slow the sideways escapees. Like speed bumps. Try it, you'll see what I mean.

[@ladylinkage]

Have you looked into gusher pads?

[@penelope-oe2vr]

When cutting the pattern, you can also make it longer in the front or back. Let's say you are a back bleeder, make it longer in the back but not the extra length in the front

[@Seoulmom60]

Watched so many videos but this is the first one that gives me the courage to move forward.

[@shannonburns2289]

I have been researching how to make reusable pads, and this video answered many of the questions that have popped up as I've been reading various instructions. Watching the video is super helpful for consolidating other instructions. Thanks!

[@billettescrafts]

Welcome! Please reach out to me on Instagram if you need help

[@петранисимов-б3п]

А как вы стерилизуете, кипятити свои многоразовые полоски, гигиена должна быть, а вы всякую цветную ткань используете, смотрится нелепо, создаете рассадник микробов, ткань должна быть стерильна.

[@MissDebi]

​@@billettescrafts Would this work for moderate (4) incontinence pads?

[@kellys.5913]

@@петранисимов-б3пyou wash them in the laundry like they did for hundreds of years before disposable pads were invented.

[@tasadasa9363]

Great Video! I'll try It. If you want that your new fabric scissors stay sharp, never use them for paper. They will last longer.

[@terifahs9400]

Thank you so much for this video and source information. I am helping to start a project to make these for school girls in Kenya. They do not come to school during "their time." These will allow the girls the opportunity to continue their education, and aIso not be obvious with their absence. I am anxious to get started with your help!! Thank you.

[@billettescrafts]

You are so welcome!

[@glorianicolasvalentin8019]

Thank you for sharing this video :D I made myself some and have tried them now, I have to say that they are the best I have ever worn :)))))))) super effective for heavy periods!

[@billettescrafts]

Awesome!

[@GrandRising313]

Are they truly effective? I want to make some for myself but I deal with fibroids and I need an alternative to the cups .

[@Snappypantsdance]

@@GrandRising313 I think cloth pads give you the most versatility. You could even add a extra insert somehow. There are quite a few different ways to do it. From a long term cloth user- cloth it the best and most versatile:).

[@Batsnang]

Gonna be making period panties, but as I have a heavy flow, I'm gonna be following this layering.. Fashion? Style? You get that I mean ☺️ Thank you so much for posting easy to follow tutorials

[@teresamarler5806]

I use the end of a paint brush or reusable chopstick to push out my corners.

[@vixschannel_igni]

Loved this tutorial! Very clear and I can’t wait to make these. Thank you

[@erickc7174]

Thank you, I am looking forward to making this for my sister!!!!!!

[@nakayiwashamim4033]

Woooow.... this is incredible! Where should I buy these fabrics i would love to learn and train the girls here in Uganda.

[@billettescrafts]

Forgive me N, life has been inside down with covid, homeschooling and family health stuff. Just seeing this

[@happycook6737]

One idea is to look for used clothing that is made of those fabrics. Often used clothing is thrown away if it has holes. In Tanzania, used clothing sellers sold me clothes with stains/holes cheaply. Thick cotton like man's dress shirt worked. flannel, etc. In fact, once the sellers knew what I wanted, they'd saved big bags.

[@shaynalinkie]

I've never heard of an orange peeler, that is so cool

[@trevarnewighton2954]

Tupperware prize from parties in the old days when they played games.

[@penelope-oe2vr]

I like mine topped with minky. It feels so good fuzzy.

[@mariemaladorno8788]

I enjoy your videos so much and get excited when you put a new pad video on utube. KAM snaps come in any color you could possibly want, plus they donate money to homeless and handicapped dogs.

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

Just watched this video after “finding” you on KZbin and watching the one with the pad sewn in to the panties. I appreciate your easy instructions and links in the description box. Thanks for sharing your expertise! 🥰

[@FrancisCastroMua]

I love your period related videos thank you so much!

[@billettescrafts]

Your welcome F

[@Daniela-ts7yz]

Thank you 🙏. I can’t wait to start my first pads.

[@rayab5396]

Thank you , great and useful way , greetings from Tunisia

[@GaiaCarney]

Billette’s Crafts, Thank You for creating & sharing this 🕊

[@melanie345656]

I always wondered if the pads could come with Velcro kinda like how some reusable diapers have.

[@kvetal.600]

Neskutečně dobře a názorně vysvětlený postup šití. Mockrát děkuji ♥️

[@msales1226]

Thank you so much for all your videos !!! Been binge watching them!

[@sharongera7220]

Very nice pads

[@jahmallajaima]

I love that fabric. It’s a beautiful print.

[@katt17c]

Thank you, great video I just finished my first Versodile pad! I made a fish haha

[@billettescrafts]

Awesome!!

[@sarahleecrochetandfabric]

thank you i made 6 today all reusable and items i already had.

[@MomAsol]

Beautiful

[@daciasdiy1861]

Wow! I’m gonna make this my first sewing project

[@malissawhite4569]

AWESOME, I just watched your video on the mensural panty and stated that I wanted to make some for heavy flow days.

[@amygrant1503]

Thank you for this I am going to make some to send to Ukraine ❤️

[@pattrainor1234]

Thank you so much for this info. I already buy from Spoonflower, so I am on top of it. I am making a package for a Christmas shoebox effort abroad. I hope to make them for my daughter.

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I have been thinking of doing the same thing for our boxes next year! I just switched over and am very happy with the change, now I want to make a bunch of sets for shoeboxes and my community lol. We have a local mission that provides a bunch of service to struggling families and I would love to donate these!

[@allison3132]

thank you sm for making this! seriously thank u

[@karenwaide2878]

Nice to watch how these pads are made, good video as I have just purchased these 1st time to try after years of shop bought ones 😀

[@10Grile]

Thank you!!!I really need it to watch this tutorial, im going to start making them 😊🙏

[@billettescrafts]

Woo! Reach out if you have questions

[@bts-br2bc]

@@billettescrafts $ব

[@fabricartUK]

I take it the soft shell to knickers and cotton to skin?

[@sharongera7220]

Super your pads

[@janebarlow392]

So the blood goes on the pretty side?

[@kimberleyoliver8160]

Thank you for this.

[@billettescrafts]

Welcome

[@shirleykirk711]

I’m new to making the washable pads. I have incontinency issues so I’ve been using the underwear with absorbable lining but that doesn’t work very well because it doesn’t have some thing like the pul. I am working with various materials to figure out a good absorbency. I’m also looking at your exposed core video. For the exposed core, can you do stepped layers. My most recent pad has non-exposed core with two alternating layers of original Zorb and organic cotton fleece. With the topper in cotton Sherpa and the bottom 1 mil eco-Pul. Do you think all that work work in the exposed core? Any suggestions are welcome.

[@billettescrafts]

I don’t use zorb but I developed an allergy to it but an amazing thin but VERY absorbent core material is HOBF or heavy organic bamboo fleece. 1 yard will go very far!!

[@andi8717]

Thanks for the video! Wanting to make some with my daughter and this video is super helpful!

[@angelabroome2835]

Hi, love your videos on cloth pads. I am planning to make my own, just a question how do you pre wash the cotton and the bamboo. and do i have to put in the dryer and how many times. Thank you

[@billettescrafts]

Pre wash the cotton on cold and dry on hot

[@shawuanamay3913]

Very nice

[@preciousglorious233]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰👏👏 .so blessed thanks for sharing

[@HALLEY9507]

Hi there I just have a quick question about how to wash it. I usually wash my sanity pad with inner PUL at 40°/60°, but the label on my softshell fabric says to wash at no more that 30°. How do you manage it? Thanks

[@Glamrgrl104]

Is it cheaper to sew your own? Bc I'm a beginner at sewing only have sewed two aprons.But as far as cost of fabrics? Bc for one cloth pad from some good makers it's $20.

[@billettescrafts]

This is so true, cloth pad makers have to raise their prices to account for products price going up and their time. If your going to make just a handful of pads to add to your stash, then it wouldn’t be worth it, but if you want to make yourself a new set and maybe some friends and family too, then yess!! It’s way worth it! 1 yard of your backer( softshell fleece) 1 yard of your topper ( cotton) and 1 yard of your thin but amazing core fabric ( heavy organic bamboo fleece) will make you approximate 20 pads. Depending on length of course. The yard of heavy organic bamboo fleece will last you a lot more than 20 pads… go for it!!

[@poetmaggie1]

Care of the soiled pads like cloth diapers rince and wash in machine? can they be dried in dryer?

[@billettescrafts]

I recommend soaking for half a day first, machine wash on cold and air dry. If you do use dryer, low heat or air dry.

[@fabricartUK]

Soak in cold water (heat sets any stains). 30degree wash but leave out the fabric conditioner... you can snap them together and hand to air dry.

[@reembenfadhl6332]

Good job thank you

[@phyllisjohnson2938]

Thank you🌎

[@billettescrafts]

Your welcome Phyllis 🫶🏻

[@chelseab5467]

Thank you that was very helpful!

[@Praecantetia]

I wonder if I can 3d print a snap plier

[@daciasdiy1861]

I need some realm absorbent material ! I don’t think that’s heavy enough? I wear the size 5 pads

[@billettescrafts]

Super heavy organic bamboo fleece is the best!! or known as SHOBF. Etsy.com

[@sandramendoza228]

Super 😃😃, me encantaría saber con qué nombre se puede conseguir la tela gris con azul aquí en México, gracias por compartir.

[@sweetkitty7675]

If you were to make these pads for a incontinene lady, would you make a 4 layer core or make a doubled layered with 2 of the mini cores down the center?

[@malissasmusings]

When stitching down the core, could i use a zigzag stitch?

[@billettescrafts]

You can ✌🏻

[@violetdickenson5359]

Is the soft shell fleece as good as the PUL to prevent leakage?

[@billettescrafts]

I think so, I’ve never leaked through and neither have my customers

[@Ellagene7]

I don't have a lot of experience with sewing, so I have a few questions. --What is the "turnhole"? -Can you use the material "zorb" as the inner layer? Will that be better for heavy flow days? -What is a back stitch? -What is the 3.0 stitch length? Sorry, I know these are probably really silly questions haha😂

[@billettescrafts]

No all good questions. Did you watch the video? The turn hole is the section of sewing that you leave open until the pad is flipped right side out. Back stitching is like going back and forth in one spot to ensure the stitching won’t come loose. I don’t care for Zorb myself because he caused an allergic reaction on my skin but you can use it. 3.0 stitch length is the setting on your machine that decided how far apart your stitching is.

[@craftlikevini2358]

@@billettescrafts please give description of fabric 🙂

[@nancystevens6092]

Thank you I've been looking for exactly this would natural cotton batting work for the inside and also is there an alternative for the water proof fabric maybe at joann 🥰

[@shaynalinkie]

Cotton batting would not be as absorbent, you should check out Kinderel Fabrics, they have remnants (Remnants #4 box is great) in the terry, fleece, velour option and it's really cheap to order that way!

[@IRINAGOS]

Is it possible to just use organic heavy Terry cloth and bleed on an organic cotton and skip the soft-shell? I just don't see the point of using expensive organic if you are going to add that polyester fiber as well....

[@billettescrafts]

I’m not familiar with organic Terry but I like to use the organic bamboo fleece because it very thin but it absorbs a lot! The softshell fleece is a mental comfort for me and my clients to know your not going to leak through on a heavy day 👍

[@JAZZYYISRAEL]

Hello..Could you do a tutorial on cloth diapers?

[@billettescrafts]

I’m sorry dear, I’m not very familiar with cloth diapers. My babies are teenagers 🤣

[@Vixinaful]

Exuse me Miss but your watch is really cute, may I ask where you bought it? Kind regards, Vixina

[@billettescrafts]

The band is from Amazon, years ago. Thanks

[@kaliehenry9986]

Wait so do you bleed on the pretty side? I’m confused because of the way you buttoned it

[@billettescrafts]

Yes bleed on pretty side

[@nancystevens6092]

Also they didn't have the fabric you mentioned but I got waterproof nylon would that work?

[@dxrichard1]

How do you wash it when it’ss soiled?

[@grlnexdoorable]

Rinse immediately with cold water, wash at home normally or boil if you do not have a washing machine.

[@quiltlikecrazy8525]

How does the fabric handle odor?

[@barefacedquestions]

I find reusable pads to handle odor much better than disposable, commercial ones. And that's the reason I stick with them despite all the hassles with washing.

[@billettescrafts]

Very well. The softshell fleece and heavy bamboo core are breathable yet absorb so much. A proper cleaning routine removes any odor and there isn’t much to start with since cloth pads don’t have all the chemicals that disposables have

[@rubyti]

Where can we buy these kinds of cloth for cloth pads Been looking for the link you said😊

[@billettescrafts]

I don’t make them anymore ☺️sorry

[@KelsieUchiha]

I’ve never worked with the bamboo fleece, after you’ve done the pre wash and put everything together can this be washed on hot or will it shrink up?

[@billettescrafts]

Prewash everything BUT the softshell fleece backing on hot. No shrinking

[@trevarnewighton2954]

What is PUL and Zorb. I’m from Australia and haven’t heard of these before?

[@billettescrafts]

They are absorbent materials. You may be able to get them through ETSY

[@michellelinden2665]

Hello and thank you for this awesome tutorial. I have a question. With your stepped core, should the smaller piece go face down on the topper? That way it would be the top absorbent layer? Does that make sense? I could be totally wrong!

[@billettescrafts]

Yes that makes total sense, I think I put it opposite in the video on accident 😂 good catch 👍👏

[@mrs.kalimi3298]

I was wondering the same.

[@return2basics242]

I wondered that also. Glad to have that confusion resolved! I was having trouble making sense of the placement otherwise.

[@bpratt8724]

Do you have a pattern or video on how to make cloth dipers, specifically for older children

[@billettescrafts]

I’m sorry I don’t. I tried making one once and wasn’t very fond of it

[@sandydemuce4017]

Por favor, donde puedo bajar el patron de la toalla femenina para imprimirla..

[@StitchesAndGrace]

Great video!😀 Question: I’m curious what your tips are to keep cloth pad patterns organized? I started a small business last year. I’ve got all my patterns cut out on thick plastic. I find myself with a scrambled mess of patterns!!🤦🏼‍♀️

[@billettescrafts]

Yes great idea! I used cutting boards from the dollar store to make my permanent patterns 👏

[@laurastrele]

I put mine in a A4 plastic sleeve, I think a pouch would work too

[@shaynalinkie]

I was going to say in a A4 plastic sleeve in a binder :)

[@jessicaterry6310]

I can’t seem to find the soft shell on Amazon

[@billettescrafts]

Try fashionfabricsclub.com

[@sarahmiranda7130]

Is this fleece like a hardface polartec windpro?

[@billettescrafts]

I don’t think so, specifically it’s softshell fleece.

[@sherryduva5263]

Is there any smell with them? Can they used like poise pads? It’s smell that’s stopping me

[@grlnexdoorable]

Soak in peroxide, then boil.

[@billettescrafts]

I use peroxide on them after washing them. Wash again. No smell

[@carolhammer48]

I could not find that second pattern you used. Can you help

[@essentialeighe3275]

If the fleece is on the side you bleed on, and that’s waterproof, how does that go through to the bamboo? 🤔

[@mollywolf871]

Nvm

[@marykatherinekrzyzewski2054]

Hi. Great video! I just watched this video and the website you provided for the softshell fleece is out of stock, is there another location you suggest getting the fabric from?

[@melwhitehead4881]

Heavy flow clearly has different meanings!

[@billettescrafts]

Adjust as needed

[@annas1179]

Question. For a litter flow do you absolutely have to have the soft shell fleece or is it just better to have to help make sure no leaks occur?

[@billettescrafts]

I like the soft shell fleece for all flows, added protection. But for very lite days you could try no softshell

[@annas1179]

@@billettescrafts do you by chance have an amazon with a list of things you’d recommend or like to use for sewing? Fabrics, scissors, thread, etc..

[@nichole10771]

So I have one question.. when using the pattern cotten does anyone have sensitive issues with the different colors. I'm looked to make my daughter these as she's having allergic reactions to the disposable pads. I'm trying to debate on if I should just go all white for fear she may have a reaction or if anyone knows if the colored cotton is okay. I know she's like the colored better. Anyone have any insite on using the colored cotton that's more on the sensitive side ?

[@billettescrafts]

Just wash all your colored cotton on hot and dry hot to remove any possible dye residue. Should be totally fine

[@khione8044]

The link to the snaps pliers that you listed, is no longer available. Do you have another link that is a good quality? Or what should I look for when checking for quality of the snaps, before purchasing something?

[@billettescrafts]

Yes it’s been some years ago. Check the reviews before you purchase. You just want quality snaps not cheap ones. They break and it’s very frustrating

[@mirandaboyer8740]

I cannot find the fabrics the links say sold out

[@billettescrafts]

They probably did, sorry about that

[@daciasdiy1861]

I Gonna purchase a heavy duty sewing machine !

[@rablade130]

Looking for the soft shell fleece- it looks like you used the gridded one- do you prefer that over the other options? Trying to find some and want to make sure I order the right one! Great tutorial!!

[@billettescrafts]

They’re all very good, grid or no grid

[@Pikajew1782]

As im unfamiliar with terms. Is the softshell fleece actually called softshell fleece backer? Or are you just using the term backer because you are using it for the back?

[@billettescrafts]

No it’s called softshell fleece

[@YVONNEMUSHINGE]

Thank you for sharing this ❤❤❤❤

[@sharongera7220]

Meterail coriyar plz

[@saylinagpurkar2399]

Which fabric use exactly I m very confused

[@Jennifer-iv6jg]

How many do you get from one yard of fabric?

[@billettescrafts]

A lot! Maybe 20-25

[@aileenblack8684]

May I ask why you put the shell fleece to the outside when you have said that the fleece is so absorbent. The waterproof layer would be inside the pad so the fleece becomes irrelevant. I would think the shell fabric would go towards your underwear.

[@billettescrafts]

The heavy organic bamboo fleece is different than the soft shell fleece. The HOBF is design to be thin and absorb a lot of liquid. That is your core. The softshell fleece is a breathable fleece barrier that goes on the bottom of your pad, creating a layer that does not allow for leak throughs. Watch the video again

[@vbosssiere4614]

Please can you write the names of the material used 🙏

[@shelbysizemore]

how many layers of bamboo hemp french terry 325gsm should you use for a heavy? 🙂

[@Nordicdesertgirl]

Its not my video but I have found a scale that says 3 or 800-1000 gsm 😊

[@asiyasyeda8385]

I liked other sewing stuffs other than reusable pads

[@barefacedquestions]

Is fleece knit fabric? I've tried mending knit fabric once and it was such a frustrating experience.

[@billettescrafts]

This is considered a fleece but it’s special made. Not t like the kind you make blankets with. It is breathable but tough, you won’t be disappointed

[@barefacedquestions]

@@billettescrafts Thanks for the advice.

[@ourcreativebeehive]

I want to make these for young girls in foreign countries so they can attend school. How long does a pad last? I mean...a year? They will be handwashed. Thank you.

[@billettescrafts]

I’ve been using the same pads for 6 years but, the thing to know is I have access to endless water and soap, so if they’re situations requires less resources. You would want to make a different style. Message me on IG and we can talk about the different options for easy wash pads✌🏻

[@billettescrafts]

@billettescrafts

[@calandratelemnar5413]

If a snap kit is too expensive, buttons could also work

[@rubishakarmacharaya1897]

I don't have water proof cloth

[@janebraga6302]

Hi, I am from Brazil. Thanks for do RJ. Do you haver free cloths free patterns

[@tstuckey9436]

Thank you I have never made a pad before. What side of the pad goes towards your skin, the pretty side or the grey side? Thelma

[@billettescrafts]

Pretty side

[@fabricartUK]

Cotton.... SSF won't allow your flow to reach the absorbant layers.