Making Cloth Liners | natural DIY for a minimal waste period

A process video/tutorial documenting the process of making my own cloth liners/menstrual pads using natural materials. I used a sewing machine but these could also be made completely by hand. Below is a link to a graphic showing the measurements of my blueprint/pattern piece and I've also typed out the measurements at the end of the description.
Photo with measurements:
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Measurements I used:
Outer layer (includes 1cm seam allowance):
20cm long
7cm wide at either end
15.25cm wide at wing
Wing
8cm tall at inner edge
6.5cm tall at outer edge
Absorbent layer:
17cm long x 5 cm wide
Finished measurements:
18cm long
5cm wide at either end
13.25 cm wide at wing

[@bunniphish]

I love my cloth pads. Some of mine are over a decade old - made from towels when I was in college and the cost of disposables was too high. A friend also made me some cute ones last year as part of a holiday gift. I'm planning on making some small ones for my daughter. She just turned 10 and hasn't had her first period yet, but I know it could be any time now.

[@Sopranoknits]

That's so amazing! I am seeing them gain popularity which I think is so great. I've found that using reusable things is not only cheaper but much more convenient as I never have to worry about running out and not having what I need. I think it's amazing that your daughter will have this experience right off the bat!

[@bunniphish]

@@Sopranoknits Exactly! Cost of old towels - free, since they were getting a little raggedy around the edges and were going to be replaced. I'm pretty sure my snaps came from deep stash, and I used scrap fabric for binding. And I love my menstrual cup - I got it on sale, so the investment was super low. I'm excited that more and more people are moving toward less waste periods.

[@Sopranoknits]

@@bunniphish Amazing! I did have to buy the snaps but...always a good thing to have in one's haberdashery. I've had my cup for many years so it's more than paid for itself. They say you should replace them every few years but...I don't see why (sounds like capitalist nonsense to me) it still works and I boil it every month when I'm done using it to sterilize it again. I think it's awesome that I've seen more of these reusable liners/pads for sale but if you've got the stash, it's so fun to make them! I'm especially glad to have black ones as most of my underwear are black and when the theater world is normal I spend a lot of my time in my underwear in front of colleagues so...I'm happy to have something discreet. 😅

[@bunniphish]

@@Sopranoknits I agree - I think the replacement suggestions for cups are more about capitalism that about necessity. I'm sure cups wear out eventually, but as long as they are still functioning and are properly sterilized, they don't need replacing. As a former theater person, I understand the want for discretion. That's the best part of making things for yourself - you can have exactly what you want.

[@momofpeg]

Love the idea of making some I used cloth when my kids were in cloth diapers

[@Sopranoknits]

Exactly! And this is way less clean up 😉 I just sort of rinse mine out after using them and then throw them in the wash with all of my other darks.

[@thecornerofcraft]

Oh super interesting! I've been meaning to get a cup for months, but keep putting it off because of the unknown aspect of it 😅 It's all too comfortable to stick to what you're familiar with x

[@Sopranoknits]

I highly recommend trying it and...no time like the present since we're mainly just hanging out at home so you don't have to deal with paranoia of it leaking when you're out (I don't have issues with this but it's possible if you get one that doesn't fit you well so...better to get used to it at home, right?).

[@coffeewithroomforcream]

I've been using cloth pads and a cup for over 18 years. Like the person above, I started when my first baby was in cloth diapers. It gives me a ton of satisfaction to realize how much less waste I've created over the years with this small step. This spring I started using washcloths in the bathroom for urine, when toilet paper was hard to find. Even though toilet paper is well stocked now, I've kept on using the washcloths because I've found I like them so much better.

[@Talesinmaking]

I've been intended to make some cotton pads this past month I've been annoyed having to go out to buy them since I've been struggling health wise and don't want added risks. Only thing is having the energy to make some but I'm hoping with the holidays coming and a bit of cutting prep I could whip a few up. I've got an old dressing gown which I've not thrown out as I wanted to reuse it, it's a polyester fleece but I've tested it with water and the droplets just sit the top so it's fairly water resistant which would be perfect as a bottom layer I think just need an additional absorbent layer on top between the outer layers and I'm sorted and ready to go.

[@Sopranoknits]

I understand. I procrastinated this project as I still had some disposable ones but...then I ran out at the start of my last period so it was TIME. They really don't take too long but I've been struggling to find sewing mojo so i divided up the steps the first time I did it which made it more manageable. Be gentle with yourself, but I can tell you it's a satisfying feeling when they're done. ☺️

[@Talesinmaking]

@@Sopranoknits yes I still have some disposable left and I'd like to use them up but also be prepared for when I no longer have any so I think put some steady steps in place now would be a good plan so I can start the ball rolling. We need more consenous making especially when we can make our own reuseable products. I think I'll do similar and do a bit at a time, I can 100% understand how satisfying and more comfortable as well I'm guessing. X

[@Vixinaful]

Whats that little fabric cutter you've got there called? And they make clips in plastic? ..Whoa.. I gotta start sewing!

[@Sopranoknits]

It's a rotary cutter and it's an amazing tool if you don't already have one!! You just need that and a good cutting mat so you don't damage your cutting surface and it makes cutting out patterns so much easier! Sometimes you need to change the blade when it dulls but those are easy to find at any fabric or craft store!

[@Vixinaful]

@@Sopranoknits Ooo, okay you sold me, Ive gotten the plastic clips there so I'll get one of these aswell and next thing you know, I'll be sewing my own pads too!

[@rianmiriamiri9719]

Woow woow 😍💋 💝💖❤️