A long time ago I bought Luna pads - I hated the itchiness I got with commercial pads. Actually it was 10 years ago, and they are starting to fall apart. Unfortunately, they are not sold in Singapore anymore (I think!) but I got the chance to make my own. The talented Lisa from Cucicucicoo asked me whether I would like to try sewing one using her very own pad pattern.
DIY my own pads? Why not?
All I needed would be my own material and a sewing machine. Lisa's pattern called for an absorbent material for the soak layer as well as a one that would be waterproof for the bottom layer.
Here's what I decided on. In fact, Lisa encourages us to upcycle which I did:
a) pyjama scrap fabric- top and under layer. It's great that it was in nice and encouraging print too (great during menstrual cycles!)
b) prefolds from my son's nappy phase (that was a long time ago) - soak layer
c) umbrella material left over from my blinky bike bag project - waterproof layer
I was very worried that I wouldn't be able to sew it but Lisa's DIY instructions were very clear, and her pattern gave me the option of choosing different techniques depending on my level of comfort. Conservative me chose the classic turn and topstitch technique, and I finished the pads off by hammering in a pair of press buttons on the wings.
I made one set of minis and I'm looking forward to making more!
My verdict on my minis!
1. I'm glad I chose the pyjama material - they are really soft against the skin! AND they are easy to wash by hand and in the washing machine.
2. I'm also happy with the absorber being the nappy prefolds.
3. You will be happy to know that the umbrella material is perfect as a waterproof layer! There was no leaking.
4. I have worn them for the past 4 months and they are still in good condition.
5. I made four in less than 3 hours, and I would definitely make more.
Would you make your own?
I would never have thought about making DIY menstrual pads. I think it's a great idea and love the material you picked out!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim! The top layer perks me up on those moody days!!
DeleteI already make my own. I make them with two layers of fleece but it sometimes leaks. It never occurred to me that umbrella fabric would work, I will ask around if someone's got a broken umbrella lying around. Or maybe I should also look for an old nylon raincoat?
ReplyDeleteI've never tried fleece although Lisa did recommend it. Umbrella material works great so far, although I must admit that because these were on the minis, I didn't get to try them on the heaviest of flows. I think a nylon raincoat my do the trick.
DeleteI will need to experiment then because one layer of fleece works wonder on pantyliners but not for heavy flow.
DeleteHi Coco, I advise using either PUL (fabric laminated in a special way - NOT the same as oilcloth) or felted wool for a waterproof layer. I was very curious to hear how Agy's experiment with umbrella fabric would work in terms of a) if it would be completely waterproof and b) if it would make the skin sweat. PUL and felted wool are great because, despite being waterproof, they allow the skin to breathe. If the raincoat is the classic vinyl type, I would say not to use it, but if it's nylon like the material of an umbrella, it just might work! I say, sew just one or two with it and try! :) Lisa
DeleteThanks for the tips cucicucicoo. I don't like to purchase new fabric to make my pads, I only use old clothes to make them. That's why I won't try PUL. Felted wool is a good idea but I don't have it on hand. I just wanted to add that fleece don't me make sweat at all.
DeleteI felt old wool sweaters in the washing machine! I personally have never had luck using fleece as a waterproof barrier, but I've heard that other women have. The nice thing about making your own pads is that you can really customize them to your own body's needs!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that the umbrella fabric works well and that you are still happy with your pads, Agy! And every time I see the pictures of your pads, I am so envious for that fabric! I love it so much! Thanks so much again for testing for me! :) Lisa
ReplyDeleteAWESOME tutorial.. Pinned and shared.. Can't wait to try. THANKS
ReplyDeleteALL you girls are sooooooooooo CUTE!!! I have no need for these for quite awhile now, but what a TRIP, girls!!! While I am not as ancient as my Auntie who in the 1920's, 30's etc., told me in her day, one would get any scraps on hand, usually white (which is why they are called "rags" today), they were hand washed and laid out on the bushes to dry in the sun to bleach them out...in my day, we used elastic type belts that went around the waist with a plastic hook in the front and back. you would place the pad in the proper position, and take each end and put it through the grabber hook...so, please do NOT laugh when I ask you what are the snaps for? This article caught my eye on The Mommy Monday blog hop! Many thanks for linking as I am TRIPPIN' on YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping by ! The snaps on the wings are to hold the pad down on your undies. They wrap around and then snap together. I think I know what you mean about the elastic type belts; they had them on me when I was in hospital!
DeleteI love this! I've always wanted to try making some. I'll look here when I do!
ReplyDeleteWow! I've never thought about doing this. 7 years ago, I discovered the Diva Cup, which is a 1 ounce silicon cup that you insert inside yourself. With most women's periods being 2-4 oz over the 4-5 days, you only need to "change" your diva cup once in the morning, then once at night. Best part is it doesn't leak. I try to share this great product with any woman willing to try it out and considering you make your own pads, you'll probably love this handy item. Plus it's green! You can reuse it for 30 years or so (from memory). Here it is: http://amzn.to/1Hs2Bvn (I found your blog post through Pastels & Macaron's link party fyi!)
ReplyDeleteSarah, I agree that silicone menstrual cups are wonderful and I use them, too. (I started with Diva cup, then switched to Meluna) Unfortunately, those of us with very heavy periods (on my heaviest days, I fill up the size XL Meluna in one hour!) and/or with weak pelvic muscles leak with just the cup. I have to double up with both cloth pads and menstrual cup for the first 5 or 6 days of my period. (because in addition to having a heavy period, it's also a long one!)
DeleteThis is such an innovative and brilliant idea. I've never thought of making my own menstrual pads, but I can see how beneficial this can be.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! It's really useful and not a topic people talk about much. I used cloth pads and menstrual cups and find them infinitely better than regular tampons and pads. That and the feeling that I'm generating less waste into the world.
ReplyDeleteAhhh...you made this DIY looks so easy! I have never thought to make my own before and I have always wanted to switch from regular pads. Thanks so much for this.
ReplyDeleteStumbled on your post, have no need for the supplies, but love the topic! just an fyi - young girls in Africa miss almost 6 weeks of school yearly due to lack of sanitary supplies. Here is a link for you sewers who might want to learn more.
ReplyDeletehttp://sewpowerful.org/
lol my days of needing this type of pad are gone now but I can see a use for them as I have that other problem ladies face after having babies and getting older where that one sneeze can cause a few problems :-)
ReplyDeleteI might give this a go for that problem the cost of incontenants pads (I know spelt wrong) are getting so expensive special when you have good days and it's not been used you still have to waste it due to hygien :-/ so that's a lot of money down the drain :-/
I use to make my own pads years ago because of their cost but they were not as good as this one :-) so I have a few umbrellas that have died but for some reason I have not thrown them out :-) did always say they would come in handy one day :-) so now all I need to do is buy the rest and make me some to the size that I will be happy with but without wings never liked wings found them uncomftable but the press stud idea is brilliant I can use this for the pads and on the nickers to keep them all in place :-)
Thanks for the brilliant idea :-)
...speaking of the flaps, I didn't like them either...always thought they just gave the "flow" the direction to flow to...do you know what I mean???
Deletelike down my leg....
Now if I could only sew. I'm one of the lucky girls that only need one 2 days a month. Guess I'm going to have to learn. Because Mom's sent me about 60 yards of fabric scraps hoping I could use them. This would be a good way to use some of it... And here I was just going to use the flannel she gave me for something totally useless like tablet covers.
ReplyDeleteThese are just brilliant Agy! Must try making some for myself!
ReplyDelete