How to Make a Reusable Period Pad

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we thought it was also time to talk a bit more about having an environmentally friendly period!

Now we have done a previous blog about how to have an eco friendly period where we gave you some hints and tips on the best changes. In that post, we touched on making a reusable period pad. Now we are going to share exactly how to make a reusable sanitary pad for a super eco monthly visit!

WEN – Women’s Environmental Network

We work alongside WEN – the Women’s Environmental Network – and their Environmenstrual Campaign

WEN works to raise awareness of the hidden plastics and chemicals found in conventional menstrual products and promotes the use of reusable and organic options.

The problem that WEN wants to raise more awareness of is how every month, those of us with periods expose ourselves to toxic chemicals as well as have to bin or flush the plastic products that we are sold. Which is made more difficult by a lack of education and an outdated taboo that still exists around periods.

How to Make a Reusable Sanitary Pad

So, today I am going to talk you through how to make your own reusable sanitary pad.

First…what you’ll need:

Pen
Ruler⁠
Scissors ⁠
Thin Fabric (cotton is ideal)⁠
Thick Fabric (like an old towel)⁠
Button/Popper (a fastening)⁠
Needle and Thread⁠
Safety Pin⁠

You can download the template here to print off and cut out.

What you need to do:

Print out the template and cut around the dotted line
Fold your thin fabric in half and place the template on the wrong side of the fabric and trace round the shape.
Cut round the shape you have traced – you should come out with two cotton pieces.
Place the wrong sides of the cotton, together.
Sew the sides of the pieces together, leaving the top and the bottom open.
Fold the edges down at each end to make a hem.
Turn the piece inside out, revealing the patterns and covering up the seams
Sew down the side of the wings making a pocket down the middle.
Add a button or a popper on the left wing. (if you do a button you will need to create a button hole.)
Using a ruler measure and cut two 20cm by 6cm wide rectangles from your thick fabric.
Lay these on top of each other and sew them together along the top and the bottom.
Attach a safety pin to the top of the thick fabric lining you have just created and insert into the casing to create an absorbent lining. Don’t forget to remove the pin when it’s in.

Washing Instructions

I know you’re probably thinking, that doesn’t sound very hygienic – isn’t that gonna just be one bloody mess.

Well, we also have washing instructions for you to ensure you get the most out of your homemade sanitary pad.

Soaking it at home

Always start with cold water (hot water will set the stain) when rinsing and soaking. Soaking them overnight will usually be enough to remove the stains. You can also add salt or lemon juice or vinegar to the water to help the soaking process. (fun fact – if you don’t put any salt, lemon or vinegar in, you can use the leftover water to water your houseplants.)

Soaking on the go

If you’re out and you want to give your pad a little rinse then just run under cold water and carry in a waterproof bag until you can get home and soak them.

Putting on a warm wash

After rinsing in cold water, you can wash by machine or by hand . Make sure you use an eco-friendly laundry detergent.

Disposables

If you still can’t quite get used to the idea of a reusable pad and don’t want to switch from the disposable option, we understand! But why not make sure the disposable products you’re using are 100% cotton and are NEVER flushed down the toilet.

This may seem very daunting and a lot of steps to make your own reusable sanitary pad but if you break it down and follow each step, it’ll be a breeze.

Also, the more you make the better you’ll get at making them!

If you still don’t believe me and think it’s too hard then there is also a video you can watch which will show you each step!

Get DIYing and show us your homemade reusable sanitary pad creations! @itsourremedy x o

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How to Make a Reusable Period Pad

WEN – Women’s Environmental Network

How to Make a Reusable Sanitary Pad

First…what you’ll need:

What you need to do:

Washing Instructions

Soaking it at home

Soaking on the go

Putting on a warm wash

Disposables

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