We have found 5 free feminine hygiene sewing patterns that you can use in place of paper hygiene products.
Did you know that you can make your own feminine hygiene products? It’s really simple and you can even use scrap fabrics from other projects. For some people, this may be too much of an “ick” factor, but hear me out first.
We waste so much material when using disposables. Not only does that create a lot of garbage, but it is taxing on our environment to make them in factories as well. Plus, keep in mind that lots of these products have chemicals in them that not only irritate delicate skin but are just not healthy all the way around. Additionally, if you make the switch to cloth products, you save yourself so much money! If I’ve sparked your interest, here are 5 Free Feminine Hygiene Sewing Patterns and more information on using cloth menstrual pads.
5 Free Feminine Hygiene Sewing Patterns
For a basic pattern, try this Feminine Cloth Pad Tutorial from Sew in Peace. I love that they make these for young women in Haiti as well.
She Who Runs in the Forest has a great tutorial for a Circle Menstrual Pad that is super simple because it is in the shape of a circle and it has snaps.
Practical Stewardship has a great tutorial for a Panty Liner.
This pattern from Sew Green includes how to make a Cloth Pad Insert for those heavier days.
Cat Eyed KP has a great tutorial for making a Set of Cloth Pads with snaps.
Using Cloth Feminine Hygiene Products
You can use these cloth menstrual pads even if you have heavy cycles. Some of them allow you to make a general cover for lighter days with a pocket for inserts for heavier ones.
Using these cloth pads is only slightly inconvenient. Most women worry that these pads will be way too much mess and work to make them worth it, but really, it’s just a matter of getting used to it. For instance, when you are on the go and need to change out your pad, you simply place it in something called a wet bag. This can be as simple as a plastic zip bag that you carry with you in your purse.
Using this is no different than cloth diapering as far as the convenience factor. If you get through cloth diapering, you know it isn’t that much extra work.
You may find relief from cramps and rashes. Since disposable pads tend to not allow breathability, you will find that you may have cramps and rashes just from wearing them. Switching can reduce this.
There won’t be leaks like you think there will. When you make your own pads, you can add a layer of the waterproof liner and although you may need to change them out more frequently and you may find that they feel slightly bulkier, it won’t be as bad as you think and may even be more comfortable.
Do you use cloth menstrual pads? What made you switch? Let me know in the comments!
More Sewing Patterns for Women:
10 Free Shorts Patterns for Women
10 Free Skirt Patterns for Women
10 Free Plus Size Patterns for Women
10 Free Swimsuit Patterns for Women
10 Free Sundress Patterns for Women
10 DIY Free Fitness Gear Patterns
Would you like to save this article?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Robbin says
I think I will try these for emergency incontience wear. They would be better than nothing
Jasmine says
I became disgusted by the amount of waste my period was contributing to the world purely for the convenience of disposable menstrual products. I also became very conscious of inserting materials in my body that I had very little knowledge of. Disposable pads are so much more comfortable than any other product I’ve used before. Thank you for the resources!
Doreen Verity says
I make these for Hatian Teens and women. Teens cannot go to school if they don’t have protection, so I started making them, and sending them with friends to Haiti. I put 5 pads, sanitizer and a washcloth in dollar store makeup bags . If I can fit them, now I will be able to include at least one pair of panties too. I developed my own pattern by trial and error-by wearing them myself (though don’t need I’m 65) but wanted to make sure they didn’t slip around as some made with Pul do. It’s been a journey of love and blessings.
Caroline Driver says
I wish that fabric pads had been around decades ago. I only got into them in the last few years of my menstruation (56 now, no longer a problem), and I never had any trouble with them, just needed to make sure I had spares with me, no more than with any other type of sanpro, and a bag for used ones. Much more eco friendly than endless disposables
Myra Shotton says
Growing up in the 60’s in NZ throw away pads were for the rich, girls such as myself (indigenous peoples Maori) had to use “washables”, never did me any harm. When I had my son and he was out of nappies (in the 70’s there wasn’t such things as disposable nappies) we had washable nappies, squares that had to be shaped for boys and triangulated shapes for girls. When my son was out of nappies I still had quite a few years to go before menopause so used a few of the nappies cut down, I could get about 3 or 4 shaped period pads. Some times periods so heavy that tampons weren’t any good.
Barbara Showell says
I got caught without products at home one day and quickly modified an old cloth diaper for overnight to save my last tampon for running to the store in the morning before work. I was so surprised at how comfortable and how more absorbent the homemade one was. I made up about 4 for overnight use as I didn’t want to deal with carrying wet and dry home-mades, especially as I worked in a prison where my stuff was looked at on entry. Used them happily for years, especially useful for heavy heavy flow during peri menopause.