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Homemade Menstrual Pads: A Step Back in Time by Donna Martin Through the ages women have used several different forms of menstrual protection. Disposable menstrual pads were first made commercially available around 1888 with the Southall’s pad, but disposable pads did not become popular until the First World War when it was learned that French nurses used Kimberly-Clark's wood-pulp bandages for their menstrual protection, and then discarded them. Other pads were produced along the way, but sales of disposable pads did not really take off until Kotex was introduced. Before the availability of disposable pads, women used a variety of sewn or makeshift pads made from a variety of fabrics that were often made from leftover scraps of cloth and rags. These pads were generally washed and used again. Some women used anything absorbent, including dried grass, to collect and absorb their menstrual blood. Many women living in rural and low-income areas used no protection at all. It has been said that they left a trail of blood behind them when they walked. Even after disposable pads became more widely available, they were too expensive for many women. When the disposable pads became popular, it still took women several years to be able to comfortably buy them. One solution that shop owners came up with was to allow women to pay for their pads without asking the clerk for them. They placed a box near the display that female customers could place their money into. After that whisking a box of Kotex pads from the display counter, they would quickly exit the store. This obstacle of purchasing menstrual pads kept them from becoming a top seller. To this day women in African countries and many other underdeveloped countries still use washable pads. In fact, many people who homestead in our country today still use homemade cloth pads. They are used mainly because they have many economical advantages. For instance, it is less expensive to buy and produce cloth pads, compared to constantly having to purchase the disposable kind. They can be made by hand for little or no cost. The main disadvantage is that they are so time-consuming to wash, dry, and care for. Removing stains can be difficult too depending on whether the pad user allows the blood to dry on the cloth. They are also usually bulkier than the average disposable pad. Unless you have help with the particulars, it would take trial and error to figure out the best care for the pads. One of the greatest drawbacks is that some women find it difficult to have direct contact with their own blood. Making Homemade Pads Cloth menstrual pads can be made from old receiving blankets, old towels, washcloths, old terry cloth socks, rags, flannel material, and waterproof bedding similar to what is used in baby cribs. Patterns and templates can be found easily online. When I made my first pads from instructions on this website: http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm, I used an Always disposable menstrual pad as a pattern, and ended up having to cut the wings off. The thickness got out of control and I couldn't tell if all the layers were being sewn together, since the flap was in the way.Since various shapes can be selected, I ended up making the traditional, long oval shape. I used far more layers in my pad than the guideline suggests below, mainly for those extra heavy days and nights. For the bottom two layers of the pad, I used a piece of waterproof crib bedding. The outside layer was constructed of two pieces of navy blue flannel. After pinning the layers together, I found it difficult to sew the thick pad on my sewing machine. The pad was so full of material that my sewing machine needle broke. I ended up having to patiently sew each one by hand. I reinforced my stitches and it is holding together well, even after being washed. I made certain to place a quickly embroidered letter on each pad so I would know which was the top of the pad. Otherwise the top and bottom would both be navy blue and I wouldn't know which side the waterproof layer would be on inside the pad. The initial I used was either: S, M, or L, since I could not determine the thickness of some of the pads either. I also didn't know what would happen to them in the wash and whether I could tell them apart. Thickness Guide Cut out the following pieces: Light flow - 4 pieces of flannel per pad Medium flow - 6 pieces of flannel for each pad Heavy flow - 2 pieces of flannel and 2 pieces of terry cloth per pad Each piece will measure approximately 12" long by 4" wide. Layer your pieces together and straight-stitch about 1/4" from the edge. Trim the edges evenly and use zigzag stitches around the very edge, making sure to catch ALL the edges to prevent raveling. Recommended stash of pads: Light flow – 4 Medium flow – 10 Heavy flow – 12 Since my outside layers are made of flannel, the pads fit comfortably inside snug panties and they don't move around. If you make them longer than disposable pads, they won't bunch in the back. I used safety pins to attach the pad to the panties. You can either attach them on the inside of your panties or on the outside. It seems that attaching them outside prevents you from sitting on the pin or being pinched or stuck by it. The Test I was very reluctant to test the pads out. I think my biggest fear was leakage at an inappropriate time. I had the pads made for two months before I ever gave it a try. My first time out was during a heavy flow night and I placed a towel in my bed for extra protection. The pad gave me a different sensation than the disposable ones, so it was hard for me to determine if I needed to go to the bathroom. I did make it through the night, but with the same sort of spilling that I would have had if I used a disposable pad. After running to the bathroom and changing into a fresh pad in the middle of the night, I washed the used pad out by hand. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I was in no way disappointed with how it went off. The following day I went back to disposables, mainly because I was going to be out for several hours at a stretch. Once I got back home, I put on a cloth pad. All in all, I used half the disposable pads that I typically would have in a 7-day period. Once I got to my lighter days, I was more confident and trusting in the pads. I still had a hard time determining when to change, but I did it anyway - just to be sure. I think the key to a good pad is the waterproof crib bedding. I went back to the store and purchased some white flannel for everyday pads. I am also considering making a couple of mondo-sized pads for heavy nights; one that would be long enough to go up my backside. It’s a way to be confident through the night! One Last Word If you’re reluctant to make the pads, but are still interested in trying them, you can purchase homemade pads on eBay. You may feel more comfortable using a pad made by someone with experience. They can be purchased in a variety of fabrics, fabric colors, and pad shapes. I hope that you’ll consider the homemade pads.
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