DIY Cloth Pads - What fabrics to use?

[SassyMummy]

Okay, so while I don't know how to sew, I figure it can't be too hard to figure out, and so I'm going to get started with learning by making pads, since the general shape is very basic (I remember making a backpack in Home Ec... so I figure if I can do that, I can make a cloth pad! lol).

ANYWAY, I was thinking about all the things I'll need to buy... but I don't what's best to use.

I WILL be using some sort of PUL for the backing because I don't want to risk leaks... but other than that, I have no idea. Should I use similar materials used in making nappies... like fleece and hemp/bamboo. Or wouldn't I need anything that thirsty, considering you're only supposed to lose about 1-2 tablespoons blood per period... (which really is nothing compared to what's soaked up in nappies).

So, what are some good things to use? I know there's probably a million options, but I dunno what those options are, and which are good choices... so lemme have it!

[Shanaynay]

Or wouldn't I need anything that thirsty, considering you're only supposed to lose about 1-2 tablespoons blood per period... (which really is nothing compared to what's soaked up in nappies).

There is alot more than just blood, iykwim, so even though you only loose 1-2 tbs of blood in your cycle, there's probablu another 6 or so of 'other stuff' in that :p I think anyway....

Ok, I made quite a few pads today, and have been using them, and this is what I've used:

PUL for the bottom. Some just have PUL on the bottom, some have courdory on the bottom (anti-slip), and a hidden layer of PUL. Some people just use corduroy with no PUL as well.

Then 3 layers of hemp.

Then a top of flannelette or similar.

You will also need to secure your pads on the wings - some people use velcro (although I'm not sure if it would chafe?), or you get get little snap/clip things from Spotlight, or you could make your pads and send them to someone to put plastic snaps on them (quite a few hubbers have snap machines - myself included, I'd be happy to do that for you).

So you need: either PUL or corduroy (or both) for bottom. Flannel, or fleece or suedecloth for the top. Then absorbant stuff for the middle: bamboo or hemp, or cotton batting from Spotlight is meant to be really good too.

HTH :)

[bekkyboo]

In mine i use what ever print i want for the bottom. Hidden layer of PUL or a water resistant fabric, hemp or bamboo then suede as a top. I use suede as it is really thin (making for thin thin pads), give the stay dry feel and is so oooooober soft.

As for layers of hemp/bamboo i use:

Liners - 1 layer

Day time/ light flow - 2 layers

night time / heavy flow - 3 layers.

Depending on what absorbance is needed ill vary between mixing of hemp and bamboo (bamboo being more absorabant.)

[Shanaynay]

Hey Bekky (btw has your postie been today yet? :D)

How do you find the 3 layers dry? Do they take too long?
And how do you think microfibre would go with hemp to make a super or overnight pad? So it dries quicker iykwim

[bekkyboo]

For me, i find 2 layers enough for over night, I dont find it to take any longer to dry than the rest of my washing.

I cant see why microfibre wouldnt work. Its anti-bacterial too, which is a big thing. I wouldnt think the batting from SL would be... Would be worth a shot... when you think of it, you dont really need much - there is a heck of a lot less coming out comparied with what you need in MCN, and at alot slower rate, allowing absorbtion to happen alot easier.

[poshBecks]

Ok sorry to hijack. :o Just a quick qusetion... do you hang them on the line or dryer? Trying to figure out whether I would be too embarrased to hang them on the line....

[Shanaynay]

Line with the nappies :thumbsup:

[Tea Lady]

I've put mine in the dryer with no probs (because I don't have many) :)

Go on PB - you know you want to!

[woven_wings]

In mine i use what ever print i want for the bottom. Hidden layer of PUL or a water resistant fabric, hemp or bamboo then suede as a top. I use suede as it is really thin (making for thin thin pads), give the stay dry feel and is so oooooober soft.

As for layers of hemp/bamboo i use:

Liners - 1 layer

Day time/ light flow - 2 layers

night time / heavy flow - 3 layers.

Depending on what absorbance is needed ill vary between mixing of hemp and bamboo (bamboo being more absorabant.)

Bekky's pads are great. You dont even think about worrying about leaking or overflowing. They are just so absorbant. :thumbsup:

I'd deffinately recommend the above.

[woven_wings]

Ok sorry to hijack. :o Just a quick qusetion... do you hang them on the line or dryer? Trying to figure out whether I would be too embarrased to hang them on the line....

You can do either. I chuck them on the line, as I have learn the UV rays (even when its not really sunny) help to fade and remove any stains left on them. :thumbsup:

[Shanaynay]

Also, people wouldn't even know what they were, unless they used them themselves!

Guys do you think satin would be ok for a topping?

[Tea Lady]

I think satin would be a bit icky and sweaty - I'd go for a natural fabric on top.

Btw microfleece works a treat as a water resistant layer with a bit of "grip" :thumbsup:

[slingalong]

I used all scrap fabric - left over PUL from nappies, flanellette and and old towel. I also used microfleece as the top layer - like I have the microfleece as the liner/top layer for nappies :)

Mine didn't cost me anything :)

[♥My Innocent Angel♥]

:o Im seriously interested in these things you talk of here :laughing:
umm where do you get them and do you have to have like a credit card to pay for them cause I dont have one but would seriously be interested in trying them
how many would you go through for 1AF on average ???

please fill me in
TIA:D

[Shanaynay]

:o Im seriously interested in these things you talk of here :laughing:
umm where do you get them and do you have to have like a credit card to pay for them cause I dont have one but would seriously be interested in trying them
how many would you go through for 1AF on average ???

please fill me in
TIA
You don't need a credit card! You can get them from many sites, they mostly take direct debit :yes: I ordered one from Obsidian Star (just google it!) the other week, highly recommend!
How many you need depends on how much you want to wash I suppose! Anywhere from 8-15 I'd think! You could start just buying a few each cycle, then stop when you think you've reached a good number :thumbsup:

[Blueberry Crumble]

Can I just ask, with the middle of the pad, can you use BOTH a layer of hemp and bamboo? Or is it best to just stick with one fabric for the middle???

[bekkyboo]

For my nighttime or heavy flow day pads i use one of each CMC...