Cloth sanitary napkins

**Frugal Nurse** · 04-17-2008, 09:20 AM

I was wondering if anyone has experience with cloth sanitary napkins.

I found a website from a hill billy house wife who gave a pattern and directions.

I wanted to try it- it seems like a minimal investment of time since I have a serger [[[zip]]] [[[zip]]].
No money on the flannel, since I have flannel scraps already [[[rip]]] [[[rip]]].
(Even if you didn't have a flannel stash- you can get flannel cheap cheap from thrift stores or Freecycle.)

Anyway, my skin has become 'sensitive' to the disposables. The cost of ?all-natural? disposables at Wholefoods is up there (honestly, I didn't check the price- I just bought (spendthrift days).

I'd like to try these cloth. If anyone has any advice, now would be the time.

My plan will be~ to use a button and buttonhole instead of a safey pin closure (as seen in the directions) on the wings. (simply because I don't have any safety pins and my machine will make the button holes and I have a huge collection of buttons.)

What I like about the particular style I found, is that you insert the pads- as many as you need for today's flow. What a concept!

**PB&J** · 04-17-2008, 10:27 AM

I have made my own and used them a few times. Mine are pretty simple, no wings, all one piece and made from flannel. They work just as well as disposables and are more comfortable.

**vigilant20** · 04-17-2008, 01:47 PM

I really like mine. I can't sew, so I bought some last year. They were more expensive that way, but that was before I was being frugal. They have already paid for themselves and are still saving me money every month!

**nuisance26** · 04-17-2008, 02:27 PM

~I love mine. I made them with t-shirts, old washcloths and a nylon backing. I didn't want to bother with inserts. Something I'm doing differrently with my next batch is to not use a nylon layer(didn't stop leaks) and to make them an inch longer. I made a few pantyliners from a waterproof crib pad covered in flannel and I use that under the pads to stop leaks. I love my cloth pads and they save me $4 every month too!~

**ladykemma2** · 04-17-2008, 08:53 PM

easier to use "bar mops" from the automotive section of walmart or target.

**FrugalWitch** · 04-17-2008, 11:07 PM

Since I had to use them way back in the dark ages when I first started having my cycle, I don't understand anyone voluntarily using the cloth pads, but to each her own.

**vigilant20** · 04-18-2008, 09:38 AM

What didn't you like about them? The way I see it, they are comfortable, waste free, and save that extra expense each month for disposables. When I used a washing machine I just threw them in with my darks, so they were easy too. Now I put them in a bucket and rinse them out when I get a chance.

Originally Posted by FrugalWitch

Since I had to use them way back in the dark ages when I first started having my cycle, I don't understand anyone voluntarily using the cloth pads, but to each her own.

**santoria** · 04-18-2008, 12:17 PM

I use them - have for a few years now.

I use velcro instead of button or pin. (paranoid about the pin popping open and poking me)

I've used up all the old ratty fleece jackets, and wool blankets and everything I can get my hands on to make pads as well as diapers.

**FrugalWitch** · 04-18-2008, 02:59 PM

I first started my cycle when I was 10 1/2 years old. Going to school wearing messy, smelly cloth pads is a horrible memory. There was no just tossing them into the wash at school, you were stuck with the horrid things until you got home to change them. I started saving my own allowance to buy pads, and thankfully Momma wised up and added to the budget so I could quit wearing the cloth pads.

Modern sanitary products for women is one of my favorite "modern" inventions.

**Dancing Lotus** · 04-18-2008, 03:25 PM

FrugalWitch I am right there with you. I can't bring myself to do it. I usually get my disposable ones for free anyways.
I think its great that there are people who are willing to do it. I appreciate what it does to help the environment but I wouldn't want to wash them with my clothes and it would be waistful to wash them separate.

**Backtoreality** · 04-18-2008, 04:26 PM

I just started using homemade pads, because the "modern New and Improved" one were giving me blisters!!! Asked me favorite doctor who said her daughter was having the same problem and went to hand made ones!! Haven't had a blister since. I love them, mine are soft and have wings that are held together with a snap. I figure I'm saving At least $6 a month!

**Frugal Nurse** · 04-18-2008, 06:42 PM

Thank you for all the advice!
FrugalWitch, I hear ya on the 'scary' part.
But I hope to eliminate that issue with my very own bag to put them in.
We have a private bath at my work, so I can rinse out if needed.

I guess my sensitivity are the 'blisters' mentioned by another poster- (I just wasn't brave enough to admit it! lol)

Anyway, I thought of sending pics after I'm done... but thought that would be rather... crude. Who wants to see pics of THOSE!

I like the layer to prevent leak throughs,. I wondered what to do about that.

I'm going to give it a whirl.
1. Minimize environmental dumping
2. Eliminate chemical exposure to my sensitive nether regions
3. refuse to give big companies any of my hard earned money.

**kaykwilts** · 04-18-2008, 08:09 PM

The only thing I would be worried about is leakage.

**tink** · 04-18-2008, 09:33 PM

I bought mine and love them!!! The'NEW" type felt like they would hermetically seal to my body - hated that! I have a bag that I bring along for the soiled pads. Rinse with plain cold water, and toss in with the wash. Mine are topped with bamboo velour which is just lovely! Check out Hyena cart for all the different designs and makers to help give you a better idea of what you want to make!

**PB&J** · 04-18-2008, 11:10 PM

If you are worried about leaks, you can buy PUL fabric. I bought a small cut of it on Ebay for $3. It is referred to as a 'diaper' cut, just a cut big enough to make a cloth diaper cover or two. It was enough to use for a few pads.