How to Make Sanitary Napkins
Homemade sanitary napkins are an eco-friendly and frugal alternative to disposable pads and panty liners. Made with flannel or other thick cloth, they are both washable and reusable. Learn how you can save money (and the environment) my making your own menstrual pads.
Things You'll Need:
Sewing machine with a zig zag stitch
Thread
Flannel
Scissors
Snaps or safety pins
1
Understand the anatomy of a sanitary napkin. To be usable, the napkin must have several components and layers. The center, which will absorb secretions, must be thick and soft. Several layers of fabric, such as flannel or sweatshirt material, should line the inside to be both comfortable and absorbent. The outer lining should be made from a fabric that is soft and breathable, such as cotton.
2
Know that cloth pads are just as hygienic as traditional paper and plastic feminine hygiene products. Aside from taking a few minutes to clean, versus throwing paper ones away and contributing to environmental hazards, cloth pads are easy to use and reuse.
3
Cut a rectangle of fabric that will be used for the inner lining of the pad. Double- or triple-fold the fabric to reach desired thickness.
4
Cut another rectangle that will "wrap" around the layered insides of the pad. Fold this outer liner in half, around the pad materials, and sew up the three open sides.
5
Make enough napkins so that you will always have fresh ones on hand. Part of the benefit to cloth napkins is that you don't have to worry about frequently changing disposable pads and wasting money. You'll feel cleaner and fresher knowing you have a new pad on.
6
Wash the pads by immediately placing a soiled pad in cold water. Wash after in a normal wash cycle, and dry.
Tips & Warnings
Another option for the interior lining is to fold two socks in half, and stack them.
Cloth pads stay in place. They do not require adhesive, safety pins or other methods for securing them in one spot.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2103804_make-sanitary-napkins.html
Homemade sanitary napkins are an eco-friendly and frugal alternative to disposable pads and panty liners. Made with flannel or other thick cloth, they are both washable and reusable. Learn how you can save money (and the environment) my making your own menstrual pads.
Things You'll Need:
Sewing machine with a zig zag stitch
Thread
Flannel
Scissors
Snaps or safety pins
1
Understand the anatomy of a sanitary napkin. To be usable, the napkin must have several components and layers. The center, which will absorb secretions, must be thick and soft. Several layers of fabric, such as flannel or sweatshirt material, should line the inside to be both comfortable and absorbent. The outer lining should be made from a fabric that is soft and breathable, such as cotton.
2
Know that cloth pads are just as hygienic as traditional paper and plastic feminine hygiene products. Aside from taking a few minutes to clean, versus throwing paper ones away and contributing to environmental hazards, cloth pads are easy to use and reuse.
3
Cut a rectangle of fabric that will be used for the inner lining of the pad. Double- or triple-fold the fabric to reach desired thickness.
4
Cut another rectangle that will "wrap" around the layered insides of the pad. Fold this outer liner in half, around the pad materials, and sew up the three open sides.
5
Make enough napkins so that you will always have fresh ones on hand. Part of the benefit to cloth napkins is that you don't have to worry about frequently changing disposable pads and wasting money. You'll feel cleaner and fresher knowing you have a new pad on.
6
Wash the pads by immediately placing a soiled pad in cold water. Wash after in a normal wash cycle, and dry.
Tips & Warnings
Another option for the interior lining is to fold two socks in half, and stack them.
Cloth pads stay in place. They do not require adhesive, safety pins or other methods for securing them in one spot.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2103804_make-sanitary-napkins.html
