After enjoying forty weeks of freedom from one’s monthly curse, it seems a bit unfair to be saddled with weeks of bleeding after childbirth. Alas, such is life, and by this time every mother knows that womanhood is not without its discomforts.
Reusable cloth pads can help to make the experience a little more comfortable, and have the added virtue of reducing plastic waste. For mamas with sensitive skin (like myself), these soft flannel pads are a real treasure.
This pattern uses two layers of batting for general use, but you can easily customize the pads to suit your own needs and preferences by reducing or increasing the number of batting inserts used. For a heavy flow, try using four inserts. For a very light flow, try using just one. If you want to reinforce your pads with a waterproof layer, try lining the bottoms with PUL fabric.
Material + Tools
- 1/4 yard (23cm) flannel
- 1/4 yard (23cm) cotton batting
- 6 metal snaps
- Matching thread
- Tracing paper and pencil
- Scissors or a rotary cutter with mat
- Pins
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Hand sewing needle
Directions
Measure and Cut Pattern Pieces
1. Cut or trace pattern pieces (Moon Pad A, Moon Pad B) from pattern library. Fold flannel in half. Pin pattern piece Moon Pad A to fabric, with arrow against fold. Cut fabric. Repeat to make two matching pieces.
2. Fold batting in half. Pin pattern piece Moon Pad B to batting, with arrow against fold. Cut batting. Repeat to make two matching pieces.
Assemble Pad
3. Pin cut batting to the wrong side of cut flannel. Stitch around edges of batting, securing batting to wrong side of flannel. Repeat with second piece (see figure 1).
4. Place right sides of the moon pad together. Stitch all the way around, leaving a 2-inch (5cm) opening for turning out (see figure 2).
Finish Pad
5. Turn out the moon pad and hand-stitch the opening shut.
6. Hand-stitch metal snaps onto wings.
Finish Batch
7. Repeat to make five more pads.
To Use
Place in underwear as you would a disposable maxi pad and snap in place. Rinse moon pads with water immediately after use, and wash in bulk with hot water and detergent. Dry on low or medium heat.
More from The Handmade Mama:
Cover courtesy of Spring House Press
Excerpted with permission from The Handmade Mama by Mary Helen Leonard (Spring House Press, 2018).
