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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Fabrics Normally Used

There are a lot of choices in fabrics but which one to use? You can use almost anything you have on hand. Consider something soft for the top like, velour, cotton, cotton flannel, etc. For the core you want something very absorbent but not too thick that it feels like a diaper. Then you will want to make sure the pad doesn't slip around. For this, you can use any grabby fabric, like flannel, fleece, or corduroy.

   Some of the fabric choices are:


  • Hemp - This is  a cotton blend that is said to be 2-3 times more absorbent than cotton. Hemp fleece is used for a core using two layers. Hemp becomes more absorbent and softer after each washingThis is  a cotton blend that is said to be 2-3 times more absorbent than cotton. Hemp fleece is used for a core using two layers.  
  • Cotton - This is a popular choice and easy to find. It's less absorbent than some other fabrics, so you may need to use more layers. This can be a cotton towel, cotton fleece used for sweatshirts or cotton batting.
  • Fleece - This fabric has one smooth side and the other side is fluffy - almost like polar fleece, but not as fluffy. It's thinner than hemp.
  • Bamboo - Usually called bamboo velour. This is used on top.
  • Flannel  - Use the thicker flannel that is used for sheets, pajamas, and shirts.  Not very absorbent by itself so you will use more layers with perhaps a more absorbent layer of something else.    


When I made these, I used fabrics I already had in the house.  You may purchase new fabric instead if you like.  Use a sturdy double-napped flannel if you go this route.  It will last the longest and give you the best results.  Cotton quilt batting is very nice filler, but you can also use additional flannel, which is less expensive. Wash everything before cutting or sewing.  Flannel will shrink.  After sewing, wash the pads again before using.  This helps them hold their shape better.  Men’s flannel shirts and flannel baby blankets make excellent flannel for your own menstrual pads.  They can sometimes be found for 25¢ or 50¢ a piece at yard sales, which makes pads very cheap to sew at home.   Brightly colored fabric is less likely to show stains than solid colored or light fabric is.  I prefer to use patterns and dark colors for this reason.

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