Advice on sewing mama pads

[Kimmiepie]

Hi mamas.

I was new to sewing not too long ago but have pretty much mastered the art of making diaper wipes.

I'd like to move on to something else now, and decided I'd like to try the pads. I have a few questions though (and I hope this is the right place to ask).

I have found a few patterns online that I think I will try. What material do you use on the inside of the pad? I have some organic cotton batting, but I don't think that would work too well. The pads I own seem to have this perfect little "layer" of stuff in the middle of the pad. How do they do that? Please explain.

Also I don't have a serger. Most patterns I see call for serging. Is there a way to do it without that?

I might think of more questions later. Thanks!!!!

[KariM]

I started out serging them and now actually prefer to turn and topstitch instead.

I use hemp/cotton fleece as my inner absorbant layer and use PUL inside to add a leak-proof layer. I put cotton flannel on the top and polar fleece on the backs.

[Kimmiepie]

Okay. Very helpful. Thanks

But I'm still not getting exactly how to make the inner layer. Maybe the sites I'm looking at don't explain it well enough? Does anyone know of any sites that might explain better?

Thanks!!

[ScarletBegonias]

i haven't tried it yet but i like this pattern the most:

http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/org...clothpads.html

[Kimmiepie]

Thanks so much! I was *just* printing out patterns as I received this one, and I like this one better.

I tried making my own the other night....it was really awkward looking.

[ScarletBegonias]

let us know how it goes!

[rere]

I found this really easy to follow.

[Kimmiepie]

I found this really easy to follow.

That's one of the ones I printed out. Thanks.

[snitker79]

I'm going to start working on making my own mama pads after finding the shape I like. I'm looking for something to use in the middle. I see most people like 100% cotton for the absorbtion and breathability. Some have even mentioned Warm and Natural batting. At JoAnn's this evening I found "Safe and Warm " batting from the makers of "Warm and Natural" but this batting was 100% polyester...is the Warm and Natural polyester too?

I also found a batting that was 50/50 Bamboo/Cotton. That struck me as a good filler too, although it might have been a bit expensive.

I could buy some microfleece towels or something, but I know the ones I will be making my pads after say the inside is 100% cotton. Any advice on what seems to work better? I tend to flow med/heavy most days, but since I got my Diva cup to work again, I haven't needed pads as much the last 2 months that I have done cloth (which I'm really liking by the way).

TIA

[JamSamMom]

:::

[KariM]

Originally Posted by snitker79

I'm going to start working on making my own mama pads after finding the shape I like. I'm looking for something to use in the middle. I see most people like 100% cotton for the absorbtion and breathability.

I like using hemp/cotton blend fleece in my pads. I can add layers if I need more absorbability, but find one layer works well for average flow and keeps the pads nice and thin. For my overnight pads I do use two layers, but I'm a heavy bleeder for at least two days during my cycles.

[CalaRei]

I make my pads, but mostly only use them as back up to my divacup. However, I have made them so that I can slip an extra layer into them if I need.

I use whatever flannel print I find in the remnant bin, so long as it's over 1/2 yard. I think I can get about 5 pads from 1/2 yard.

I'm pretty lazy about making them, actually. I use the square "sandwich sized" gladware container for a pattern. I tape two pencils together and trace around the container onto cardboard. (Use the outside line to cut) Then, I make another copy of the cardboard, but cut one of the "corners" off about 1/3rd of the way in. The cut off pattern I cut two of for each pad, and overlap them for a "pocket."

I just use a zigzag stitch around and trim relatively close. No serging. Then put some snaps on the corners.

For things to stuff in the pockets? I took some nylon type material and sewed it to two layers of terry material, in little rectangles that I can slip into the pads.

To be honest, I don't care much about stains, since it's very hard to get the "spotting" type flow washed out - I just throw them through on hot.

I've been warned about bleeding after the birth, so I may have to revisit how I make pads eventually, but for right now, these (and my diva cup) rock.

[LittleOne03]

I've just used flannel for the innrers. I do mine as shells and make stuffers for the inside so I can customize how much absorbancy I need. I usually make 2 four layer stuffers per pad.