Make your own maxi pad, pocket style

 

First, you want to get all your pieces.  For the top layer/pocket pieces, you'll need two strips of flannel.  One strip of PUL will do for the waterproof layer, four wing pieces (I use PUL for these), and your absorbent layers (I used flannel, hemp fleece, and microfiber).  As far as the pattern goes, you can trace around a maxi pad you already have.  Since I was using one of Amber's scraps of PUL that she sent me with the diaperkit, I just trimmed it so it was uniform, and used it as my pattern. 

  

 I'm using TWO top layers over this pad because they will overlap, the opposite sides of each remaining open.  So, I'll need to add a rolled hem to the opposite sides of each top layer.

  

 When the rolled hems are done on each top layer of flannel, it's time to sew the wings together.  With the right sides together (Shiny, PUL sides out), I sewed one of the wings together.  I added a piece of wrapping paper to the top because PUL has a tendency to stick when sewn through a machine and the paper will keep my pieces together and aligned. 

 

 Next, I need to pin one of my top layers to the bottom layer, sandwiching one of my wings inside like so. 

  

 Then, pin them together.

  

 And sew around three sides--top, bottom, and the unfinished side of my top layer.

  

 Sorry, this picture is dark.  I started sewing at one end, and finished at the other. 

  

Voila.  One side is closed and secured. 

  

 Next, I want to pin the hemmed side of this top layer back.

  

 ...and then pin my next wing in place.  Once that wing is in place, you put your second top layer over the top and pin it just as you did the first top layer.

  

 And sew together starting at one end of the pad and ending at the other, without sewing through the one side.

  

 ...like so.

  

 Once both top layers are sewn to the bottom layer, your pad will look like this when inside out.

  

 ...and like this from the other side.

  

 When turned right side out, it will look like this.

  

 It's a little floppy looking, so you need to add a top stitch.

 

 When you do so, make sure not to sew over your opened sides.  You might want to pin the inside top layer back so you don't accidentally sew over it.

  

 Then, add your touch tape.

 

Your outside layer is done at this point, so you need to work on your inner, absorbent layer.

 

 It needs to be smaller than the top layer by at least 1/4 inch.  Mine was too big here, as you see, so I trimmed it back. 

  

 Once trimmed back, I added a zig zag stitch over all the edges.  I let the stitch hang over the edge so it would close it up nicely.

  

 Easy!

  

 Here's the finished pad from the top.

  

 And what it looks like on the bottom.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that I'm still breastfeeding (and my daughter doesn't even know what formula tastes like) I get my period.  I fact, I think I got it only a month after I stopped bleeding from her birth--doh! So... I know that this pad works well enough.  There are definitely some things I'll change about my design in the future--like wider, longer wings, because wings this short don't keep the pad in place on the panty as well.  But other than that, it worked well! When I changed it, I just sprayed it with my diaper sprayer and then let it soak in some cold water for a while.  Then, I washed it with my diapers, starting with a cold rinse, and then washing like normal.  Once all the blood is out, you can wash it on hot.  If you wash blood on hot water, though, you'll set the stain because of the protein.

And I must say, I really REALLY like using cloth pads.  It just feels so much nicer than disposable ones.  They always irritate my skin and this one does not!  Woo hoo!!!

Okay, so now it's your turn to try it.  Let me know how it goes!!!

One of my most recent diapers

What can I say, guys, I've had three snow days in a row and LOTS of time for sewing!

I made a couple more but failed to take pictures of them all.  I decided to make this one with only flannel (since my Diaperkit diapers work very well that way) but have since discovered that the reason my other AIO leaked wasn't because the diaper had flaws, but because my daughter suddenly became a heavy wetter at night and I need to add more layers.  Phew! I thought I was going to have to go back to the drawing board!!! Anyway, I think this one's pretty.  I currently only have white PUL so I had to find some way to make it crazy! I love crazy, bright colors!!! 

Make your own cloth maxi pad--the AIO version

To make this maxi pad, I actually used the scrap pieces that Amber sent me with my Diaperkit.  I didn't need them to practice with, so I figured I'd might as well put them to better use!  I trimmed them up a bit first, though, so they had a nice shape.  If you don't feel comfortable cutting out a pattern yourself, you can simply trace a pad or a pantiliner.  Also, be sure to prewash all your fabrics before hand.  Amber prewashes hers before they get to you, but I added another layer of flannel to this maxi and I prewashed that myself.  I also used my own scraps of PUL to make the wings since her kit comes with three layers of flannel and a layer of PUL for practice and I obviously needed wings for my pad with no way to adhere it to the panty otherwise.  

This is my wing pattern, cut out of wrapping paper.

You need to cut four of the wings out of PUL.  I guess you could use another type of cloth but I was afraid that if I did then the liquid would absorb into the wings and mess up my clothing, so I used waterproof PUL to be safe.  

Sew them together right sides in and shiny sides out.  It's best to put a layer of paper (I usually cut another wing out of wrapping paper) over the top piece of PUL when machine sewing it because it will stick as you sew otherwise.  I was lazy and did not which is why there's a wrinkle in my seam but I'm not a perfectionist about the details so I let it go.  

Trim the top edges so it will turn out nice and crisp. 

All turned out and ready to put into my pad.

Pin both wings against the right side of the PUL layer like so.  I cut out another piece of flannel for the top of my pad--from more of my selvage.  I figured I'd make the pad pretty and use a printed flannel for the top and use the white pieces for the inner layer.  Once you pin the wings to the PUL, you will sandwich them between the right side of the PUL and the right side of your top layer (which was the printed flannel for  me--if you want a fabric that will pull the moisture away from your skin like in cloth diapers, use microsuede or microflece)

Now, sew your layers together, right sides in with the wings sandwiched in between. Don't sew all the way around or you won't have a way to turn it right side out.  Also, if you leave your ends curved like mine, it will be difficult to sew that back together from the right side, so I'd leave part of the side of your pad open.

It's all sewn together minus this side.  Notice that my wing is still pinned in place.  

I sewed just the wing in place without closing the hole.

Next, it was time to work with the inner layers--three pieces of flannel in my case.  It's up to you what you use. 

I top stitched them so they'd stay together. 

With pat right side out...

I stuffed the top-stitched inner inside.  (It hasn't been top-stitched yet in this picture--my bad!)

Now, with the inner inside, it's time to close her up with a top stitch.  Fold the edges of your opened pad in, and pin them into place.  

Now, you're going to top stitch around the edge of the ENTIRE pad, starting with the opened edge.  It will look really finished and crisp this way--especially since it's not a good idea to iron PUL fabric.

The pad from the underside...

...and the view from the top.

Now, sew on your velcro to the wings. On one pad, sew the hooks to the outside, and on the other, you will sew the loops to the inside (or vice versa). If you prefer snaps, then use them. I'm staying away from snaps in my diapers and pads (though I prefer them to velcro) until I have the money to buy my own snap press :-D.

My stitch was a little messy because my sewing machine was being a bad girl!

Voila!

And for easy storage in your purse, you can fold it like so:

And there you have it, ladies (and gentlemen???).  Your very own mama cloth.  

Go ahead and try one.  You can do it!!!

What's the worst that can happen if you try???

Happy sewing!

My first cloth maxi pad

I've wanted to  get some cloth mama pads for awhile now but when it comes time to order diapers, it's just never in the budget.  So, when I made my first diapers out of PUL, microsuede, hemp fleece, and microfiber, I used the fabric scraps to make my own!

Here's the finished product:

 

I put a length of hooks on the bottom hoping it would catch on the inside of my panties and not slip around and it didn't occur to me until after that there is no way to protect the rest of my laundy in the wash from getting hooked by it.  It's a problem I'll have to work out for this pad, but that I won't repeat on my next one!

 

 

With the wings opened.  I wore it but I didn't really need to. My period is pretty sporadic since I'm breastfeeding.  I was hoping it wouldn't come back until I weaned my daughter (which I don't plan on doing until at LEAST a year) but no, it is not so.  ¡Ay de mí!