It never failed! That special time of the month would arrive and I would quickly discover that I had once again forgot to buy some pads! So off to the store I would have to go, whether a town trip was in the schedule or not or, much to my dear husbands chagrin, I would ask him to get some on his way home from work! It was during one of the those caught off guard times (and Tony had already left for work!) that I decided to just sit down and make some cloth reusable pads. It turned out to be so easy that I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner!
I used an old flannel nightgown and a couple of old cloth diapers. (If you don't have any diapers to use then several layers of flannel will also work.) Using a disposable pad for a sizing guide, I made a pattern and cut the flannel and diaper all the same size (see drawing to the left). For each pad I used 2 sections of flannel and 2 sections of diaper (I used the thick section from some prefold diapers so if the diapers you use are thin then add another layer or 2. Basically, you want the pad to be about 1/4" thick.) I sandwiched the diaper sections between the flannel sections and zigzagged through all the layers completely around, as close to the edges as possible. A serger would be great for this, if you have one (I don't, but hope to someday!) otherwise, set your zig-zag spacing as close as possible. Trim close to the outside of your stitching and you're done!
I made 6 of these, which has been adequate for me. You can add another layer or two of diaper if your flow is heavy. I rarely have a problem with leakage. During the initial heavier flow I just change pads more frequently. There is also no need to pin or secure these as the flannel doesn't slide around (if you wear cotton underwear). To wash, I rinse them out in the sink and then launder with the rest of the clothing. Machine or line dry.
With minimal supplies and about an hour of your time you, too, can be prepared each month. Your husband will really appreciate it!
If you are not able to make your own but wish to have the ease and convenience of cloth, you can buy from a WAHM listed at Diaper Pin's directory.
