sugarshock ([info]sugarcoatedlie) wrote in [info]diy_pads,
2006-02-27 20:07:00
  • Music: Imogen Heap :: Just For Now

I need guidance

Hey girls. I really want to make the switch over to cloth pads, and I know how to sew and have a machine and serger and a huge fabric stash, so I'm mostly all set. But I need help deciding on a pattern and the right fabric. My concern is that for the first three days of my period, I bleed pretty heavily. Like, when I use Always overnight pads, I have to change them once in the middle of the night when they're supposed to last the whole night through. So if I'm going to switch over, absorbency is a huge issue, and I have several questions to that end:

1. pattern recommendations? would the combined pads, or the separate pad and liners work better here or is it just a matter of person al preference? And if so, which do YOU prefer and why?

2. fabric? I was thinking of a flannel top layer, and I've heard of using nylon or something as the bottom layer to prevent leakage, so any suggestions there are welcome. Beyond that, what works best inside as far as absorbtion without being to thick?

3. channels? I imagine that they help stop overflow to give things more time to absorb, but doesn't sewing through the bottom layer of the pad mean that the blood will go through too, or am I wrong?

I know that I could really just roll up a washcloth if I wanted to, but I'm big on things looking nice and being girly and pretty too, and I think this should apply to pads as well as underwear and things. I always giggle when I see pads made with fun animals or patterns on them, and I think that anything that makes having cramps more fun is a good thing.

I appreciate any information that you can give me, and thanks again.

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  • 6 comments

[info]lala_annie

February 28 2006, 01:31:34 UTC 6 years ago

1. I think that complete pads having wings, not using bases, is the best. I originally made one base that all the pads would be held by - but really it does get dirty..(a bit blody around the edges, but also dirtly from sweat and stuff b/c you're wearing it for several day in a row). Having inserts that go under a layer of fabric don't really make much sense to me because you have to wash both each time. So I think the simplest is to just make independant pads that have wings and snap together underneath.

2. I've never really had any leakage problems but if that's a concern, yes, use a synthetic not-very-absorbant fabric as your bottom layer. I wouldn't suggest sewing a plastic layer or anything because then the pad doesn't breathe very well...just like the disposables.

3. I don't THINK that sewing through the fabric will cause it to leak through. I suppose theoretically it could create a thinner spot that ay increase leaking. My theory about channels is that your pads gotta be pretty full and wet for the liquid to actually "flow" anywhere. Mostly it just hits the pad and gets absorbed.

Hope I could help out abit!

[info]crazycatladymel

February 28 2006, 02:13:46 UTC 6 years ago

I should say in advance that I'm a newbie at this -- ½ of a cycle -- but I've been doing tons of reading and have sewn several pads, liners, inserts, etc.

My fave pattern is this "diy tutorial" from craftster, with a couple modifications: 1) sized up for overnights for this plus-sized heavy bleeder, 2) I like the "base" with the "insert" on top, so I skipped the opening and added ricrack to the front and back to hold the insert in place (like lunapads).

So far, I've liked either 100% flannel for light days, or a cut-up towel for heavy days (with flannel top and bottom). I have tons of felted wool, so I'm going to try that as well, but again with the flannel outer layers. I can't get over how comfortable that is. Most people say they haven't needed the waterproof layer.

The next batch I do will have channels - at least a couple - because the toweling layer got all bunched up in the washer. If nothing else, one or two channels will keep it all together. I don't know that they're needed otherwise.

[info]autumn_sylver

February 28 2006, 02:27:22 UTC 6 years ago

1. I recently made a tutorial page with a pattern I used to make my pads. It's here if you're interested.

2. I made mine out of flannel for the outside layers, and I put in a waterproof lining of nylon and polyester that I made out of an old pair of pants I was never going to wear again. I tested them after I made them using water (way more than you would ever have in your average menstrual flow, unless there's something seriously wrong with you. lol), and there were no leaks at all. You could use cotton to make liners to put inside the pads. (If you have any old ripped up t-shirts, this would be a great use for them. That's what I did). It's a pretty thin fabric, but cotton is pretty absorbent, so once you fold it up, it won't be very thick, but will be very absorbent. It will probably be about the same thickness as an old-fashioned pad before they made them ultra-thin. If it turns out not to be absorbent enough, you could always make a thicker one, or layer two liners together. The thickest liners I made are only about 1/8 of an inch thick, and absorbent enough for my heaviest days.

[info]autumn_sylver

February 28 2006, 02:28:58 UTC 6 years ago

Also, even when my flow is heavy, I've never needed channels or anything on my pads. The flow is absorbed pretty much immediately once it hits the fabric.

[info]adahy

February 28 2006, 03:10:22 UTC 6 years ago

Wow do I hear you. I'm a super heavy bleeder. In the last six months I've gone though the always overnight pads durring the day every half hour or so for two days straight each period. That's soaked all the way, no white left. At that time I HAD to stay with store bought pads till my flow slowed a bit. It was eather that, or bleed on the furnature. But my flow the last two months has been a bit more normal (for me). I still bleed a lot. And I've found the pillow kind of pad the best for me so far. I just did a post where I wrote about this. Maybe it will help.

http://community.livejournal.com/diy_pads/57239.html?view=404375

[info]supervillainess

February 28 2006, 03:43:17 UTC 6 years ago

I've tried a TON of different styles, and my absolute favourite ended up being the LunaPads.com style. You've got wings, easily adaptable to the varying flows w/ liners, and the best part - you can always have a fresh layer. Being able to peel away that top bloody layer is a HUGE deal to me.

I believe LP uses a nylon waterproof layer at the bottom, but everything else is flannel. IME Flannel or Terrycloth are the most absorbant materials. Terry doesn't wick away as fast though, and sometimes ends up feeling slimey.
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