Cloth Pads?

I have known about them for around 8 years, now, and I'm wondering why no one on here has made any/posted projects/how-to's for them! They're very expensive to buy online, but economical in the long run. You only have to buy them once, whereas, disposable pads/sanitary napkins, you buy every month. Here's a link to a spot where you can buy them, as an example. http://hyenacart.com/hc_search.php?all=cloth+pad&c=1&sortby=price3&topsearch=1
Do any of y'all use these? They also have people on there who make and sell no-paper towels, and fabric alternatives to toilet paper. I've wanted to make some of all of these, but I have no sewing machine Happy I have a friend who makes them, so I'm thinking when I can afford to, I'll order a bunch from her. Maybe she'll give me a discount.

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48 replies since 5th February 2010 • Last reply 5th February 2010

Sorry, no link...you'll just have to copy and paste...I'm a lame computer tech person T-T
Here's one for the unpaper towels http://hyenacart.com/hc_search.php?all=unpaper+towels&c=1&sortby=price3&topsearch=1

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Where using cloth pads since I can remember!Tried once the paper towel,hated it.My mom hates them,my dad hates the cloth pads,so they had a big fight about that.It was really funny!I mean,arguing about pads...

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That is a silly thing to argue about! Especially for a man to make a fuss....not like it affects him!

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I found a site a while back that has patterns for different sizes and types of pads...
http://shewhorunsintheforest.googlepages.com/

TigerLily, since there is not that much material involved in making these, you could probably sew some by hand (if you have the patience).

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i ordered a few from an etsy shop- she had a sale deal where she was selling random ones with fabric patterns of her choice, so I bought those. They felt way better than the store bought plastic ones, basically like regular underwear or like a little pillow. You can make a pattern by taking a disposable pad, putting it on a piece of paper, tracing 2 outside panels from flannel (or whatever) with the wings out, then a few layers of batting, washcloth/towel material, cotton fleece or flannel with no wings for filler, serge/sew the innards, then sew the outside. Look up luna pads on youtube. There are also cool trifold pads, basically a washcloth or 2 sewn between 2 layers of flannel, folded in thirds, with the wings sewn on the 2 sides (when folded), so that the whole thing unfolds for washing/drying. I made some of my own, ugly things because I am a poor seamstress, but a good starter project since no one else sees them anyway. I actually find these way more comfy than regular pads, and you can buy a diva cup or other like device to cut down on laundry. Totally worth it, girls! google instructions, I've even seen knitted ones and wool ones!

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Oh, that is cool. Thanks ladies, these are some awesome ideas. I've been wanting a cup, too, for a while, just haven't gotten around to it. It'll beat having my sister in law steal my tampons!!

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I downloaded the patterns for the pantie liner and the pad from http://shewhorunsintheforest.googlepages.com/ and I can't wait to try my hand at making these! Thanks for the link, Tammy M!

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yikes--the pads are a great idea, but.... cloth alternatives to toilet paper?!?!?! ill pass on that one. ;)

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LOL Rachie, I thought so, too, at first. But when you consider all the money you can save per month not buying tp...it's pretty nice. You could stick that money in the bank, or just a jar, and after a few months, who knows what kind of fun date you could go on, or home renovation you could do...

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I'm considering going to cloth toilet paper. My last nanny positions were with cloth diapering families who also had cloth baby wipes with homemade baby wipe liquid. I don't see why I can't do that in the bathroom: have a container with the wet cloths for to use and then a container for to wash. It's no different from the cloth diapers, cloth wipes, and baby clothes I laundered over the years. Plus, it's just smarter and more responsible. I'm thinking old t-shirts would be great for this.

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So with the cloth pads...how often are you meant to wash them? I don't really get it.

I tried to use a moon cup (or diva cup) but it was just SO painful! And it leaked all the time.

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I use a mooncup and it takes a bit of time to get used to. It was initially uncomfortable but that was because you need to relax when putting it in place, and thats hard to do with something unfamiliar. Also if it was leaking and really painful it may not have been sitting in the right place, it sounds like it may have been a bit low down. I hope this makes sense. I found a good way to get used to using it was to put it in after a bath in the evening, that way you're nice and relaxed (hopefully) and you can try it overnight with out too much embarrassment if it leaks.

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Fenna, that's a great plan! Kitten, they're just basically pad-shaped washcloths, with velcro or snaps to keep them in place. Just like you know when to throw away a disposable one, you remove and replace the one you're using when it's 'full' or whatever...take it off your panties and put a clean one on. The Luna pads people tend to recommend you rinse them and wring them out in your plants, because the nutrients are good for them. But you can just rinse them and toss them in the hamper/laundry.

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So you make a couple and just switch them around? Problem is I really rarely do washing haha, I can't afford it.

I tried everything with the cups KitKat, it just wouldn't stop hurting, and I tried using them for maybe four or five periods. The worst was overnight! If I put it in wrong before going to bed I couldn't sleep all night cause it hurt so much.

Even when I put it in right I hated it cause I could feel it there, and it distracted me. I've never used tampons before so I suppose I'm not really used to things just being up there all the time haha.

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