Home Made Reusable Sanitary Products

Following my Product Review on Reusable Sanitary Products back in March last year, I decided to take things one step further and start producing my own reusable sanitary towels. What began as a small experiment has turned into one of the most comfortable, durable, and environmentally friendly swaps I’ve made.

Not only have my homemade pads proven to be far more comfortable than many shop-bought alternatives, they’ve also stood the test of time far better. A year on, my original two handmade pads (one day and one night) still look and feel amazing, while some branded reusable options have noticeably degraded.

Compared to disposable pads, there’s simply no contest – no irritation, excellent absorbency, and zero waste. I honestly wouldn’t go back.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Why Make Your Own Reusable Sanitary Pads?

Making your own reusable sanitary products:

• Reduces waste sent to landfill
• Saves money over time
• Allows you to choose fabrics that suit your body
• Lets you control absorbency, length, and fit
• Avoids unnecessary chemicals often found in disposables

Once you’ve made a couple, you’ll realise how quick and satisfying they are to sew.

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Starting Small (and Then Making Lots!)

I originally made just two test pads for myself. After using them alongside purchased options, friends and small businesses began to show interest — so naturally, I made more for everyone else before making fresh ones for myself (the same thing happened with my COVID‑19 masks… nearly 100 made for others first!).

The newer versions are far prettier than my early scrap‑fabric mock‑ups and just as practical.

The Pattern I Recommend

After testing many patterns, I settled on one core favourite:
The Curvy Classic by The Happy Hippos.

What I love about their patterns:

• Downloadable PDF with instructions
• Adjustable length and shape
• Huge range of styles (including novelty shapes!)
• Wings can be widened or narrowed to suit

💡 Tip: Think about the disposable pads you used previously and aim to replicate their shape and coverage — this avoids any “oh no” moments later!

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What You’ll Need

Essentials

• A reusable sanitary pad pattern
• Sewing machine
• Universal needles (80/12)
• 100% polyester thread (prevents wicking and leaks)
• Press studs, Velcro, or preferred fastening

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Fabric Suggestions

Top Layer (Next to Skin):

• Cotton woven or knit
• Cotton flannel
• Bamboo velour
• Minky
• Cotton french terry

Absorbent Core:

• Hemp (fleece, terry, french terry)
• Bamboo (fleece or terry)
• Cotton fleece or flannel
• Zorb

Bottom Layer (Water Resistant):

• Windpro fleece
• Polar or anti-pill fleece
• Hidden PUL with fleece backing
• Microfleece or corduroy

Personally, I use PUL with an extra cotton layer beneath, as I don’t enjoy the feel of PUL directly against the skin.

More details can be found on where to get these materials in the post Home Made Sanitary Towels (& where to buy materials)

Once you have made a couple, you will find that they run up quite quickly! AND they wash amazingly well, with no staining – just soak with water for a few mins (if not going directly in the machine!) and wash with your normal load (I wash at 30°C and have no problems!).

Washing & Care Tips

Reusable pads wash surprisingly well:

• Rinse or soak briefly in cold water if not washing immediately
• Wash with your normal load at 30°C
• No staining issues so far
• Air dry whenever possible

They’ve held up beautifully over time with minimal effort.

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Final Thoughts

Homemade reusable sanitary towels have been one of my favourite zero‑waste swaps. They’re comfortable, customisable, long‑lasting, and kinder to both your body and the planet.

If you’re even slightly tempted — give it a go. Start with one or two and see how you get on.

Product Review: Reusable Sanitary Products

Home Made Sanitary Towels (& where to buy materials)