After a long time in a mental tug-of-war with myself, I made the switch to cloth several months ago, once I watched your videos. With your encouragement, I have made all of my own patterns and pads. You are a lifesaver! I am now halfway through a pregnancy and decided to actually pay for a pattern for the very first time, for the postpartum time after baby comes. Upon downloading, piecing together and muscling through this elephant sized pad, I discovered that all of the patterns in the packet I bought have a 4" gusset!! Argh! Hopefully I'll be able to at least use them as a starting point to create some new patterns of my own. Thanks for all that you put into your videos. They feel like I'm having a chat with my friend.
Thank you for making these videos... you have made such a difference!!! All the women before us are smiling! And those falling are just as happy! You have slowed time in such a important way!!!
Thank you so much for making this video! I just got my first sewing machine today, and made my first liner. It is SO pretty, largely because I saw your video beforehand and avoided some beginner mistakes :).
Amy, thank you so much. Yesterday I tried to make my first pad. Good grief what a miserable time I had. I almost decided to give up. But then this morning I saw this video & now feel more confident and will try again today. Here's hoping I succeed after watching your video.
I am encouraged to hear that pad making is easy enough to attempt as a beginning sewer. I've spent years pondering sewing but never had a project worth trying. Now I want to try. Thanks for sharing.
Very insightful, thank you. I'm not in the states right now and have picked up sewing again to pass some time. The whole cloth pad hasn't hit really big in Europe "yet" but some pop up here and there. So it's nice to be able to watch all your vids when learning to make these for ones self.
Thank you so much for this video. I am just about to embark on making my first pad, and found all these tips really useful. My favourite bought pad has a fleece topper and it’s my favourite. I intend to use this on my trial pad as I am up cycling a thin ikea blanket that I have. I have subscribed to your channel, and look forward to watching all your videos, as I love your style of teaching.
I like your "babbling" makes me feel like we are just friends talking for real with side rabbit trails and all. :-) I"ve been watching a lot of your videos, and really enjoy getting to know you.
I am loving your videos and have just liked your page. I have an embroidery machine and found an in the hoop pattern, or well actually a friend did. We were both complaining about all the junk in store bought pads causing issues with breakouts and that is an area you do NOT want irritated. I am so excited to go get some PUL, my Kam Snap jit will be delivered this week!
+Telletell You know. I have never made a pantyliner. I think I may just have to do that! Thank you for the suggestion, and I am so glad you got a machine! Congratulations. Sewing is so addictive.
+Telletell They're usually a pad without a core (if you have very light discharge) or a very light core, like 1-2 layers of flannel or a single layer of terrycloth. Most of them are also a bit shorter. If you want a long liner, you'll have to add some stability via the pattern shape, like adding wider wings, or your liner will fold over and bunch up on the first flight of stairs you go up.
+FreakyBelgianChick thank you very much. Since I posted this, I've perfected my perfect "sandwich." Just Minky top and a corduroy backer. I don't need a lot of protection, so it's perfect! Thank you for replying to me.
@@Telletell thats awesome! How long did you make your liner? I want a 6 inch liner.. something that won't show up through my underwear and jeans..I wish youtube would let you post pictures. Did you use a common pattern I could find anywhere??
Hi Amy! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I was wondering if Part 2 would be coming soon? I'm interested to see what mistake-prevention tips you have during the actual sewing processes.
bitkeun18 Yes. The end of school year is here, and I have been having severe technical difficulties with making videos. I'm trying to prepare a batch of three or four to post before I go on vacation so that there are new ones for everybody. It's just a crazy time of year. The common mistakes, pt. 2 is on my list, as well as an updated stash video, a very short walking foot video, and a stain treater product review.
I love your videos! could you please do a more in-depth video on pad absorbencies and core fabrics? I would just like a better idea of how many layers of the main materials (flannel, zorb, terry and maybe microfibre) equal a light, regular and heavy flow pad? The thickness/ absorbency has been the biggest issue for me when sewing my own, also which materials are thinner for the same absorbency? Thanks, Nic.
I have been making some of my pads on my embroidery machine called 'In The Hoop' designs where the complete pad is made 'In The Hoop' sewing the core to the upper and then adding the backer and when finished all I have to do is trim the edges and turn the pad, sewup the turning gap and add snaps. The benefit is that I don't have to cut out a pattern just pieces of fabric to fit the hoop. Now, these lovely designs have stars or hearts sewn down the centre. The stitching of these doesn't go right through to the backing, this is added after the core is sewn to the topper but my query is, do I need to miss out these designs down the centre? It is easy to do so but they look so pretty! I do agree though that the stitching compresses the core and now you have me thinking I should miss them out?
Hi Amy, how are you? Hope all is going well on your side. I was wondering... I am getting on the pad maker train, but I was wondering... what if I could sow the topper to the first layer of the core, like to guide lines within the length of the gusset part? Then the rest of the layers of the core sewed to first. I intend to use flannel as the core, since I am unable to get anything as fancy as zorb, here in India.
I'm just starting on the reuasable journey! your videos are wonderful and going to help me do better!!! Thank you so much for being personal and making periods a normal conversation!! be blessed my new found friend
Hi Amy thanks a lot for your amazing informative videos ; i have a question please regarding sewing the core layers together , if for example am going to use 4 layers of flannel (as cores only) can i serge them alltogether from the oustide ( to decrease fraying inside ) or is this going to create more holes and will increase the leaking possibilities . Tia .and keep going please
I’ve recently started using commercially made cloth pads. I researched and was pretty certain the ones ordered would be easy to use. Well, after washing and drying the pads a couple of times, I was ready to wear. So I attached on, and the first time I went to the bathroom afterwards, when I took my panties down, the bamboo microfiber was stuck to my pubic hairs🧐😳🤦♀️. On the brite side, it stayed in place.
Hey. You made a really pretty pink and green pad with a athletic wicking topper which was pink with the abosorbent core at the top. I wish I could find it but most importantly I wish you could show us how to make a pad with an absorbent foot on top.
I just found your channel and I love listening to you:))) And I'll be making my first pad tonight using your tutorial and other helpful vids like this one. You're such a beautiful woman inside out:))) Thanks for the vids :)) from Claire in Louisiana~
Wow impressive. I would love to make some pads and donate to girls in the village here in africa (Malawi). Most girls do not go to school when they are in their periods because they are afraid of being mocked and laughed at because of a leakage. I think reusable Pads will help
Hi Amy! I'm getting ready to make my very first cloth pads, but I also need to make some postpartum cloth as I am allergic to disposables! Do you have a tutorial on making postpartum cloth or could you make one? I know that postpartum is usually quite bigger and I'm not even sure where to start on those! Thank you for these videos!
+mallory8403 I have never made postpartum pads, but I actually started recording a video this past week about how to make longer/bigger pads. That might not go up for a while as I will be going into spinal surgery very shortly, but when I am back to normal, it will be done.
h Hey there, I wanted to say how much I really appreciate all the videos you've posted, they have been very informative & helpful. I was wondering, did you ever continue videoing Sewing Cloth Pads 101 - Common Beginner Mistakes, Part 2? I was looking for that and I did not see it listed within your videos. Did I miss it somehow? Thanks!
This might be a silly question, but what do you do about the edges of your fabric fraying when you wash them, before sewing? after washing I find I lose a bit of the fabric, & have to untangle the different fabrics apart, as they un-weave in washing. I do use the hand wash setting, & only wash all cottons together. Does it really make sense to sew a border line all the way around your fabric piece before washing, or do you just lose the little bit & that's fine?
+Kristin Holt Personally, I just tolerate the frayed edges. It's usually not too bad, so it's not worth it to me to zig-zag all the edges. It's a personal preference issue, and I know many people who take the time to overlock or zig-zag their fabrics before prewash, but I find that I lose less than a 1/4" from the edges - more like a millimeter or two. So, for me, it's not worth the time and thread and work to stitch. I just toss them in and deal with the frayed edges.
+Amy Nix Ok that's what I thought. I guess if it's a really special fabric, & you don't have much, it might be worth it? Otherwise I was thinking that's a lot of work! Thank you so much for the reply :)
Are you washing once you have cut the pieces out or before cutting? It is much easier to wash the fabric before cutting as it will only have 2 unfinished edges
Does anyone know if cloth postpartum pads the same as cloth menstrual pads? I am 5 months pregnant with my first baby and wanting to sew my own pads but want to make sure I will make the right type of pad for postpartum. Thanks for any help!
Jasmine Bachman Post partum pads are cloth pads that are normally longer and thicker (depends on the fabric you use for the core, though =)). I made 14 inches, 4 layers heavy bamboo fleece for my pp pads. It's thick. I made 4 of them to be used for the first few days, and use heavy flow pads alternately during the day. Wash and dry them daily. =)
I haven't gotten to a part 2 or 3 yet. But I knew when I made the first one that I wasn't done, yet. I've been prevented by circumstance from sewing regularly for a while, and I've just not gotten around to more sewing-related videos.
Amy Nix no problem...just making sure I wasn't missing it. Hope all is well on your end. ;-) love your videos...I dont think you realize just how many ppl you help (you are such a great person) and we all appreciate it!
This is the best video, I have seen, I really appreciate the time you have spent to help me,thank you..❤
just made my first five pads, you were on the background. I like you babbling during sewing
After a long time in a mental tug-of-war with myself, I made the switch to cloth several months ago, once I watched your videos. With your encouragement, I have made all of my own patterns and pads. You are a lifesaver! I am now halfway through a pregnancy and decided to actually pay for a pattern for the very first time, for the postpartum time after baby comes. Upon downloading, piecing together and muscling through this elephant sized pad, I discovered that all of the patterns in the packet I bought have a 4" gusset!! Argh! Hopefully I'll be able to at least use them as a starting point to create some new patterns of my own. Thanks for all that you put into your videos. They feel like I'm having a chat with my friend.
Thank you for making these videos... you have made such a difference!!! All the women before us are smiling! And those falling are just as happy! You have slowed time in such a important way!!!
Thank you so much for making this video! I just got my first sewing machine today, and made my first liner. It is SO pretty, largely because I saw your video beforehand and avoided some beginner mistakes :).
Amy, thank you so much. Yesterday I tried to make my first pad. Good grief what a miserable time I had. I almost decided to give up. But then this morning I saw this video & now feel more confident and will try again today. Here's hoping I succeed after watching your video.
I hope you have not given up. Have you made any other pads since? Hope they turned out great 😊
I am encouraged to hear that pad making is easy enough to attempt as a beginning sewer. I've spent years pondering sewing but never had a project worth trying. Now I want to try. Thanks for sharing.
Very insightful, thank you. I'm not in the states right now and have picked up sewing again to pass some time. The whole cloth pad hasn't hit really big in Europe "yet" but some pop up here and there. So it's nice to be able to watch all your vids when learning to make these for ones self.
Thank you so much for this video.
I am just about to embark on making my first pad, and found all these tips really useful.
My favourite bought pad has a fleece topper and it’s my favourite.
I intend to use this on my trial pad as I am up cycling a thin ikea blanket that I have.
I have subscribed to your channel, and look forward to watching all your videos, as I love your style of teaching.
I like your "babbling" makes me feel like we are just friends talking for real with side rabbit trails and all. :-)
I"ve been watching a lot of your videos, and really enjoy getting to know you.
+The3GMom Thank you! I'm so glad.
@Amy Nix WHERE DID YOU GO!!! YOUR AWESOME 😎 !!!
Your videos were so INCREDIBLY helpful! Thank you!
I am loving your videos and have just liked your page. I have an embroidery machine and found an in the hoop pattern, or well actually a friend did. We were both complaining about all the junk in store bought pads causing issues with breakouts and that is an area you do NOT want irritated. I am so excited to go get some PUL, my Kam Snap jit will be delivered this week!
What kind of breakouts?
I just got a machine! Amy, can you make a thin pantyliner tutorial for everyday discharge. I wear them daily.
+Telletell You know. I have never made a pantyliner. I think I may just have to do that! Thank you for the suggestion, and I am so glad you got a machine! Congratulations. Sewing is so addictive.
+Telletell They're usually a pad without a core (if you have very light discharge) or a very light core, like 1-2 layers of flannel or a single layer of terrycloth. Most of them are also a bit shorter.
If you want a long liner, you'll have to add some stability via the pattern shape, like adding wider wings, or your liner will fold over and bunch up on the first flight of stairs you go up.
+FreakyBelgianChick thank you very much. Since I posted this, I've perfected my perfect "sandwich." Just Minky top and a corduroy backer. I don't need a lot of protection, so it's perfect! Thank you for replying to me.
@@Telletell thats awesome! How long did you make your liner? I want a 6 inch liner.. something that won't show up through my underwear and jeans..I wish youtube would let you post pictures. Did you use a common pattern I could find anywhere??
Hi Amy! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I was wondering if Part 2 would be coming soon? I'm interested to see what mistake-prevention tips you have during the actual sewing processes.
bitkeun18 Yes. The end of school year is here, and I have been having severe technical difficulties with making videos. I'm trying to prepare a batch of three or four to post before I go on vacation so that there are new ones for everybody.
It's just a crazy time of year. The common mistakes, pt. 2 is on my list, as well as an updated stash video, a very short walking foot video, and a stain treater product review.
I love your videos! could you please do a more in-depth video on pad absorbencies and core fabrics? I would just like a better idea of how many layers of the main materials (flannel, zorb, terry and maybe microfibre) equal a light, regular and heavy flow pad? The thickness/ absorbency has been the biggest issue for me when sewing my own, also which materials are thinner for the same absorbency?
Thanks, Nic.
I can definitely do that.
Awesome. I look forward to it :-)
Amy Nix h
I have been making some of my pads on my embroidery machine called 'In The Hoop' designs where the complete pad is made 'In The Hoop' sewing the core to the upper and then adding the backer and when finished all I have to do is trim the edges and turn the pad, sewup the turning gap and add snaps. The benefit is that I don't have to cut out a pattern just pieces of fabric to fit the hoop. Now, these lovely designs have stars or hearts sewn down the centre. The stitching of these doesn't go right through to the backing, this is added after the core is sewn to the topper but my query is, do I need to miss out these designs down the centre? It is easy to do so but they look so pretty! I do agree though that the stitching compresses the core and now you have me thinking I should miss them out?
Hi Amy, how are you? Hope all is going well on your side. I was wondering... I am getting on the pad maker train, but I was wondering... what if I could sow the topper to the first layer of the core, like to guide lines within the length of the gusset part? Then the rest of the layers of the core sewed to first. I intend to use flannel as the core, since I am unable to get anything as fancy as zorb, here in India.
I'm just starting on the reuasable journey! your videos are wonderful and going to help me do better!!! Thank you so much for being personal and making periods a normal conversation!! be blessed my new found friend
You are so welcome, and I'm so glad you find them useful. You'll never regret making the switch. They're so, so much better.
Hi Amy thanks a lot for your amazing informative videos ; i have a question please regarding sewing the core layers together , if for example am going to use 4 layers of flannel (as cores only) can i serge them alltogether from the oustide ( to decrease fraying inside ) or is this going to create more holes and will increase the leaking possibilities . Tia .and keep going please
I’ve recently started using commercially made cloth pads. I researched and was pretty certain the ones ordered would be easy to use. Well, after washing and drying the pads a couple of times, I was ready to wear. So I attached on, and the first time I went to the bathroom afterwards, when I took my panties down, the bamboo microfiber was stuck to my pubic hairs🧐😳🤦♀️. On the brite side, it stayed in place.
Do you ever use a serger machine for making your cloth pads?
Hey. You made a really pretty pink and green pad with a athletic wicking topper which was pink with the abosorbent core at the top. I wish I could find it but most importantly I wish you could show us how to make a pad with an absorbent foot on top.
I just found your channel and I love listening to you:))) And I'll be making my first pad tonight using your tutorial and other helpful vids like this one. You're such a beautiful woman inside out:))) Thanks for the vids :)) from Claire in Louisiana~
+ClaireNicole33 Thank you and welcome! I'm so glad you're making the switch to sewing your own. It's fun once you get the hang of it.
us wooly poly thread works good and if you use PUL the heat of the dryer seals the holes up.
Wow impressive. I would love to make some pads and donate to girls in the village here in africa (Malawi). Most girls do not go to school when they are in their periods because they are afraid of being mocked and laughed at because of a leakage. I think reusable Pads will help
Amy you're the best!
+Judith J. R. Minsky Thank you, Judith!
Hi Amy! I'm getting ready to make my very first cloth pads, but I also need to make some postpartum cloth as I am allergic to disposables! Do you have a tutorial on making postpartum cloth or could you make one? I know that postpartum is usually quite bigger and I'm not even sure where to start on those! Thank you for these videos!
+mallory8403 I have never made postpartum pads, but I actually started recording a video this past week about how to make longer/bigger pads. That might not go up for a while as I will be going into spinal surgery very shortly, but when I am back to normal, it will be done.
I hope to use micro fibre as my waterproof layer THANKYOU for your video s! X
h
Hey there, I wanted to say how much I really appreciate all the videos you've posted, they have been very informative & helpful. I was wondering, did you ever continue videoing Sewing Cloth Pads 101 - Common Beginner Mistakes, Part 2? I was looking for that and I did not see it listed within your videos. Did I miss it somehow?
Thanks!
HUGE help! Thank you for this video. :)
I can’t find you second part to ‘common mistakes’. Could you possibly help?
Great video! Is there still a FB group? The link didn't work, but I'd like to join.
Where did you order the machine
road2health Yes! So sorry. The link messes up sometimes. Here is the group: facebook.com/groups/623672741070527/
Love your videos! Thanks
hi, just wondering what i could use instead or zorb if i am unable to get it.
many thanks
Rebecca Cox you can use terry cloth (towels) or microfiber. Both of those are very absorbent.
Name of your sewing machinr
This might be a silly question, but what do you do about the edges of your fabric fraying when you wash them, before sewing? after washing I find I lose a bit of the fabric, & have to untangle the different fabrics apart, as they un-weave in washing.
I do use the hand wash setting, & only wash all cottons together. Does it really make sense to sew a border line all the way around your fabric piece before washing, or do you just lose the little bit & that's fine?
+Kristin Holt Personally, I just tolerate the frayed edges. It's usually not too bad, so it's not worth it to me to zig-zag all the edges. It's a personal preference issue, and I know many people who take the time to overlock or zig-zag their fabrics before prewash, but I find that I lose less than a 1/4" from the edges - more like a millimeter or two. So, for me, it's not worth the time and thread and work to stitch. I just toss them in and deal with the frayed edges.
+Amy Nix Ok that's what I thought. I guess if it's a really special fabric, & you don't have much, it might be worth it? Otherwise I was thinking that's a lot of work! Thank you so much for the reply :)
Exactly.
Are you washing once you have cut the pieces out or before cutting? It is much easier to wash the fabric before cutting as it will only have 2 unfinished edges
+anne-marie thomson I wash the entire fabric piece before using it to sew, yes.
Great vid.
Does anyone know if cloth postpartum pads the same as cloth menstrual pads? I am 5 months pregnant with my first baby and wanting to sew my own pads but want to make sure I will make the right type of pad for postpartum. Thanks for any help!
Jasmine Bachman Post partum pads are cloth pads that are normally longer and thicker (depends on the fabric you use for the core, though =)).
I made 14 inches, 4 layers heavy bamboo fleece for my pp pads. It's thick.
I made 4 of them to be used for the first few days, and use heavy flow pads alternately during the day. Wash and dry them daily. =)
Awesome! Thanks for your help =)
Why are my corners puckering?
I see this is part 1...not sure if there is a Part2 and I just don't see it
I haven't gotten to a part 2 or 3 yet. But I knew when I made the first one that I wasn't done, yet. I've been prevented by circumstance from sewing regularly for a while, and I've just not gotten around to more sewing-related videos.
Amy Nix no problem...just making sure I wasn't missing it. Hope all is well on your end. ;-) love your videos...I dont think you realize just how many ppl you help (you are such a great person) and we all appreciate it!
How r u now
Take care of your health
Me so long as the pieces hold together, the pads can look ugly all they want.