Mama Cloth Swap #2

are these fabric pads? haha this is insane! do they work? do you throw away after one use or are they washable omg this is crazy! i might even join xoxo

You wash them after use! I've never used them but I know people who swear by them!

They are fabulous. I've made some of my own and I was in the swap last time. They work so well, especially because you can vary the fabric that you use and therefore really specialize the cloth for your flow. I also love the complete lack of environmental impact. For any newbies, the first pattern (the "Pantiliner") is my favourite, becuase it is so easy and so simple to adjust for size.

I've been using fabric for over a year. It's so awesome! When I switched from the plastic crap you buy to fabric pads, my period got shorter, I had fewer cramps and I saved a ton of money.

I use flannel, cotton batting and polar fleece for the backing (the polar fleece doesn't leak!)

I agree @kaypendragon My periods have been shorter. lighter and way less cramping. Priceless when you have endometriosis! I use a variety of fabrics...I'll buy quarters from the fabric shop and then use anything from cotton jersey to polar fleece or whatever for the filler. Sometimes I use PUL for the backing, other times I just use the polat fleece. I've not tried the batting...how's that working out?

Since someone messaged me and asked, here's a photo of the ones I make: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pennyfood/4157937092/

I'm a huge fan of fabric pads and am happy to answer any questions anyone has about them. Just send me a message and I'll get right back to you!

It works nicely for me - very absorbant filler. I buy it on sale from JoAnns and it's not too expensive.

@kaypendragon Those look great! I'm very curious about the batting...having endometriosis=very hevy bleeding...I'm wondering if the batting would be enough. I've heard bamboo is most absorbant (and very thin) and would love to get my hands on some of that!

Does anyone use the PUL for their pads? I have been doing a bit of looking around since seeing this swap and am very eager to try these. I would like to try the bamboo or hemp, too.

@mgarrt I have used PUL on pads. I really like it. It comes in all sorts of patterns and is so soft and flexible. It can be expensive so shop around. Sometimes you can buy scraps from people who make baby diapers.

Another way to waterproof them is to take those washable bed pads and cut them to use as the bottom layer (the hospital pads). They can be hard to find but sometimes you can get them from hospitals or nursing homes (if they still use them). Just take them apart and remove the blue backing (or keep it together and cut the pad and cover it with fabric of your choice.

@goingtwinsane - I've had bamboo towels and can honestly say that the cotton towels were more absorbent. I don't know about the batting. The cotton batting that I use is very thin though. Even the ones that I use three layers in are thinner than the commercial pads. I found that the real trick was not to put batting in the wings. That made them too bulky.

Ordered some PUL and maybe can figure this out so I can join next time. thanks for helping me out... Melissa

This is the most interesting swap I have ever read. I am 74 so I don't need them for the reasons you girls may but I bet they would be great for incontinency.

Yes @ladydy5 They are great for stress incontinence and what;s nice is you don't need them to be very thick or have wings for that. MUCH more discreet than having to go buy those kinds of things at the grocery store! And prettier too!