Reusable menstrual pads are a reusable alternative to disposable sanitary napkins used by women when they are menstruating (having their period). They are made of cloth as opposed to plastic, and are washed and dried between each use. Reusable menstrual pads can be made from new materials or from old materials such as old pillow cases, sheets and towels. There are many different designs of reusable menstrual pads; most designs include a cotton "case" and a towel "insert".
1. Draw the following shape on to a piece of cardboard (note: the ruler in the picture is 15cm (6 inches) long). It doesn't matter if you don't draw it perfectly.
2. Cut out the shape. (Note: The inner line will be the actual size of the pad).
2. Hem the straight edges of the two matching pieces (no picture provided).
3. Lay the pieces of fabric on top of each other as pictured above.
4. Sew around the edges: *by hand (using "blanket stitch" or any stitch that loops over the edge of the fabric to prevent fraying), *with a sewing machine (zig zig stitch right near the edge of the fabric), or *with an overlocker.
5. Cut out a square piece of towel the same height as the pad case that you just made, and hem the edges.