CONFESSION: I’ve never used a set of these before. However, after playing around with some fun fabric options, I will start using them TODAY! I admit it – I used to think they were a little ridiculous and unnecessary. I created them only because I needed a third item to add to the receiving blanket gift pack. However, as with anything in my life, the right fabric can convince me that I need ANYTHING! These are no exception.
How to Make Washable / Reusable Nursing Pads – No longer just for the Granola types! (But granolas – you’re included too!)
Here is our finished project - a pair of Nursing Pads. These here are made with flannel fabric, however you can use cotton as well. Just be sure to use soft fabric (for obvious reasons!) and fabric that is also absorbent.
What you’ll need to get started:
Fabric – definitely scrap pieces are perfect. It requires such a small amount of fabric, so you probably won’t have to purchase any. If you do, 1/8 yard will be enough!
Cotton Batting – NOT polyester! Remember, you want these to be absorbent. They’re keeping you from embarrassing yourself (or yourhusband!) so don’t skimp on this! Again 1/8 yard is enough.
Thread.
Someone in your life who is nursing a baby!
If you squint, you can see the difference here between cotton batting and polyester batting. Cotton is soft, kind of like a blanket all by itself. It cuts just like fabric and is super absorbent. (Polysester, on the other hand, is sort of like webbing - it's all netted together and has lots of plastic - NOT absorbent! Excellent for quilts, not for nursing pads)
For starters, find something round to use as a template so that all the circles are the same diameter. I used the lid to a can of peanuts. I personally don't think there's a "rule" to how big or small the circles should be - so long as they're large enough to provide sufficient coverage and not so large that they stick out. There are like thong underwear - they should be the wearers little secret!
Once you have your template, cut out 4 circles from the fabric and 2 circles from the batting.
Lay 2 fabric circles right sides DOWN.
Place your batting circles on top of the fabric circles.
Then add your final 2 fabric circles on top - right sides facing UP.
Pin well. (As you know, I only require you to pin when it's truly necessary - let's save as much time as we can, right!?! For these, the circles all move around when you sew, so you'll definitely need to pin these little darlings!)
Lastly - serge these ditties together! If you don't have a serger, use your zig zag stitch, making sure the stitch both catches all the layers AND extends just outside them. AND YOU'RE DONE!
WARNING!!!!! DANGER!!!! WARNING!!!
Remember - these are slippery little suckers! Before you package them up and give them away, be sure to check the edges on front and back. Or....you'll end up with something like this. If this happens to you, just resew over the edges one more time.
These are really quite relaxing, and they’re another excellent way to use up scraps. Plus, I think they’re really thoughtful gifts. Do keep in mind – some women don’t like gifts that highlight their….well… you know! Be sensitive!
As you can see from the following, I have surprising really enjoyed this project. Of course I would, though, right! They’re FREE, FAST AND EASY! Love it!
You may have noticed, I can't get enough of this fabric! You can see more projects with this Amy Butler fabric here and here!
I had forgotten how much I enjoy this fabric until I pulled from the depths of my stash. See another project with this fabric here.Oh my sweetness! This is the second flannel fabric I purchased to make yesterday's receiving blankets. Soooooo soft and happy. I might have to keep these for myself.
These are made from scraps from a strapless dress I just made for a pregnant friend. It's the sister fabric to this fabric. Hmmmm. Maybe I should send these to my pal as a "happy pregnancy" gift!
Well, now I can’t figure out how to get out of this dialogue box, so we’re stuck with the gray back ground for a bit longer….
Oh, there were go!
Where was I???
Time: 5 minutes to complete ALL FOUR sets! Honestly!
Cost: FREE if you use scraps and have batting on hand. If not – not more than $5 if you purchase no more than what you need! (I’m not sure if anyone ever does that, but hey, I gotta mention it as a possibility!) Woohoo!!
I can’t get the links in the captions to become actual links … in short – you can see more things with those fabrics either in other posts in my blog or in my Etsy shop: http://www.Parsimony.Etsy.com. Sorry, I’m a technological dunce!
Great post I have been making these for several years..Just some other ideas I did not see mentioned. Old flannel receiving blankets, terry cloth (old Towels), old flannel shirts, sweat pants /shirts all can be used as absorbent lining for nursing pads, diapers and burp cloths and menstral pads..
Tear drop shaps also work for nursing pads.
your “pregnant friend” thinks you should pass those on
. especially since i’m currently thinking “hmm…these are cute, but will I even need nursing pads?”. help the amateur.
Ha! I’ll explain later – in due time … no pun intended!
I am going to try to make these, I’m pregnant with my 5th baby. I have nursed all 4 of my babies and that’s the plan with this 5th one. Thanks for the tutorial!
These are great Robie!! Are they for the outside I’d the shirt or inside?
Ha ha .. well, I suppose I’ll leave that up to you! =)
Nursing pads usually slip into your bra.
These are great! I could have used these last year. They ares so expensive to buy. I will definitely be making these for gifts in the future.
Just a note from a veteran nursing pad sewist with 2 nursing daughters: these will be absorbent but not lead proof. I use an outer layer of PUL and polyester thread for stitching. Otherwise, there could be an oops!
Oh wow, excellent point katherine! I don’t leak much, so they’ve been perfect for me – thanks for speaking out for those more “fortunate” milk producers!!!
What is PUL? I need to make some of these for my daughter who is due in September. My experience when I was breastfeeding was that I leaked anytime I heard a baby and especially when my child(ren) cried. I used new hankies and when the children were weaned they became my husband’s hankies. They were soft, absorbent and I had plenty to throw in the wash so I always had clean ones. These will be much cuter and even easier to use.
Katherine,
My daughter is having her first baby in August. I would love to make her some but I don’t know what PUL is? Can you explain that to me and where would I buy that? Thanks Claire
PUL is a type of plastic commonly used by people who sew their own diapers, nursing pads, and feminine pads. It used to be (& still may be) used by hospitals, but because it can withstand hotter dryers and is softer it is also now used for a soft plastic like liner. One good source would be: http://www.wahmsupply.com/
This site lists some of the affore mentioned sewing projects (I wish this person would give their take on diapers!) Zany Zebra Designs or diapersewing.com
Thanks so much for the tip! I just purchased some to use in several baby projects I am working on.
I’ve seen PUL popping up in big chain fabric stores like Joann’s and Hobby Lobby lately. (I think Babyville is the name of the line I see most often.) So, be sure to check any nearby fabric stores – it may be easier to find than you think! Also, it’s important to note that you want to try avoid putting holes in PUL. That means, you don’t want to pin it. You can try clipping it (clothes pins, binder clips, little clips from the hardware store..) or try a fabric spray adhesive. (DON’T SPRAY IT NEAR YOUR SEWING MACHINE!!) I think I would try sewing all the non-PUL layers together first (using lots of pins) and then adding the PUL just so there are fewer layers shifting around when you sew it all together.
I made my nursing pads for four of my babies. I was great at leaking milk when someone else’s baby cried in the grocery store or in church. I had to make one side of the pad out of plastic to protect my clothes. Six sets of pads make a great baby gift….some to wear and some in the wash!
Definitely making these for my niece who’s expecting!! I was wondering about leakage for those “lactatedly blessed”.
Delores, what kind of plastic did you use? I’m going to check Hobby Lobby for something waterproof for the outer-facing layer…
Thanks for the great tut!! I don’t have a serger, so I’m going to try sewing them right sides together, inserting the batting, then whip-stitching the hole closed. Does anyone see a potential problem with this?
The only thing that I see as a potential problem to inserting the batting like that, is that the batting could move around when washed and dried because it’s not caught into the outside seam. You might try (to prevent this) layering the batting against the back side of one of your pieces when you go to sew the right sides together. This will allow you to flip the fabric over the batting and the batting will be sewn down…then you can whip-stitch the hole closed. Does that make sense? For those of you that didn’t catch that (I’m not always the greatest at explaining the first time through.), if you want to try it like Mel, layer the batting on the bottom, then place the WRONG side of the fabric over the batting, then place the RIGHT side of the other fabric piece on top of that. Sew around the edge, leaving enough space to flip the wrong sides currently facing out to the inside, then whip-stitch or edge-stitch over the top of the seam to close them. Hope that helped and wasn’t too wordy!
What a great way to use up the remnants of my cotton batting from other projects! Now that I’ve spoiled my nephew, I’m thinking it might be the time to get another package in the mail to spoil his mommy! This will definitely have to be part of that package!
Hey gang … what a fun discussion we’ve got going here!!!
I’ve never used PUL before, but it’s “polyurethane laminated” fabric. I found a great post about it here: http://www.celticclothswholesale.com/pages/PULFabric.htm
I hope this helps!
I use PUL and diaper flannel to make these for my daughter. worked great.
[...] Washable Eco Friendly Nursing Pads – a free tutorial (via So Sew Something!) Posted on September 20, 2011 by sunnypatchcottage CONFESSION: I've never used a set of these before. However, after playing around with some fun fabric options, I will start using them TODAY! I admit it – I used to think they were a little ridiculous and unnecessary. I created them only because I needed a third item to add to the receiving blanket gift pack. However, as with anything in my life, the right fabric can convince me that I need ANYTHING! These are no exception. How to Make Wash … Read More [...]
Cotton batting is soft and absorbent, as stated, but it needs to be pre-washed BEFORE sewing or it will all bunch up from shrinking the first time in the washer!
As stated in earlier post (July 4), these are absorbent but not leak proof.
PUL can also be found at Jo-Ann fabrics in solid colors & prints. Price ranges from $9.99- $14.99 a yard (so use your 40% off coupon) pin it as little as possible to lessen small holes in your leak barrier.
We recommend using a shower curtain liner for the plastic and old terry towels for the absorbancy rather than the cotton batting. You can buy the liner at the dollar store. I would recommend putting the plastic inside the outer layer. You might want to use a solid color on the inside and a print on the outside so you’ll know which side to put next to your body.
I make mine with a pretty stretch lace on the outside, PUL, terry cloth, then fleece. The fleece sucks moisture quickly to the terry cloth and is very soft.
One note on the PUL. Go ahead and use pins. When they are washed and dried, the little holes actually close up again like magic.
I make them 5 inches across for ample coverage as I am a sympathy leaker, any unhappy baby and my milk lets down (or sad commercial, movie, etc.)
I have been looking at buying cloth diapers and also washable nursing pads, but trust me they are very expensive.. I have read tons of reviews, and done some reasearch. So here are some suggestions. PUL can be bought online.. but I also found some at Hanckock fabrics, which means your Joannes may have it.
As far as the batting, Bamboo is supposed to be wonderful for absorbancy, and not keeping odors! I have many time seen Bamboo batting at the store and catalogs. However, I have heard that Wool is the best material for nursing pads, they are absorbant, and they wash and dry quickly. I guess they also are kinda warm, so if you can’t change them right away, you won’t have a cold wet lump in your bra. I caution you against, the plastice linnings like some have suggested, beacuse of the wear in washing, but also, beacuse the lack of breathability can’t be that great for your skin! I understand, old wool peice from thrift store can be used for making htese or diaper liners. Lanolin from the wool, I guess helps condition… well you know your skin. 
Instead of PUL, I use white, water repellent fabric shower curtain liners! I found them at Walmart!!! Much cheaper than PUL fabric and they are machine washable/dryable.
Most “plastic” linings would not be good or breathable, however PUL is very breathable… I would not suggest plastic linings such as shower curtains etc but def. would suggest PUL to prevent leaks.
Definitely, new moms need these!! Make LOTS of pads!!! Even if you have nothing for a few days after giving birth, milk will come in with a vengeance!! Think about a breathable, water resistant fabric for one side.
PUL is great for diapers, but NOT for nursing pads! This is why.
Plastic acts as a moisture barrier. If you put plastic-backed pads inside your bra, you will encourage the growth of yeast, which thrives in dark, warm, moist environments.
It is better to change pads frequently, to keep your skin as dry as possible.
My mother tells me that her mother made her some out of cloth baby diapers. I am thinking I may use cloth diapers for the inner fabric on the ones I am making for my daughter.
Lazy way alert! I’ve been making a pile of these pads and it dawned on me that with a serger, there really isn’t any reason to cut the circles. So I just quickly cut squares with my blade, stacked up my fabrics, traced a circle on the top piece of fabric, and stitched away. You are guaranteed to catch all of the fabrics, and the machine trims away the edges. Huge time saver. I don’t even cut them apart as I sew, just keep going until I have the whole stack finished. (slapping my head for not thinking of this sooner.)
I made pads like these for my daughter and she used with both her kids. She thought they were much more comfortable and absorbent than the disposable ones. When I made hers I had the same problem with separation until i thought about the fact that the serger cuts as it sews, so I layered my uncut fabric and drew circles on the top layer. Then I serged around the lines and voila! Sew and cut in one step! Of course, if you don’t have a serger, you will have to cut then sew. And also, we would not recommend using PUL because you do want these to breathe. Make several and change them often. You will love them!
PUL can also be found at JoAnn’s Fabric Store. Just ask for it. I use it to make the cloth diapers so there is no leaking. One thing you should remember when using PUL. If you put a needle hole in it, you will have water/milk whatever, leak through that tiny hole. You will have to “seal” the hole by putting the garment/item into the dryer for a few minutes. The heat of the dryer will “seal” up the tiny hole and you will no longer have a problem.
In 1985 I made my own nursing pads using old cotton single layer diapers. I simply folded the cotton several times, traced around a jar, sewed the circle, then sewed a “big X” across the layers on top, and used PINKING SHEARS around the outside. I actually cant remember, I may have even just used a straight stitch vs. zigzag around the outside – BEFORE pinking! DO NOT CUT THE CIRCLES OUT AHEAD OF TIME! SEW THE CIRCLE FIRST, THEN SIMPLY PINK AROUND THE SEWN CIRCLE -WAY, WAY EASIER!!! No need to turn inside out or use batting! Sew all your circles before cutting any out on same piece of material. Mine worked wonderfully well and were extremely comfortable, just change as needed. I’d recommend only using the plastic on the outside when going in public, if you are a big “leaker”! Mine were perfect for me all the time. I agree with the posting above regarding not using plastic for the breathability and potential yeast growth. So, simply use a VERY SOFT 100% cotton and you’ll have the same effect as my diaper material. I also recommend making some trial pads using different quantities of layers and see what works best for you! Good luck!
Thank you so much for this! My mom made me some and I think I will make some for my best friend too! These are so cute!!
JoAnns carries a waterproof sheeting that if wet,will not leak to the outside. It is machine washable, not a plastic feel. Kinda of a flannel texture. It is great for the crib too. I first had one sheet like this when my babies were young, long ago.
I also use this sheeting to make coasters for my tables. No more wet spots in the heat of summer or rings left on my tables. It also makes a good bed cover if you have a pet that tends to take accidental liberties.
I just made these for my daughter-in-law with PUL, hemp ln the middle and bamboo as the layer next to the skin. She loves them!
WOW! Thank you so very much. I have been wanting to make pads for 2 of our children’s gtubes. Wasn’t sure where to start. They can get quite pricey to purchase enough for 2 children. I realize you didn’t mean it for this but I wanted to thank you. Can’t wait to try it.
As a nursing mom I use these all the time. I have made my own and would like to add a few things to make these even better.
If you can, use PUL on the outside-facing layer just in care the nursing mom leaks a lot. (These things have a mind of their own!) Another helpful thing would be to make them a little bigger around because when these suckers are in your bra, they just look like big nipples.
I love the cloth ones so much more than the disposables!