Hello, crafty friends! If you’re a new or expecting mom, you know that nursing pads are an absolute must-have. But the cost of disposable pads adds up quickly, and the waste they create is a big problem for our planet.
What if I told you there’s a better way?
You can make your own super soft, ultra-absorbent, and completely reusable nursing pads at home. And the best part? It’s one of the easiest sewing projects you’ll ever do! You don’t need to be a sewing expert. In fact, this is a perfect project for beginners.
This simple guide will show you how to sew reusable nursing pads using just a few scraps of fabric. You’ll save a ton of money, reduce your waste, and create something truly useful. Let’s get our sewing machines ready and make something amazing together!
Why You’ll Love Making Your Own DIY Nursing Pads
Making your own things is always rewarding, but this project comes with some seriously great benefits. Once you try these DIY nursing pads, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind.
Save a Ton of Money
Let’s talk numbers. A single box of disposable breast pads can cost around $15. You’ll go through box after box, and the cost quickly becomes a big line item in your budget.
For this project, you can get everything you need for about the same price as one box of disposables. A flannel sheet from a thrift store, a pack of microfiber cloths, and some cotton fabric might cost you around $14. But instead of a few dozen pads, you can make enough to last you for your entire breastfeeding journey. It’s a small one-time cost for a long-term saving.
Help the Planet (and the Turtles!)
Have you ever noticed how much plastic is involved with disposable pads? Each one is often wrapped in its own plastic pouch. All of that waste ends up in a landfill. By choosing to make a zero waste sewing project like this, you are making a real difference.
Instead of throwing something away after every single use, you can simply toss these in the wash and use them again and again. It’s a small change that has a big, positive impact on the environment.
They’re Super Soft and Comfortable
Let’s be honest, your skin is extra sensitive during this time. The materials we’ll use for these reusable breast pads, like soft flannel, feel so much better against your skin than the papery, scratchy texture of many disposables. They are gentle, breathable, and much more comfortable for all-day wear.
Gathering Your Supplies: What You’ll Need
You don’t need a lot to get started on this eco-friendly sewing project. In fact, you might already have some of these materials at home! Thrift stores are a great place to find old flannel and cotton sheets for just a few dollars.
Here’s a quick look at everything you’ll need to get started.
| Category | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Flannel | This will be the soft layer that touches your skin. An old flannel pillowcase or sheet works perfectly. |
| Cotton | This will be the outer layer of the pad. A cotton bedsheet or scrap fabric is ideal. | |
| Microfiber Cloths | This is the secret to making them super absorbent! You can find these cheap in multi-packs. | |
| Tools | Sewing Machine or Overlocker | An overlocker is faster, but a regular sewing machine with a zigzag stitch works just as well. |
| Thread | Any color will do! Don’t worry if it doesn’t match perfectly. | |
| Scissors | Good, sharp fabric scissors will make cutting much easier. | |
| A Round Template | Find a circular object like a jar lid or a small bowl that is about 4.5 inches (11-12 cm) across. |
How to Sew Reusable Nursing Pads: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get sewing? This process is so simple and fast, you’ll have your first pair of reusable nursing pads done in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Create Your Pattern and Cut the Fabric
First, we need to cut our circles. Grab your round template—that jar lid or small bowl—and a pen or fabric marker.
For one pair of nursing pads, you will need to cut:
- Six circles from your microfiber cloth.
- Two circles from your flannel fabric.
- Two circles from your cotton fabric.
Lay your fabric flat and trace your circle onto it. Carefully cut out all the pieces. When you’re done, you should have a total of ten circles ready to go.
Step 2: Layer Your Nursing Pads Correctly
This step is the key to making your pads comfortable and absorbent. We are going to make a little fabric “sandwich.”
First, take one of your nursing pads. Stack three of the microfiber circles on top of each other. This is your absorbent core.
Next, place one flannel circle on top of the microfiber stack. This is the soft side that will go against your skin.
Finally, flip the whole stack over and place one cotton circle on the other side. This will be the pretty outer layer of your nursing pad.
You can use pins to hold the layers together if you want, but you don’t have to. If you hold them firmly, you can sew them just fine without pins. Repeat this process for the second pad.
Step 3: It’s Time to Sew!
Now we get to the fun part. Take your layered pad over to your machine. You have two great options here.
If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a zigzag stitch. A zigzag stitch is wonderful because it will catch all the raw edges of the fabric and keep them from fraying in the wash. Simply sew all the way around the edge of the circle, making sure to catch all three layers.
If you have an overlocker (or serger), this process is even quicker! An overlocker will trim the edge and sew it all in one clean step. Just guide the edge of the circle through the machine.
Sew around both of your pads.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve sewn around the edges, all that’s left to do is snip off the extra threads. And that’s it! You’ve just learned how to sew reusable nursing pads.
See how easy that was? You now have a beautiful, soft, and eco-friendly pair of breast pads that you made yourself.
FAQs
Are reusable nursing pads better than disposable?
Yes, many people think they are better. Reusable pads save you a lot of money. They are also much better for the planet. Plus, they often feel softer and more comfortable on your skin.
How to make reusable nursing pads?
It is very easy to make them. You just cut circles out of three types of fabric. You stack the layers together. Then you sew around the edge with a zigzag stitch.
What fabric to use for nursing pads?
You need three kinds of fabric. Use soft flannel for the side that touches your skin. Use microfiber cloths for the inside layers. This makes them absorb a lot. Use a simple cotton fabric for the outside layer.
What are the best disposable nursing pads?
Many brands make good disposable pads. You can find them in most stores. However, they can be costly and create waste. Making your own reusable pads is a great choice. It saves money and is good for the earth.
Are breast pads safe?
Yes, breast pads are very safe to use. Both reusable and disposable kinds are safe. You just need to change them when they get wet. This helps keep your skin dry and healthy.
You Did It!
Making your own nursing pads is a simple act that makes a huge difference. You’re saving money, helping the environment, and creating something practical with your own two hands. It’s a wonderful project for new parents and a great way to use up fabric scraps.
Give this easy sewing project a try. You’ll be so proud of what you create, and you’ll feel great every time you use them.
Let’s See Your Creations!
What fabric are you planning to use for your nursing pads? Let me know in the comments below! If you make a pair, I would love to see them. Tag me on Instagram and share what you’ve been making. Happy sewing