The Reusable
Pad Project
The E4E Reusable Pad Project is an initiative focused on increasing access to menstrual care through education. This project offers a tutorial with simple instructions that women can follow to create a reusable pad using basic sewing techniques and common household items.
We encourage people to create and improve their own reusable pads to expand access to affordable, sustainable menstrual products and to promote evidence-based innovation in communities worldwide.
Our Testing Process
Every design begins as a prototype and is carefully evaluated before being shared. Different shapes, materials, and layer combinations are tested and compared for absorbency, comfort, durability, washability, drying time, and overall performance using standardized testing methods.
Prototype 1.0
An enclosed pad made up of 2 top layers of cotton pajamas, 1 layer of muslin cloth, 1 layer of cotton washcloth, and 2 bottom layers of cotton pillowcase.
Stitched using a backstitch and blanket stitch to protect the edges from fraying. Held together by a piece of cotton pajama fabric tying the wings together.
Prototype 2.0
A pad with a pocket for a removable absorbent core, made from 2 top layers of a cotton muslin baby blanket, 1 layer of a cotton knit sweater, 1 layer of a cotton flannel shirt, and 2 bottom layers of a cotton dress shirt.
Stitched using a backstitch. Pocket secured with a blanket stitch. Wings and pocket held together with thin pieces of cotton muslin fabric.
Prototype 3.0
A pad with a pocket for a removable absorbent core, made from 2 top layers of a cotton T-shirt, 1 layer of a cotton terry bathrobe, 1 layer of a cotton muslin cloth, and 2 bottom layers of a cotton tablecloth.
Stitched using a backstitch. Pocket hemmed using a backstitch. Wings and pocket held together by thin pieces of cotton T-shirt material.
THE TUTORIAL
Step 1: Create Your Cutout
To make preparing your materials easier, we recommend creating two reusable templates from cardboard or another durable material: one for the outer shell and one for the absorbent core. These templates can be used to trace the shape of each piece onto your chosen fabric, ensuring that all pieces are consistently sized and fit together correctly during assembly.
Recreate the templates using the images and measurements below.
Measurements:
Measurements:
Absorbent Core
Outer Shell
Step 2: Choose Your Materials
Suggested Materials List:
Top Outer Shell
100% cotton T-shirt
100% cotton pajamas
100% cotton pillowcase
100% cotton muslin baby blanket
100 % cotton bedsheet
Absorbent Core
100% cotton hand towel/washcloth
100% cotton terry bathrobe
100% cotton flannel shirt
100% cotton knit sweater
100% cotton muslin cloth
Bottom layer
100% cotton canvas tote bag
100% cotton dress shirt
100% cotton tablecloth
100% cotton apron
100% cotton bedsheet
100% cotton pillowcase
The purpose of this project is to use common household materials to make the pad as affordable and accessible as possible. Every fabric has different properties, including absorbency, thickness, and comfort, so you can mix and match materials to create the combination that works best for you.
For your reusable pad, we recommend using 2 layers for the top shell, 1–3 layers for the absorbent core, and 2 layers for the bottom shell. You may choose different materials for each layer or combine multiple layers of the same material.
For best results, use 100% cotton fabrics. If unavailable, cotton blends can also be used.
Step 3: Trace and cut out your chosen materials
Don’t have any of the materials listed above? Don’t worry!
You can follow the criteria below to choose an adequate material for you:
Top Outer Shell: Choose a clean, soft, breathable, comfortable fabric. Natural fibers such as 100% cotton are preferred. Avoid rough, fuzzy, waterproof, or heavily printed fabrics.
Absorbent Core: Choose a clean, washable fabric that feels thick and absorbent. Look for 100% cotton or cotton blends. Fabrics with visible loops, multiple fabric layers, or densely woven constructions hold more liquid. If using a knit fabric, choose one that is sturdy rather than loose or stretchy.
Bottom Outer Shell: Choose a clean, tightly woven, durable fabric. 100% cotton woven fabrics or cotton blends work best. Avoid fabrics that are overly thick, stiff, heavily textured, or coated with waterproof finishes.