Some posts here on ARoseTintedWorld may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy a product or register, then I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I may also use products from the companies mentioned in these posts. Thank you for supporting my blog!
You may have read my post on how to make and use your own reusable sanitary pads. But how do you carry these about with you when out and about? And what do you do if you need to change a pad when out? Where do you store the dirty pad until you get home to soak and wash it? Well this DIY tutorial today will show you how to make a sanitary pad pouch.
How To Make A Sanitary Pad Pouch
This sanitary pad pouch is made with a pretty outer fabric of your choice. But has a waterproof lining so that there are no embarrassing leaks from your used pads. Furthermore, the pouch itself is fully washable. Isn’t it a pretty way to carry around your reusable pads?
I am going to show you 2 very similar methods to making pouches in this post.
You Will Need
- Some outer fabric. Mine is 100% cotton. In fact, these are all remnants from dressmaking. I love using my scraps!
- Some waterproof inner fabric – mine is ProCare but as this is not being used in this instance for food, it can be any plasticised cotton – PUL etc
- Coordinating thread
- Scissors, a quilting ruler, rotary cutter and mat.
- Pins
- Some Kam-swap fasteners (alternatively you could use sew in velcro) – optional
- A sewing machine
Let’s Get Started!
I cut a piece of outer fabric and a piece of waterproof lining. My pieces are 11.5 inches by 7.5 inches. (30cm by 20 cm)
Then, placing the two pieces right sides together, I pinned and sewed a 1 cm seam allowance all the way around – leaving a small gap (indicated by the arrows). Making sure to backtrack at the start and end of my stitching.
I then trimmed my seam allowance and clipped the corners, except where the gap was.
Here you can see how I kept the seam allowance where I had left the gap in the stitching.
And here you can see how I clipped the corners – but not through the stitching. This helps the corners to be crisp when it is turned the right way out.
Next, turn the whole thing the right way out. Press the outer material side with a warm iron. Not too hot or the plastic will melt!
Top Tip – use a pencil to help push it the right way. Use the blunt end to do the majority of the work, then use the point to push out the corners.
There will still be a gap in the side, the next stage will close this gap up.
.
For Method 1
Take the whole project ProCare side down, and fold up so that the long sides so that the outer fabric is right sides together. Fold the whole thing almost in half, but leave an inch or so at the top. This will act as a closing flap at the end.
Next, sew a scant seam allowance down both sides.I actually use my presser foot on my sewing machine as a guide, as it gives me about a 4-5mm seam allowance.
Again, turn this all inside out (get your pencil back out again!) and add the Kamsnaps to close the pouch.
And you have a finished sanitary pad holder.
For Method 2
Place the whole project ProCare fabric side down.
Then fold the top third down.
Fold the bottom of the piece up to the top. And again sew fully down both sides.
Turn it the right way out and you have a pouch with a flap opening. This should be enough of a flap opening to prevent leakages, but if you are concerned that this will come open you can add some sew in velcro.
These make great gifts, or are perfect to sell. Why not make one for clean pads, and one for the dirty pads?
And even better…
It Doubles As A Snack Bag!
If you do use a food friendly waterproof lining material – like ProCare – this is perfect as a sandwich or snack bag
Got some ProCare fabric left over? Why not make some reusable sandwich wraps ? Or reusable straw cases?
And are you a fan of sustainable sewing? Then you will love my post about using up all my fabric scraps.
Think you might make this? I would love to see your makes. Comment below, or find me on social media.
And why not pin this post for later?
Linking up with
This is such a lovely idea. I’m always conscious about getting sanitary pads out of my bag as they’re obvious what they are, so this pouch would be ideal for making them a little more discreet when at work! I love the pattern on yours! xo
Thank you so much!
Another fab make Jo and perfect for keeping in your handbag.
Love the fabrics that you chose too. x
All just offcuts from my own dresses. Thank you Jayne
What a fantastic idea. These are really pretty! I think these would be good too for the non reusable one’s. My girls sometimes get embarrassed about carrying pads about.
Thank you Kim. These are certainly prettier than stuffing them up your sleeve!
Though we are in a modern society but still certain things are still considered a hush hush matter and sanitary pads are one of them. You do not want someone to accidentally see a sanitary pad in your bag or purse, the sanitary pad pouch helps you with that. It is a really simple project and can be done easily, all you need is basic sewing skills.
These are so useful, 2 great tutorials. These are really good if just a tiny bit oversized for girls to take into school too, if they are a little bigger you can fit a neatly folded spare pair of undies/knickers/pants (I don’t know what you call them where you are!) in their too.