Nursing Pad Tutorial

Thanks for all the lovely messages about Alice! We're getting into a groove around here and I've finally been able to do a little crafting. My sewing machine has finally seen some use and thanks to some sage advice from Elizabeth over at A Mingled Yarn (Thanks, Elizabeth!), I'm finally able to knit while nursing.

Speaking of nursing, after tearing through a couple of boxes of nursing pads I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own more environmentally-friendly version. I couldn't find an available pattern on the internet, so I thought I would share mine with you. There are probably better ways to construct them, but this worked for me.


Don't they look like ravioli?

What you'll need to make 12 breast pads (6 sets):
1/2 yard cotton flannel* (I used a natural color because I didn't want a wild print peeking through my shirt. You can go crazy with creativity, though)
1/4 yard cotton batting*
scissors
thread

*A note on fabric: I used cotton flannel and cotton batting because I had them around, but you can use whatever you'd like. I'd recommend using natural, breathable, but absorbent fabrics like cotton, hemp or bamboo. Also, feel free to add as many layers as necessary. I didn't want to add any bulk to my new, er, nursing figure, so I kept my pads on the slimmer side.

Step 1: Trace circles onto all fabrics. Trace 2 circles for every pad on flannel, and one for each on cotton batting. I used a 4.5 inch food container as my template. Use whatever you have around... mugs, plates, etc. Your template should be slightly larger (about 1/2 inch) than your finished nursing pad size.



Step 2: Cut out circles.



Step 3. Create pad "sandwiches." Flannel on the top and bottom with batting in the center.



Step 4. Cut out a wedge of fabric to make "pacman" shape. Do not cut wedge all the way to the center, but just before. This will prevent extra pointy nipples!



Step 5. Pin fabric in place.



Step 6. Bring two wedge sides together to make cone shape.



Step 7. Using a wide zig zag stitch, baste cone in place. Don't worry if some of the layers aren't secured by the stitches.


Use your sewing machine's widest zig zag setting.


I started on the outside of the circle and sewed towards the center.



Step 8. Flip cone over and stitch over your basting line. This will ensure all layers are stitched together.

Step 9. Zig Zag Stitch (or serge, if you're lucky enough to have a serger) along circle's perimeter.



Step 10. Use crimping scissors (or regular scissors) to trim egdges. If you serged your edges in Step 9, you can ignore this step.

Step 11: Enjoy dry shirts, while saving the planet (okay, this part might be a stretch, but every little bit counts)!