I make these Reusable & Absorbent Underpads for a little friend of mine occasionally, and thought it might be a project others could use as well, so today I'm sharing a tutorial.
These pads are very easy to sew and while I mostly make them for medical purposes, they can be used for a variety of things. Some ways to use them are changing pads, for learning to sleep in big kid undies, for incontinence, for home birth and postpartum/menstrual....many possibilities.
Supplies Needed:
1 yard PUL or other waterproof fabric
1 yard cotton batting for absorbency
1 yard flannel
1 package bias tape or at least 3 yards of fold-over elastic for binding (this will be enough for a finished pad that measures approximately 24x36, so you may need to adjust based on the size of the pad you are sewing.)
Layer your fabrics with the batting sandwiched between your flannel and PUL. The flannel is going to be the fabric upright, so a print specific to your project might be fun. I typically sew for kids, so I like to use lots of playful and colorful prints.
Pin your layer and stitch with a 1/4"-1/2" seam all along the outer edge. I like to cut my PUL a bit larger in case there is any shifting during sewing.
Once layers are stitched together, trim neatly all around the edge to about a 1/4".
I think it is easier to apply bias tape and fold-over elastic to rounded corners, so I like to round the corners of my pads with any round object, and trim.
Now you are ready to apply either your bias tape or fold-over elastic to finish the edges.
I often like to sew my trim with one of my machine's zig zag stitches. This allows you to catch the underside of the trim more easily.
There you have it! So much softer, cuter and more personal than disposables. Before you know it, you'll have a nice bundle of these so there are plenty to use between wash days.
Awesome tutorial and so much easier than the way I made the last couple a few years ago. I definitely need to make some more soon, and I will be using this tutorial. Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteThis is just what we need currently for my mom's chair! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial, Kristy! So many children/adults can use this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI am making this bed pad, but wondered if the flannel and batting should be pre washed to avoid shrinkage causing plucking at the seam as the PUL won't shrink? Mikesalc@aol.com. Sally
ReplyDeleteVery neat, I am private caretaker for elderly and these will be so helpful. What is PUL??? Adjadean@aol.com
ReplyDeletePolyurethane laminate which makes it wa
DeleteIt makes the pad waterproof.
DeleteQuestions are replied to directly where emails are available. Thanks & Happy Sewing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this. My 7 year old son became handicapped at age two and lately he is breaking out in cold sweats that make his clothes feel like he went swimming. The cotton chucks I bought online help with his bed. I was looking for something to do for his wheel chair that the material wouldn't cause him to sweat more. He definitely needs cotton. So my question is what do you think of cloth diapers under the flannel instead of the cotton batting. I need cool and absorbent. Second I didn't see any extra quilting stitching to hold the cotton batten in place. I guess I'm assuming between the flannel and bias tape it is enough to hold up to washing and stay in place. please email me at stroupies@yahoo.com thanks.
ReplyDeleteso very sorry about your son. do you know why or how? the same thing happened to my son years ago and he became epileptic and dev delayed. we had to make many things including special clothes. after all these years of research i learned it was his shots/ vaccines which caused his brain damage.
Deletemuch strength and hope to you
The prints are so good, can you share links from where you bought these items?
ReplyDeleteDo you recommend putting another layer of flannel on the bottom to enclose the PUL to prevent it from damage due to snagging or during washing?
ReplyDeleteI'm a new grandmother & will be making these pads. I'll be using the FOE. Which width would look better?
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a great tutorial.
i saw someone else ask this but didnt see an answer. do i need to prewash any of the fabrics?
ReplyDeleteand is enclosing the PUL a good idea? like putting another layer of flannel on the bottom?
Very informative blog. I was searching for something like this. your blog helped me a lot. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWaterproof Bed Pads
Simply this was one of the best read and experience on reusable bed pad tutorials. You really dropped the topic very knowledgeable way. I found the details very helpful for me. I was also looking for some latest Bedspreads design ideas online. But it was totally a different travel to this beautiful website.
ReplyDeleteThe underpadsyou have shown are great. The sewing tutorial for underpads is handy for us. Thank you for the tutorial
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic tutorial! As someone who loves to engage in various DIY projects, I'm always on the lookout for innovative ideas that not only contribute to sustainability but also help save money in the long run. This tutorial on creating reusable absorbent underpads perfectly aligns with my interests, and I can't wait to give it a try!
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