How to make your own reusable sanitary pads

1 April 2026

Follow our simple guide to make your own eco-friendly, reusable sanitary pads - the same method used by women we work with around the world.

Woman cutting a piece of fabric

Belyne, a workshop leader at the Girls camp leads sessions on how to make reusable period pads. . Photo: Christie ​Ntwari/​ActionAid

Reusable sanitary pads are a great plastic-free, eco-friendly alternative to disposable tampons and pads.

They're cost-effective and easy to make, which is why ActionAid works with women and girls in Nepal, Uganda, Rwanda and other countries to provide training in how to make reusable pads using this method, as part of our global work ending period poverty for women, girls and people who menstruate.

So to celebrate this year's Menstrual Hygiene Day, why not learn how to make your own?

To get started with your pad, you'll need the following materials: thick paper, a marker pen, a ruler, scissors, thin fabric (cotton is ideal), thick fabric (e.g. an old towel), a button, a needle and thread and a safety pin. 

Next, download your instructions, including the template for your pad. 

Download now

  • Step one

    Print out the template and cut along the dotted line.

  • Step two

    Reverse the material and trace the template over it using a marker. Repeat.

  • Step three

    Using sharp scissors, cut out the two cotton pieces.

  • Step four

    Place one piece on top of the other, with the patterned sides facing each other.

  • Step five

    Sew the sides of the two pieces of fabric together, leaving the top and bottom bits open.

  • Step six

    Turn down the edges of the top and bottom bits and stitch along them, creating a hem.

  • Step seven

    Turn the fabric inside out, revealing the pattern and concealing the seams on the inside. Sew up the sides/wings.

  • Step eight

    Sew a button in the centre of the right wing.

  • Step nine

    Mark on the left wing where you will need a button hole. Cut the hole and sew around the edges of the hole to prevent fraying.

  • Step ten

    Use a ruler to cut two 20cm long x 6cm wide rectangles from a towel. Lay the pieces on top of each other and sew them together along the top and bottom.

  • Step eleven

    Attach a large safety pin to the top of the lining. Then insert the lining into the casing, using the safety pin to pull it up to the top. Finally, remove the pin. Voila!

Did you find our guide to making reusable sanitary pads useful? If so, and you'd like to make a small contribution to our work, you can help us give girls access to period products or help fund workshops to teach girls how to make their own reusable, sanitary pads.

Donate to help end period poverty