Cloth Menstrual Pads - Handmade with Care. Colorful dyed cloth pads on cream linen with botanical accents.
Caring For Cloth Pads

Everyday Care,
Made by Hand

Period care is personal. From the fabric against your skin to the shape and coverage you prefer, the details matter.

Handmade by Jessie Leavitt, founder of Caring For, these washable cloth pads bring together practical sewing and a love of beautiful fabric. Each one is made to be used, cared for, and worn again.

Whether you’re trying cloth for the first time or adding to a collection you already love, explore the available pads and accessories, learn about the fabrics, and find a place to begin.

Thoughtfully Chosen Fabrics

Two Fabrics, Their Own Character

I began making cloth pads with Organic Bamboo Velour (OBV) and Cotton Jersey Knit. As I explored natural fibers more deeply, I tested several linen and linen-blend fabrics before choosing the Organic Linen/Cotton blend I offer today.

Today, you can choose between these two fabrics.

Organic Bamboo Velour
(OBV)

One of the fabrics I began with, Organic Bamboo Velour remains a favorite part of the Caring For cloth-pad collection.

Soft and velvety against the skin, OBV is super absorbent and helps wick moisture away from the body. If you love a plush fabric feel, this may become your favorite too.

Shop OBV Pads

Organic
Linen/Cotton Blend

Chosen after testing several linen and linen-blend fabrics, this Organic Linen/Cotton blend is the second fabric option offered in today’s collection.

Smooth against the skin with a tighter weave, Linen/Cotton is mega absorbent and helps wick moisture away from the body. If you prefer a smooth fabric feel, this may be the one for you.

Shop Linen/Cotton Pads

Both are wonderful choices. Whether you prefer the soft, velvety feel of Organic Bamboo Velour, the smooth texture of Linen/Cotton or prefer to mix and match, we have what you are looking for.

The Joy of Making

A Little Color,
A Beautiful Surprise

When I first began making cloth pads, I bought fabric that was already dyed. Then I discovered the pure joy of dyeing it myself, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Choosing the colors, folding the fabric, and then unfolding it to see what happened has become one of my favorite parts of making these pads. I can begin with an idea of how it will look, but the fabric always has a few surprises waiting for me.

These pieces of Organic Bamboo Velour and Organic Linen/Cotton were folded alike and dyed together, with the same dye in the same container. Still, each came out with its own colors, patterns, and little details.

That’s what I love about it. No two pieces come out quite the same, and they never look exactly how I imagined. Yet every time I unfold the fabric, there’s something beautiful to discover.

I choose the colors. The fabric brings the surprise.
Organic Bamboo Velour and Organic Linen/Cotton fabric showing different dye results from the same dye session
OBV & Organic Linen/Cotton - folded alike and dyed together.
A Little Help Choosing

Find Your Fit

Begin with your preferred width, then choose from the length and absorbency combinations below to find what works for you.

Original

3" Gusset

The narrower of the two shapes, Original offers a 3" gusset for those who prefer less width through the center of their pad.

Wide

4" Gusset

With a 4" gusset, Wide offers an extra inch of width through the center for those who prefer more coverage.

Lengths & Absorbency

Each length comes with the absorbency shown below. Length and absorbency are paired, rather than selected separately.

8"
Light
10"
Moderate
12"
Heavy
14"
Heavy
16"
Heavy+ / Postpartum

For the Little Everyday Things

The 8" Light also works beautifully as a washable panty liner for spotting or daily discharge.

For Light Bladder Leaks

Pads 12" and longer can also be used for light to moderate stress bladder leaks.

They are intended for small leaks, not partial or full bladder emptying.

Choose from the listed size and absorbency combinations to build your rotation for different days of your cycle. Longer lengths are available by custom order.

Finished hand-dyed cloth pads in varied blue and purple patterns arranged on a wooden surface
Handmade with Care in Idaho

From Fabric
to Finished Pad

The joy of unfolding freshly dyed fabric is only the beginning. Next comes turning those colors and patterns into something you can use.

I cut and sew the pads myself. As each piece takes shape, a different part of the dye pattern becomes its own little feature - a sweep of color, a soft transition, or an unexpected detail.

That’s part of what makes handmade work so special to me. Fabric I’ve chosen, colors I’ve worked with, and stitches I’ve sewn become a small part of someone else’s everyday routine.

Made with joy. Made to be used.
Explore Cloth Pads & Accessories
A Peek Inside

Thoughtful Layers,
Sewn with Purpose

There’s more to a cloth pad than the fabric you see on top. Inside, each layer has a job - from absorbing moisture to supporting the shape and helping protect your clothes.

The Fabric Against Your Skin

Choose the soft, velvety feel of Organic Bamboo Velour or the smooth texture of Organic Linen/Cotton. Both help wick moisture away from the body.

The Absorbent Core

Organic Cotton Fleece, Organic Bamboo Fleece, or a combination of the two provides the absorbency inside. The core layers are paired with each pad size as shown below.

The Floating Core

Organic Cotton Muslin adds absorbency and helps strengthen the wings and snap area. It supports the pad’s structure and durability over time, helping extend its useful life.

The Protective Backing

Organic Cotton Fleece and a PUL water-resistant barrier form the backing, designed to provide leak protection, breathability, and flexible comfort.

A partially sewn demonstration cloth pad with its layers exposed
A peek inside - a partially sewn demonstration pad. The retired Cotton Jersey Knit print shown here illustrates construction and is no longer available. Core layers vary by size.

What’s Inside Each Size

These are the absorbent core layers for each size, in addition to the topper, Organic Cotton Muslin, and backing described above.

Size & Absorbency Absorbent Core Layers
8" Light 1 layer of 280 GSM Organic Cotton Fleece
10" Moderate 1 layer of 500 GSM Organic Bamboo Fleece
12" Heavy 1 layer of Organic Cotton Fleece
1 layer of Organic Bamboo Fleece
14" Heavy 1 layer of Organic Cotton Fleece
1 layer of Organic Bamboo Fleece
16" Heavy+ / Postpartum 2 layers of 500 GSM Organic Bamboo Fleece
Care in every layer, even the ones you don’t see.
Hand-dyed nursing pads showing Large 4.25 inch, Medium 3.75 inch, and Small 3.25 inch sizes
Reusable Nursing Pads

A Little Softness
for the Nursing Days

Between feeds, during a quiet moment, or while you’re heading out with your little one, reusable nursing pads offer a soft place for milk leaks to land.

Two outer layers of hand-dyed Organic Bamboo Velour surround a core of 500 GSM Organic Bamboo Fleece. Soft and velvety on both sides, each pad has a flexible, contoured raindrop shape.

The same joy of hand dyeing carries into these little pads, too. Colors and patterns vary, giving each set its own character.

Small
3.25"
Medium
3.75"
Large
4.25"

Available in three-set bundles, so you have fresh pads ready while others are in the wash. Choose your preferred size and explore the available colors in the listing.

Wash, tumble dry, and have them ready to wear again.

Shop Nursing Pads
A little care for you, while you care for your little one.
At Home & On the Go

Little Things That Make Cloth Easier

A fresh pad tucked into your bag. A place to keep used pads until you’re home. A row of clean pads hanging to dry. These little companions help cloth find its place in your everyday routine.

Colorful reusable pad wrappers shown open and folded

Pad Wrappers

A little wrap for an individual pad, keeping it neatly tucked away in your purse, work bag, or everyday carry.

Shop Pad Wrappers
Small and large wet bags in a colorful jellyfish print

Wet Bags

Give used pads a place of their own between changes and wash day. Explore small and large options for your bag or your routine at home.

Shop Wet Bags
Green cloth pad drying straps with snaps

Drying Straps

A simple companion for laundry day. Snap your freshly washed pads onto a drying strap and hang them up to air dry.

Shop Drying Straps
Colorful hand-dyed Inter Labial Pads arranged in a basket

Inter Labial Pads

Often called ILPs, these small cloth companions are made from Organic Bamboo Velour and worn externally between the labia to help guide menstrual flow toward your pad. Explore the listing for details on use and care.

Explore ILPs
Snap pliers kit with tools and instructions

Snap Pliers

A practical tool to keep with your sewing supplies for working with pad snaps. Visit the listing to see what comes with the kit.

Shop Snap Pliers
Little things, chosen with care, for the rhythm of everyday life.
Cloth Goes With You

For Wherever
the Day Takes You

Work, school, errands, or a weekend away - cloth pads can come along. A clean pad in its wrapper and a place for the used one are all it takes to bring your familiar routine with you.

  1. Pack a Fresh Pad

    Keep a clean pad in your pad wrapper. When it’s time to change, take the wrapper into the bathroom just as you would a disposable pad.

  2. Unwrap & Change

    Take out your clean pad and rest it on your thigh or another clean, secure spot where it won’t fall to the floor. Remove your used pad, fold the soiled side inward, and tuck it into the now-empty wrapper.

  3. Carry On With Your Day

    Place the clean pad in your underwear and fasten the wings. Close your wrapper around the used pad and tuck it into your pocket or bag until you get home.

  4. Unpack When You’re Home

    Take the used pad out of its wrapper and place it in your wet bag or open-air container until wash day. Your wrapper is ready to be washed as needed and packed again.

Reusable pad wrapper shown open and folded
A fresh pad on the way out. A wrapped used pad on the way home.
A Little Planning Ahead

Staying Away Longer?

For travel or a longer day out, pack several clean pads in a small wet bag and bring a second, empty wet bag to collect your used pads.

Keep clean and used pads separate, and pack enough changes for the time you’ll be away.

A little preparation, then back to living your day.
Menstrual Pad Care

Wash. Dry. Wear Again.

Caring for your cloth menstrual pads can fit right into the laundry you already do. A cold rinse, your regular wash, and they’re ready for another day.

  1. Store Dry

    Store used pads dry until wash day. There’s no need to keep them soaking while they wait.

    Leaving pads soaking can encourage bacterial growth.

  2. Start With Cold

    Run a cold quick wash or rinse cycle, with or without detergent. Treat any stains afterward if you’d like.

  3. Wash as Usual

    Add your pads to your regular laundry. Use your normal detergent and your usual wash temperature.

  4. Dry & Put Away

    Tumble dry or hang to air dry. Once completely dry, store your clean pads in a cool, dry place between uses.

A Stain Isn’t Dirt

Stains do not equal dirty. A properly washed pad can be clean and still show signs of use.

Stain treatment is optional. Your pads don’t have to look brand new every time they come out of the wash.

Keep the Absorbency

Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets when washing and drying your pads.

These can reduce absorbency over time. A simple laundry routine is all your pads need.

Made to Keep Using

Care That Carries Through the Years

These reusable menstrual pads are made for long-term, repeated use. A pad can typically withstand 100+ washes, and with proper care, pads commonly last approximately 8-10 years or longer. Lifespan varies with use and care.

Wash them, dry them, and tuck them away for the next time you need them.

A little care today, ready for the days to come.
Handmade by Caring For

A Little Care,
Made Just for Your Everyday

Choose the fabric you love, the shape you prefer, and the pad options that fit your days. Whether you’re trying cloth for the first time or adding to a well-loved collection, there’s a place to begin.

Made by my hands, to become part of your everyday.

These reusable cloth pads are not medical supplies and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.