Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Miriam Tribe from Mad Mim shares a free pattern and tutorial for making her Strapping Stick Horse. It’s the classic stick horse toy that you probably remember from your own childhood. His head is made of faux suede with a yarn mane, and his body from a wooden dowel. Get the pattern and tutorial. Here is the PDF.strapping-stick-horse-pattern
[photo from Mad Mim]
Sewing Pattern Saturday is my weekly way of highlighting independent Etsy designers who are creating sewing patterns that are thoughtful, practical, and genuinely useful in everyday life. These reviews are written from a real sewist’s perspective, looking beyond the listing photos to how the pattern actually works, who it’s suited for, and whether it’s something you’d realistically make and use. It’s also about supporting small businesses on Etsy who are offering well-designed alternatives to mass-produced products.
This week’s feature is a DIY Reusable Period Pad Sewing Pattern, and it’s one of those patterns that quietly makes a lot of sense once you look a little closer.
At first glance, this pattern is very clear and purpose-driven. The shape is familiar, the design is straightforward, and everything about it feels intentional rather than overcomplicated. It’s not trying to be decorative or trendy. Instead, it focuses on comfort, practicality, and functionality, which is exactly what you want in a reusable period product.
The pattern includes multiple size options, which is a big plus. Being able to sew pads for different flow levels or personal preferences makes this pattern far more useful than a single-size design.
Reusable period pads are one of those handmade items that really earn their keep. Once you’ve made a few and figured out what works best for you, they become part of a routine rather than a novelty project.
This pattern is designed with everyday wear in mind. The shape looks comfortable and secure, and the snap placement makes them easy to use with regular underwear. They’re suitable for daytime use, overnight protection, or lighter flow days, depending on the size and fabric combination you choose.
They’re also discreet, washable, and reusable, which makes them appealing for anyone looking to reduce waste or save money over time.
This pattern is well suited to confident beginners and up.
You’ll want to be comfortable with:
While the pieces are small, accuracy matters. Taking your time with cutting and stitching makes a big difference to comfort and durability. That said, this isn’t a difficult pattern, and it’s very manageable if you’ve sewn basic items before.
The pattern design is clean and practical, with clearly defined pieces and logical construction steps. This is the kind of pattern that becomes easier with each one you make. Once you’ve sewn your first pad, the rest come together quickly.
Because the pads are relatively small, it’s also a great project for using up fabric scraps, especially flannel, cotton, or absorbent layers you already have on hand.
Fabric choice plays a big role in comfort and absorbency, and this pattern allows for plenty of flexibility. It works well with:
You can easily customise thickness, absorbency, and size to suit your needs. It’s also a nice pattern to personalise with colours or prints that feel calm and comfortable rather than clinical.
Once finished, these pads feel sturdy, reusable, and genuinely practical. They’re the kind of handmade item that doesn’t sit in a drawer unused. Instead, they quietly become part of your routine.
They also wash well when sewn carefully, which is essential for something designed to be used again and again.
If you’re looking for a reusable period pad sewing pattern that is straightforward, customisable, and genuinely useful, this one is a solid choice. It’s practical, well thought out, and ideal for anyone wanting to sew eco-friendly alternatives for everyday life.
This DIY Period Pad Sewing Pattern fits perfectly into Sewing Pattern Saturday. It’s not flashy, but it’s meaningful, functional, and exactly the kind of project that shows how powerful handmade sewing can be.
Pattern name: DIY Reusable Period Pad Sewing Pattern
Available on: Etsy
Best suited to: Confident beginners and intermediate sewists interested in eco-friendly sewing projects.
Making for 4year old boy with canser
Her website is no longer available so the links don’t work.
We have updated the link to the web archives page.
The pattern is cut off can you post the link Here so we can use it.
I do not see an issue with the PDF pattern. You have to piece the pattern together on 2 papers to make the full head template.
I made this stick horse for my grandson, he LOVES it!! Thank you so much for the GREAT pattern!! It was perfect!! VERY HELPFUL!!
I just made two for my grandsons. They turned out great. I did make a couple changes from reading another blogger who used the pattern. Here is what I did:
1. I sewed the nose bridge in before adding the ears. That allowed me to be sure the ears were even and across from each other. You may have to adjust where you cut for one ear to make them even.
2.On one horse I added a blaze to the nose bridge. We have been reading “Billy and Blaze” books so I free cut and attached a blaze to match the horse in the book.
3. I suggest creating your own nose swirl and placing it up higher than what is marked on the pattern. If you look at Mad Min’s drawings, you will get a better idea.
4. Use both pictures and writing to guide you. I do enough sewing but Mad Min did a wonderful job of both pics and writing to make things understandable.
5. I added a bridle by looping some macramé cord I had across the mouth and then 2x through a ring on each side of the head. One side then went over the mouth and the other side went under the mouth and each looped 2x through the ring again. I then tied it at a length I thought will work well for my grandsons. It is not secured (sewn on anywhere)so time will tell how well it works when the boys play.
6. If in a hurry, you can sew on button eyes and skip sewing the mouth, which was the toughest part for me. You may have to cut your bottom neck piece a little longer and you can make the nose bridge and bottom neck one long piece. If you want a bridle, you will need to find a different way to do that.
Seriously, this is the best tutorial on how to make a ‘realistic’ stick horse you can find. I can’t wait to make cowboy outfits and give these to the boys.