Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Here’s a project that every budding little cook will love – an apron and a chef’s hat to match. Make them with this tutorial offered by Michael Miller fabrics, and see what your child’s imagination will cook up next.
Check out these Kids Cooking Books 
On Amazon, they are the perfect addition to this gift.
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.
We were unfortunately unable to access the chef’s hat instructions as the link seems to be corrupted.
Thank you so much for posting the link to this adorable pattern! I got to it just fine and plan on making both the hat and apron for my Lil’ Miss’ fifth birthday next month.
We have made the apron 4 times now and the hat twice for children ranging from 5yrs to 14yrs.. Have to say its an excellent pattern that I was able to use to teach my children how to sew, great photos to help them learn without mum standing over their shoulder.
The patterns are adorable and the step-by-step is awesome. I am such a visual learner it was great.
For those that think the hat link is corrupt. It is not. It just took forever to download. Probably because of the pics. Be patient, it is well worth it. (also, I was using the Firefox browser, that may make a difference.)
I love the chefs hat! I whipped one up in no time. I plan on making 15 of them for my preschool class for our “bakery” theme. Thank you so much for the fun idea.
The hat would not download 🙁
That’s too bad! I was able to load the hat tutorial without difficulty. It was a large file – perhaps your connection timed out while it was downloading? –Anne