How to Sew a Feminine Pad Pouch | i should be mopping the floor
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How to Sew a Feminine Pad Pouch

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Today I'm sharing how to sew a feminine pad pouch. Whether you're a traveler or just out and about in your own town, having a nifty feminine pad pouch to carry your essentials is helpful, as well as super discreet (and kind of cute, too). See the entire tutorial below.

How to Sew a Feminine Pad Pouch
If you're like me, you may need some extra protection from light bladder leakage. I always carry TENA intimates® with me wherever I venture. I created a couple of these feminine pad pouch bags to make carrying my TENA products a bit more on the discreet side. I've got the complete tutorial for these below, plus a little story to share, as well.



Pelvic Organ Prolapse

I've been wanting to share this for some time, to kind of bring awareness to a recent diagnosis I received (that I honestly didn't even know existed prior to that).

About a year ago, I was diagnosed with a condition called Pelvic Organ Prolapse. This is usually a condition that occurs in women over the age of 75, however, after much research and finding a lot of online support, it became clear that I'm definitely not the only person in my 40s who is dealing with this issue. There are a couple of ways to treat this. Right now, where I'm currently at in my process with Pelvic Organ Prolapse, I had my doctor place a device called a Gelhorn Pessary in my pelvic floor.

This was a life-changer and made walking and exercising (and well, life, in general), much more do-able than without the pessary in place. However, I quickly realized that having this device in place meant I was dealing with a significant amount of incontinence. I was warned this could be a possibility, but didn't know how severe it would be until I lived with my device in place for a bit.


Feminine Pad Pouch

A friend of mine told me about TENA intimates® when I mentioned my situation to her. I was having trouble leaving my house for any stretch of time, for fear the incontinence would strike without warning (which is how it happens, and I honestly don't even realize it's happening, which can be a bit unsettling). She assured me that TENA intimates® were a great solution...and she wasn't wrong.



Since I travel a bit and feel like I'm always having to remove the contents of my handbag for airport and other security stops, I wanted to create a simple little Feminine Pad Pouch to house one or two of my TENA intimates® Ultimate Pads that I can keep with me all the time. The pouch I came up with has a ribbon-topped closure, to avoid catching the packaging of the pad in a zipper. Plus the ribbon adds a fun element of texture to the bag and makes it quiet to open and close (which is nice when you're in a public bathroom stall trying not to draw too much attention to yourself...yeah, no velcro for sure on this one).

One or two of these TENA intimates® pads can easily slip in and out of this little pouch. Be sure to hover on the above image so you can shop for your own TENA intimates®.



Tena Intimates Pads

I've used both the TENA intimates® Overnight Pads and the TENA intimates® Ultimate Pads, which is the product I designed this pouch around. These both offer fast absorption to keep skin fresh and dry due to the use of ProSkin Technology™. It helps to maintain your skin’s natural balance. All of these products offer triple protection from any leaks, odor, or moisture (I even wear them with my white jeans without worry!). TENA helps protect and care for your intimate skin.


How to Sew a Feminine Pad Pouch


I designed this pouch to be used inside of a purse or daily bag. I carry a crossbody bag when we travel (and honestly, almost every other day of the year, too). So, I only take one extra pad with me to save space. So, the main tutorial below is for a singular pouch. But, I'm also sharing how to make it a bit larger for more than one of your TENA pads.

Discreet Feminine Pad Pouch

Supplies for a Feminine Pad Pouch

The pad I designed is lined in an alternate fabric and also has a bit of fusible fleece inside, as well. This gives the piece more body and makes it easier to take your pad(s) in and out of the pouch. The below supplies are for a pouch holding one pad. To increase this for two pads, add two inches to the widths of both fabric pieces and lining. For one pouch, you'll need the following (as pictured above):
  • 1-14x6" rectangle of fabric (this is your outer lining)
  • 1-12x6" rectangle of fabric (this is your inner lining)
  • 1-12x6" rectangle of iron-on fusible fleece
  • 2-9" lengths of ribbon (your pick, I prefer grosgrain)
  • other sewing items not pictured:
    • thread
    • clips or pins (I prefer clips)
    • iron/ironing board
    • sewing machine
    • scissors

Sewing Your Feminine Pad Pouch

Discreet Pouch for Feminine Pads
  • Start by ironing your fusible fleece to your inner-lining fabric's wrong side. Follow the instructions on your particular brand of fusible fleece to adhere it properly to your fabric.
  • Allow the fabric to cool to the touch, so you can handle it.

Sewing a Feminine Pad Pouch

  • Lay your fleece-lined fabric on top of your longer piece of fabric (wrong sides together), so one inch is hanging out on either side (as pictured above, on the left side of this piece of fabric).
  • You'll do a double fold on your extra lengths of fabric (as pictured above on the right side of the fabric). Start by folding your excess fabric towards the other fabric a half an inch and iron that fold into place. Then fold it again (another half an inch) on top of the lining fabric. This piece will be used to hold your ribbon in place.



  • In the above photo, please take note of the ribbon in the top of the image. You'll want to fold the tip of your ribbon down half an inch. Iron that in place.
  • That folded part of the ribbon will slide under your ironed/folded part of the fabric (that's the ribbon I'm holding above).


Easy Sew Project

  • Clip or pin those ribbons in place (as pictured above).
  • You'll be sewing the folded fabric down to catch the ribbon, so pin or clip the folded parts on both sides.

Purse Pouch Tutorial

  • I prefer to use my zipper foot on my sewing machine to sew these pieces down. I can run the edge of the foot right along the fold for the perfect seam allowance (roughly 1/4").
  • You'll use a basic stitch and do a small backstitch when you start and stop, on both of these folds.
  • Remove your clips or pins as you sew.

How to Sew a Pouch for Feminine Products

  • You can see above how the finished edges on each side look, with the ribbon tucked under and sewn in place.
  • The reason for tucking that ribbon under the edge of the fabric is so it is caught twice in the stitch...kind of reinforcing it.

Sewing Tutorial for Feminine Products
  • Now, fold your pouch in half with the outer lining on the inside (you can press it with your iron so it stays folded neatly). You will then sew up each of the sides (the ones without the ribbon pieces) to close your pouch's sides.
  • It doesn't matter if you start sewing from the folded side or open side. But be sure to give it at lease 1/4" seam allowance.
  • Use a basic stitch and do a small backstitch at your start and stop on both sides.

Feminine Bag for Pads
  • Simply turn your pouch right side out through the ribbon side.
  • Be sure to push out your corners and give your pouch a press of the iron.
These are seriously easy to make and kind of addictive to sew, too.


Sewing a Pad Pouch for Purses
Simply slide your pad(s) inside the pouch. These are also great for those instances when you don't want to lug your handbag to the bathroom with you. Grab your cute feminine pad pouch and off you go!

Discreet Maxi Pad Pouch
And the pouch fits perfectly even in a smaller crossbody bag like I often carry.

Light Bladder Leakage Products

Look for TENA intimates® products at Walgreens in the incontinence aisle. Or, find them online at Walgreens, too. Be sure to look out for the following offers, available in upcoming Sunday papers:

  • $3 off any TENA product in the paper on 10/6, expires 10/20
  • $3 off any TENA product in the paper on 11/3, expires 11/17


How to Sew a Feminine Pad Pouch the Easy Way



30 comments:

  1. Good for you, Kristi, for sharing such a private, personal experience in order to help others. And not only that, but including an easy tutorial in the process! Even though not everyone has your particular condition, of course, some of us do experience the occasional bout of bladder leakage when we reach "a certain age", so this cute little pouch will come in handy. Not to mention, the size could easily be customized to hold regular sanitary pads or even a couple of tampons. Pretty fabric, too, by the way! It will definitely make carrying any kind of feminine products more discreet, especially, as you said, when traveling.

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    1. Hi Debbie! Thank you so much for your sweet words. Yes, it's definitely an easy tutorial for sure...no hand sewing (I hate closing bags by hand...LOL!). I know so many of us deal with the bladder leaks from time to time...it's good not to be alone in this! Appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment. The fabric is an older line of fat quarters from Riley Blake, but I still see it from time to time at quilt shops. xoxo

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  2. Kristi, I'm 56 and had to deal with the bladder leakage issue since I was 45. I had a bladder "sling" installed soon after surgically. For 5-6 glorious years I had no issues and then boom... the leakage was back. I went to my doctor and learned the slings are only rated for 5-6 years and then you either have to have another one installed (eek- no way!!!) or start taking medication or wearing pads. I opted for medication but it comes with it's own issues of side effects. Oh the joys of getting older. Hang in there, lady. I wish I could say it gets better but alas, it does not. Never thought after my hysterectomy I'd ever be wearing pads again. I was so wrong.

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    1. Hey, friend! Thank you so much for sharing this...I have a friend who has a bladder sling as well, and I know she has lamented about the possibility of having to have it redone in the future. I couldn't imagine. Yes, definitely the joys of getting older, right? But, hey...at least we're all in this together, right?! Appreciate you taking the time to comment. Hoping you have a lovely day! xoxo

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  3. Thank you so much for this post, Kristi! I have been to more doctors for different, strange ailments in the past couple years than I have in all of my life. The 40s are very real...hahaha! Sometimes, it's just good to know that we really are all in this together and it reminds me to pray for others and not just focus on my own issues :). I love your blog so much because you writing is so real and friendly! This post totally solidified that feeling! And of course, your sewing skills and tutorials are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing not only your talents, but your life as well! <3

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    1. Hi, Dawn (I always love seeing your name pop up!). And I couldn't agree more...after we hit 40, it's just one weird thing after another for sure! I can't thank you enough for your kind words. Sometimes posts like this one can be intimidating to finally hit the publish button, but sweet friends like you make it worthwhile. Hoping you have a wonderful end to your week! xoxo

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  4. Thank you for the cute pad tote. I have had this problem for many years due to child bearing and a prolapsed bladder. I have had surgery for this problem twice. It helped a lot but as I age, I still have a leakage problem. I have used TENA products for years. Love them. Now I can carry one without it being noticed by airport security or others. Thank you again.

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    1. Hi April-- Yes, our situations sound very similar. Thank you so much for sharing. I have thought so much about the surgery, but at my age, I'd have to have it again down the road, so I'm trying my best to avoid it, if at all possible (or at least put it off as long as I can!). I'm sorry your problems are resurfacing on you. But, yes...TENA products sure help in this area! So happy you like the little tote...I've really been enjoying carrying it around with me. Have a great day! xoxo

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  5. Thank you for your bravery and honesty! It is so refreshing when people can be who they are! I know you cannot be alone in this and I love your creative strategies to make things easier! Thanks!

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    1. Oh, thank you so much for those sweet words. Kind folks like you make sharing so much easier. Appreciate you stopping by today. xoxo

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  6. Kristi,
    Thanks so much for helping women with incontinence deal with the problem in such a pretty way - your pad storage bags are darling. I'm almost 70 and have been dealing with this problem for 10 yrs or so. I always have a pad or two in my purse. This certainly is a pretty option for keeping things personal! Bless your heart (and you should sell these small sacks on your websit!)

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    1. Awww...thank you so much for that, Barb. I really appreciate your sweet words. It seems like incontinence is an issue with so many women of all ages. Glad we're in it together, though. I'm so happy you like the little pouches...I've definitely been enjoying carrying mine in my purse. Have a great day! xoxo

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  7. Sometimes it just sucks being a female - but who is better equipped to deal with these things than us? Being open about your experience has probably helped many more women than you will ever know. Well done Kristi you took a lemon and made lemonade.


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    1. Awww...thank you so much for that! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a positive comment. It always lifts me up! xoxo

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  8. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I have slight bladder leakage, and just the other day was thinking I might need to do something about that! I had a hysterectomy earlier this year, and that has led to some bladder leakage. Great tutorial, the pad holder is too cute!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing that, Tamalita. Yes, in one way or another, we definitely all have issues that we have to deal with of this nature. Good thing we're all in it together! Have a wonderful Thursday! xoxo

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  9. I crocheted something similar much easier and quicker. I don't sew but it looks like a lot of work.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Darlene. This was a pretty simple one, but I understand. I don't crochet, myself, but I'm sure your pouch is lovely.

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  10. Thank you for sharing. I had a hysterectomy over 10 years ago, and that started the leakage problem. Not too bad but I do carry some pads.. and you're right.. sometimes you don't even feel it happening until "after". So sometimes I even carry an extra pair of panties.. and that little pouch would be perfect for that! Seems as we women get older, there are all kinds of new problems that pop up and it's no fun. I hadn't heard of pelvic organ prolapse. I have a skin condition in my feminine area which causes its own set of problems and really no cure for it.. just have to deal with it the best I can! Seems like gravity does its share of harm to us all! Best of luck... Marilyn

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    1. Thank YOU so much for sharing, Marilyn! Yep...dealing with it the best we can is often the only solution. But, at least we're all in it together. Prayers for you on your own journey, as well!

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  11. Thank you for sharing your experience with this little issue. It is one that many of us deal with, well maybe not your diagnosis but the incontinence. I love your little pouch and I love your blog. It always makes my day.

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    1. Thank you so much, Pam! Your sweet words just made MY day! Appreciate you stopping by. xoxo

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  12. thank you for sharing and acknowledging your initial reluctance in doing so. from the comments so far you and the commenters are providing each other with support whether you have the same condition or not. your pouch concept can be adapted my specific needs. you go girl! debby

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    1. Hi Debby-- I've been so uplifted by all of these sweet comments. Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words. Yes, hoping this pouch can be adapted to your needs, as well. xoxo

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  13. When I started to read, I thought "Oh, I don't need that." (I'm over 65) But as I continued to read that changed to a simple "Oh." 'cause as the comments are making clear, the basic problem is pretty common. And I agree with everyone that that is a pretty pouch, and definitely simple to make. Thank you for that and for sharing.

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    1. Thank you so much, Faith. Yes, the comments have been so interesting and uplifting, as well. Appreciate you stopping by. xoxo

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  14. Kristi Thanks for the directions and the great article. I know some ladies think it's only them but we are out there in numbers wearing our pads! Thanks again!

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    1. Yes! Strength in numbers on this one!! Thank you so much for stopping by. xoxo

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  15. Bless you, this kind of situation used to be kept under wraps and never publicly addressed. I have suffered from stress incontinence and LBL for over 20 years (I'm 63) and know the tribulations that accompany this kind of issue. But I am a firm believer in the adage "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger."

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    1. Absolutely, Josie! I couldn't agree more. Thank you so much for stopping by. xoxo

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