Are you making small steps to make your lifestyle greener? One super-easy way is to make reusable makeup remover pads, simply wash and you are ready to go again. It is amazing how much water is used in the production of cotton, making your own reusable makeup remover pads reduces your overall use of cotton.
Making small steps to change our lifestyle is achievable, in my book small actions are far better than feeling total overwhelm about climate change. Check out these environmentally friendly projects you can sew to reduce your environmental footprint:-
- Reusable sandwich wraps
- Net Vegetable bags for your weekly shop
- Insulated Lunch Bag
- Grocery bags – This 10-minute T-towel tote is perfect for groceries.
I made several packs of these makeup remover pads as Christmas gifts, wrapping with cardboard sleeves. If you would like to do the same print off this sheet of Removable Makeup Pads labels.
If you don’t have a serger – don’t worry I have you covered, I am going to show you how to make the pads either with a serger or with a regular sewing machine.
What is the best fabric for reusable makeup pads?
You can use the fabric you have to hand. However, I suggest using some of your cotton scraps for one side and a soft toweling for the other. I have used a bamboo terry toweling.
What size of reuseable makeup remover pads do you recommend making?
This tutorial is for 3″ square pads. Note that your choice of either a sewing machine or serge will impact the size of the finished pad – as with a regular machine you will be turning your fabric and will need a seam allowance.
Why square rather than round pads?
I am sharing a tutorial for square as it reduces fabric waste, and to be honest, I would rather sew a square accurately than a round shape!! It is totally a matter of personal preference.
How do you care for your reusable makeup pads?
Place in a small wash bag with zip and wash at a low temperature (up to 40 degrees). Consider NOT using bleach or fabric softener in order to prolong the lifespan of your removable pads. Likewise dry naturally.
How to make reusable makeup remover pads with a serger
- Lay your fabric together, cut out strips of fabric and toweling 3 ” wide. A quilter’s ruler is very helpful for marking out the size – you can pin your two layers of fabric together to stop them slipping around. If your fabric is patterned you can follow the pattern as a cutting guide.
2. The next step is to overlock the long edges of your fabric and toweling.
3. Cut your strip into squares and overlock the third and fourth side leaving a tail of thread approx 1 1/2-2″.
4. Using a large-eyed needle (for example a tapestry or upholstery needle) thread the threads in between the two layers of fabric.
How to make reusable pads with a sewing machine
- Cut out 3″ squares of terry toweling cotton.
2. Place right sides together, machine stitch around with a 3/8″ seam allowance, allowing a turning gap along one edge.
3. Turn right sides out, in the raw edges in and top stitch.
How many will you be making, just for yourself, or all your girl friends and family?
