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Homemade Makeup Pads are a simple, eco-friendly swap for disposable cotton rounds. Using baby washcloths and small fabric scraps you can make soft, reusable pads that wash well, feel luxurious on the skin, and cost only cents apiece to produce. This guide walks through materials, cutting, sewing, finishing, and a quick drawstring bag so the pads are gift-ready.
Why make Homemade Makeup Pads?
Replacing disposable cotton rounds with Homemade Makeup Pads reduces waste and saves money. Baby washcloths offer a plush, gentle microfiber perfect for the face, and pairing them with pretty fabric scraps makes each pad both functional and attractive. They launder easily and are quick to sew — ideal for beginners, gifts, or small selling projects.
Supplies and cost
- Baby washcloths — set of 6 (9″ x 9″). Example price used: $8.48 for six.
- Fabric scraps — roughly 4″ x 4″ each (cotton quilting cotton recommended).
- Rotary cutter and mat, scissors, clips.
- Sewing machine with walking/acu feed foot if available.
- Iron and pressing tools (hot ruler and clapper helpful).
- Optional: pinking rotary cutter or pinking shears to reduce fray.
Quick math: cut each 9″ washcloth into four 4″ squares (keeping the microfiber doubled where possible). From six washcloths you can get 24 pads. At $8.48 for the bundle, materials cost is about $0.35 per pad (fabric scraps treated as sunk cost if you’re using leftovers).
Cutting and prepping
Start by ironing the washcloths flat so the cutting is accurate. Trim the finished edging and cut each washcloth down to an 8″ square, then divide into four 4″ squares. Stack the thin microfiber layers together so each pad uses two layers of washcloth material for absorbency and durability.
Cut matching 4″ fabric squares from scraps. You can make every pad identical or mix patterns for a colorful set. Arrange pairs with the microfiber on the right side of the printed fabric and secure with clips.
Sewing the pads
- Sew around each square with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving a 2″ opening for turning.
- Use a walking foot (acu feed) if the fabric stretches; it helps feed the top and bottom layers evenly.
- Clip corners carefully without cutting the stitching to reduce bulk for turning.
- Turn right side out and press, folding the turning opening neatly under.
Topstitch around the pad close to the edge to finish it. To avoid a knot showing on the back, raise the bobbin thread before starting: foot down, needle down, needle up, give a gentle tug to bring up the bobbin thread, then hold both threads and stitch a couple of stitches forward and back. This secures the threads neatly without bulky knots.
Make a simple drawstring bag for gifting
A small bag keeps the pads together for gifting or storage. Recommended size: 7 1/2″ wide x 19 1/2″ high (or two pieces 7 1/2″ x 10″). This creates a roomy pouch with a drawstring channel.
- Fold right sides together and mark 2″ down from the top on both sides — this is where the drawstring channel starts.
- Sew from the marks down to the bottom on each side with a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Trim the seam allowance with a wavy rotary cutter or pinking shears up to the channel line to prevent fraying.
- Press side edges in a 1/4″ fold, then fold the top edge down to form the drawstring channel and topstitch all the way around to secure it.
- Thread two cords or ribbons (each length = twice the bag width + a few extra inches). Knot the ends and trim close to the knot.
Using a threader tool to pull the ribbon through the channel is faster and easier on the hands than a safety pin. Place cords so each one runs through opposite sides of the bag allowing a clean double-pull closure.
Care, testing, and tips
- Cleaning: Pads rinse out well by hand and can be laundered in the washing machine. Use a mesh bag only if it allows the pads to move freely in the wash.
- Machine maintenance: Microfiber fuzz can build up in a top-loading sewing machine. Check and clean your machine after making multiple pads (for example, after 10–12 pieces).
- Corner finish: Slightly rounded corners are fine for these pads and actually feel better on skin. For sharp corners, use the thread-in-corner technique found in advanced corner tutorials.
- Walking foot: If your fabrics stretch, a walking foot prevents shifting and puckering while stitching.
Final thoughts
Homemade Makeup Pads are an easy, satisfying project that clears scrap bins, reduces waste, and produces a useful everyday item. At just a few dozen cents a pad for material, they are perfect for gifting, small-scale selling, or keeping on hand at home. Try a few different fabrics and make a set in a coordinating drawstring bag — they look cute, feel great, and are kind to the planet.
Quick checklist before you start
- Iron washcloths and scraps for accurate cutting.
- Cut washcloths into 4″ squares and pair with fabric scraps.
- Sew with 1/4″ seam, clip corners, turn, press, and topstitch.
- Make a drawstring bag to store or gift the set.
“If it’s soft enough for a baby, it is soft enough for the face.”
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2 Comments on How to make Homemade Makeup Pads from Fabric Scraps
Great ideas and instructions! you have a great presentation and friendly, upbeat manner!. I would love the link for the fabric threaders. Thank you.
The threader is called “that purple thang” (I didn’t misspell it!) – you can find it on Amazon (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/48YBDwb Do not use it to push out corners tho – a friend tried that and broke through more than one, they are too sharp for that. Happy sewing!