Makeup Remover Pads

How to sew zero waste makeup remover pads. I’m always looking for ways to reduce waste. The greatest way to reduce waste and work towards zero waste living is to refuse single-use consumer goods. For instance, disposable makeup remover pads. On this post I share a tutorial on making your own, reusable makeup remover pads. They are very soft even on sensitive skin. You’re welcome to customize with fabric colors or patterns of your liking . You should be able to create twelve pads of a 2.5″ square, or 2.5″ diameter circle size. Squares are is easier to sew, but you could go either way.

Photo credit: Happiest Camper

How to sew makeup remover pads

PREP TIME: 10 minutes
ACTIVE TIME: 50 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour
DIFFICULTY: Easy
ESTIMATED COST: $10.00

MATERIALS
  • Any number of fabrics – I used cotton fabric quarters and solid white flannel
  • All-Purpose Thread
TOOLS
  • Iron
  • Ironing Board
  • Scissors
  • Sewing Machine
  • Rotary Cutter and Mat
  • Sewing Pins

Don’t worry if you do not own all of these tools, you can also make these with any tools you do have in hand, and also hand-sew them. Just know that the finished pads will not look as sleek and professional as these.

Photo credit: Happiest Camper
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Wash, dry, and press fabrics. I recommend using white flannel for the softer side. The outer side can be a cotton fabric/design of your choice, you can customize them to your liking. However, it is preferable to choose fabrics with minimal dyes as they are gentler on your skin.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Cut chosen fabrics into 3” squares (or circles). A rotary cutter and mat should make this go faster. Cut the same number of squares as the number of finished pads you would like to have.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. I managed to create a dozen pads, which is plenty for me as I wear very little makeup. You may choose to make more or fewer.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Place an outer fabric square, reverse side face down on top of a flannel square. Pin once in the middle to hold the fabric in place.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Stitch around all 4 sides of each square with a ¼” seam allowance.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Leave at least a 1” opening in the middle of one side, and be sure to back stitch on either side of the opening to strengthen the stitches for when you turn fabric right side out.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Snipping off the corners will reduce bulk inside the squares. If making circles, remember to snip off small triangles of fabric all around the circumference.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Turn the squares (or circles) right side out through the remaining 1” opening.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Pull slowly and gently so as to not tear open the stitches.  You can use a turning tool to push out the corners and sides of each square.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Fold in the remaining opening and press the whole square with the iron. This will help it lay flat.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
  1. Top stitch around the edge of the whole square close to the edge. This can be measured to 1/8” if desired, just be sure to stitch the opening closed.
Photo credit: Happiest Camper
Photo credit: Happiest Camper

Notes: You may be tempted to skip the washing and drying the fabrics step, but I recommend you do this before any pinning or sewing in order to ensure the finished pads are not warped or twisted. Make sure to wash and dry the makeup remover pads after each use to keep them sanitized and your skin clean and clear.

Sources:
DIY REUSABLE MAKEUP REMOVER PADS
https://happiestcamper.com/diy-reusable-makeup-remover-pads/
@happiestcamper

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