Alternative Tampons
A tampon is, in short, a plug! While we're familiar with the disposable version of the menstrual tampon, made from pressed absorbent fibres, and menstrual cups are slowly becoming high street items too, the concept of using other items internally to 'plug' the menstrual flow may be less familiar!
Sea sponge tampons are covered on this page. Non-reusable alternatives to the traditional tampon, including stringless soft sponge tampons and the Instead Softcup, are covered on the Disposable Alternatives page.
Buy Reusable Tampons
Cloth Pad Shop - A collaboration of individual sellers who have gathered together to form one convenient specialised place to shop for menstrual gear and accessories. Store is divided into 3 regions based on the location of the seller, but all sellers ship internationally.
Femininewear.co.uk - Cotton Crochet Tampon - As part of their enormous range of alternative menstrual products, Feminine Wear offer a crochet cotton tampon that unfolds easily for washing and drying after use.
Honour Your Flow - Wide selection of lovingly made pads using natural fibres, many of them organic and/or fairly traded. Uses Procion fibre reactive dyes. Includes a range of fully compostable pads. Also 3 sizes of organic bamboo fleece tampons with cotton string, splash/leak mats, wash bags, travel pouches and gift vouchers. Useful care and wear information and tips, as well as information about the history and ethics of the product. Happy to customise pads/sets to individual needs. Even offering a free popper-replacement service!
Make Reusable Tampons
Craftster.org - Different type of crochet tampon pattern - Pattern for a crochet tampon that opens flat for washing and drying, yet rolls up into a smooth tampon-shape for use. See also the ideas/pattern at Craftster.org Ladies' Eco-Flow Busters.
Fern and Faerie's Pattern - Paid download infosheet for making knit, crochet and no-sew washable tampons. $0.50.
Frugal Baby Tips - Reusable Tampons for Mom - Describes a way of using rolled up cotton baby socks as an alternative to manufactured tampons.