How to make reusable cotton rounds – a simple, eco-friendly DIY

Looking to make a switch to a zero-waste lifestyle? These DIY reusable cotton rounds are just the thing! In this easy tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew your own soft and durable makeup remover pads. They’re a great alternative to disposable wipes, gentle on your skin, and can handle hundreds of washes.

Why make reusable cotton rounds?

Not only do they feel high-quality, but they’ll also save you money in the long run. Plus, they’re kind to the environment. Every small step counts when it comes to reducing waste!

Durable and machine washable

These cotton pads are made to last! With no raw edges, you can toss them in the washing machine without worrying about fraying or losing their shape. They’ll come out looking great every time.

Perfect for beginners

This is a low-pressure project, great for anyone who wants to practice sewing curves. Once you’ve made these, you’ll be ready to tackle more complicated sewing projects with confidence!

I’ve also made a simple, unlined drawstring bag for my cotton rounds.

It’s perfect for keeping them together in the wash, so none of them go missing!

Related: Travel toothbrush holder tutorial / Free mini zipper pouch pattern

Best fabric for reusable makeup pads – what to choose

When making reusable makeup pads, you’ll want a fabric that’s gentle on your skin, won’t absorb too much makeup remover, and helps take off all your makeup with ease.

Here are some of the best fabrics for this project:

• Microfiber
• Terry cloth
• Bamboo velour
• Brushed cotton
• Jersey knits
• Fleece

Pro tip: If you don’t want to buy new fabric, upcycling is a great option! I made my reusable cotton rounds from some microfiber cloths a friend gave me. I had more than enough for general cleaning, so repurposing them was a no-brainer!

A few helpful tips:

• Use the same color fabric for both sides of your cotton rounds to avoid any fabric bleeding in the wash.
• Want to save time? Batch sew! Do each step for all your cotton pads at once, and you’ll finish the project much faster.
• Don’t worry if you don’t want your makeup pads to be round. Cutting squares wastes less fabric and is easier to sew. They’ll work just as well, and the steps are the same as making fabric coasters (just skip the batting!).

DIY cotton rounds – sewing supplies

• circle template – download PDF below (4 1/4″ diameter)
• fabric for the soft side: microfiber, terry cloth, bamboo velour, brushed cotton, jersey knits, fleece
• cotton fabric for the other side
• sewing machine
• needle
• matching thread
• fabric scissors / rotary cutter
• sewing pins / sewing clips
• iron
• fabric marking pen

Finished measurement – approx. 3 1/2 inches

Step 1 – cut your fabric circles

For my reusable makeup remover pads, I paired a microfiber cloth with some cute cotton fabric. To get started, use a template and a fabric marking pencil to trace circles onto both fabrics. You can use a rotary cutter or sewing scissors to cut them out. Remember, you’ll need two fabric circles for each pad.

On my 15-inch square microfiber cloth, I was able to fit 9 circles.

Step 2 – sew the circles together

Next, take two circles and match them up with the wrong sides facing each other. Use a few pins or sewing clips to keep them in place (honestly, 3 or 4 clips will do the trick, but I got a bit carried away – these sewing clips are just so cute!).

Now, it’s time to sew! Bring your first fabric sandwich to the sewing machine and stitch around the edge with a 1/2” or 3/8” seam allowance (either works – just stick with the same allowance for all your pads).

Don’t forget to leave a 1 1/2” gap so you can turn the fabric later. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the opening.

For smooth curves, sew slowly and think of the circle as a bunch of small straight lines. Pivot the fabric slightly every 3 or 4 stitches to keep the curve smooth. 

Step 3 – trim the seam allowance

 After sewing, trim the seam allowance down to about 1/4 inch to reduce bulk. Be sure not to trim the seam allowance around the gap you left for turning – this will make the next step easier.

Step 4 – turn your cotton rounds right side out

Now, gently turn your makeup remover pads right side out by pulling the fabric through the gap. You can use a pencil to push out the edges or simply roll the seams between your fingers to smooth them out, like this:

Once you’ve got the pad turned right side out, fold in the edges of the opening. This part can feel a bit fiddly at first, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Take your time to work the fabric until the seam looks nice and round.

Give all your pads a good press with an iron to flatten them out. If your makeup remover pads aren’t perfectly round at this stage, don’t worry! You can use your fingers to shape them up.

Remember, your fingers are one of your most useful sewing tools – start thinking of them that way!

Step 5 – topstitch your cotton rounds

To finish off, topstitch around the edge of each cotton round about 1/8” from the edge. This gives them a neat, professional look and helps them hold their shape over time.

And that’s it – you’re done!

How to use DIY makeup remover pads

I keep my reusable cotton rounds in a little bowl next to my sink. After using one, I just toss it into a small drawstring bag, then pop the whole bag in the washing machine when it’s full. These pads are super easy to clean and can be reused over and over again!

(Here’s a tutorial on how to make a simple drawstring bag if you need one.)

Bonus: DIY makeup pads make great gifts

Reusable cotton rounds also make cute, eco-friendly gifts! They’re a simple but thoughtful way to help others start their own zero-waste journey. I’ll definitely be making more of these for friends and family.

I hope you enjoyed this sewing tutorial! See you next time for more fun DIY projects!

Let’s keep in touch! You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.