ALL-NATURAL   |   How to Make Reusable Cotton Rounds + All-Natural Facial Cleanser

How to Make Reusable Cotton Rounds + All-Natural Facial Cleanser

By a Bug & a Bean | Posted on 2025-06-19

Learn how to make reusable cotton rounds with this beginner-friendly sewing tutorial, plus get a DIY all-natural facial cleanser recipe using gentle, eco-friendly ingredients.

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ECO FRIENDLY  SUSTAINABLE  ALL-NATURAL  SPA  

Looking for a simple way to reduce waste, pamper your skin, and enjoy a quick sewing project? Reusable cotton rounds are the perfect eco-friendly alternative to disposable makeup pads and face wipes. They’re soft, washable, and ideal for applying toner, removing makeup, or cleansing your face naturally.

In this post, we'll explore:

• Why reusable rounds are worth making
• The best fabrics to use
• How to sew your own (even for beginners!)
• How to make an all-natural gentle, homemade facial cleanser

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Benefits of Reusable Cotton Rounds

Making your own reusable facial pads is a small but mighty way to care for your skin—and the planet. Here's why they're worth the swap:

• Eco-Friendly: Ditch the disposables! One set can replace hundreds of single-use wipes.
• Budget-Friendly: Made from fabric scraps or upcycled towels.
• Easy to Wash: Toss them in a mesh bag with your laundry and reuse again and again.
• Customizable: Choose fun fabrics or soft colors to match your bathroom or skincare routine.

Best Fabrics for DIY Facial Rounds

When choosing fabric for reusable cotton rounds, you'll want to balance softness with absorbency. I love using fun and colorful fabrics for the backs and typically choose a dye-free soft organic cotton for the side that I use to wash my face. Here are a few favorites:

• Cotton flannel: Soft and gentle for sensitive skin
• Organic cotton or bamboo fleece: Extra absorbent and eco-conscious
• Terry cloth or upcycled towels: Great for gentle exfoliation
• Cotton jersey knit: Smooth and flexible, great for applying toner

Sewing the Facial Rounds

There are many ways to cut and sew reusable cotton face wipes. This is a link to my favorite tutorial by Mabe with Love. This was the tutorial I used when I first made these as one of my very first sewing projects. I like this tutorial because it uses an overstitch and doesn't require flipping the cotton rounds. I think it is one of the easiest beginner sewing projects you can make and extremely useful!

Cutting Circles can be annoying getting them exactly the same size and rounded. I have found that the smallest setting on this circle cutter works out amazingly for getting a perfect circle every time. It saves me so much cutting time! Here is a video on TikTok where I use the cutter to make a set of facial rounds.

If your sewing machine doesn't have an overstitch, you can use a straight stitch or zigzag stitch around the circle. If you do this, use pinking shears to cut the excess fabric. This will help prevent fraying. Pinking shears are useful to have in your sewing collection for many reasons. I use them on most projects to reduce the thickness of my seams before turning. They are also great for making fabric stamps!

Supplies:

• 3 pieces of fabric, cut into circles (suggestion: 2 or 3 inch diameter)
• Fabric Scissors or pinking shears
• If you aren't using a circle cutter, make your own pattern! On a piece of paper, trace around the top of a drinking glass and cut around your tracing to make a reusable pattern.

Instructions

• Cut 2-3 fabric circles. I use 3 because I add an extra layer of cotton flannel in the middle for extra absorbency but this is completely optional.
• Layer your 3 pieces of fabric. You should see the right side of the fabric on the top and bottom of the stack. (Right sides facing out)
• Sew around the edges using an overstitch or zigzag stitch the prevent fraying. Optionally, you can use a straight stitch and after sewn, cut around the edges with pinking shears.

DIY All-Natural Facial Cleanser (Gentle & Nourishing)

Now that you've made a new set of facial rounds, pair them with this all-natural facial cleanser for the perfect DIY spa day. These also make a thoughtful, handmade gift set.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup organic aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon rose water (or witch hazel for oily skin)
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil (or almond oil)
• 2–3 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for calming scent)

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients in a small glass bottle.
• Shake before each use.
• Apply to face using your reusable cotton round, then rinse or follow with moisturizer.

This gentle cleanser soothes skin, balances oil, and leaves you feeling refreshed—without any harsh chemicals.