Doing it for clout

In 1600s England, menstrual rags were called “clouts”. This term was more generally used for cloths, usually linen, which were folded and hemmed and put to use for various household purposes such as cleaning and wiping after using the toilet. 

Although references to clouts being used for menstrual blood were present, it is unclear as to how exactly they were used. They may have been pinned to a belt, or just put between the legs. 

It is rare to find records of how regular people managed their periods, but it is recorded that Queen Elizabeth I had:

“girdles of black Jeane silk made on the fingers garnished with buckles, hooks & eyes whipped over with silk” 

Which may have been used as a sanitary belt to keep her linen clouts in place.