One of the most common and cheapest materials is clean rags. You can cut them to fit your panty area, sewing several layers of cutton rag on top of each other. Make sure that they are clean. Wash them thoroughly and hang them in a private but sunny place to dry. The sun is a very good disinfectant and kills germs.
Toilet tissue is also inexpensive.
You can buy about five rolls of toilet tissue for the cost of one pack of pads. You will need to make a thick long wad of toilet tissue. Sometimes toilet tissue is too rough, however, and it can cause irritation and soreness to your skin. Pads are also good. They are designed to fit neatly between your body and your panties.