Oh yes, pads do help! I fall a lot and if I don't wear my pads, I get huge purple bruises, and it hurts while sitting or driving.
The best material for homemade padding is EVA foam. Look for this at a cosplay supply store or a craft store.
Other homemade ideas:
dense polyurethane foam
puzzle exercise mats also known as interlocking foam play mats
a thick computer mousepad
folded up bubble wrap (when you're skint)
For individual pads, you will have to figure out a way to keep them in place, by tucking them inside leggings or tight bicycling shorts.
Shorts with sewn-in pads are better because the pads don't move around while you skate. I use "Tortoise Pads" padded shorts: https://www.tortoisepads.com/ It has good reviews on Amazon.
I also urge you to wear knee pads. These are cheap, simple, and inconspicuous, and they work very well: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Cheerleading-Dance-Knee-Pads/dp/B00XMG8UQA I use the extra-large size.