Homemade Heating Pads


 

 
To begin, buy fabric that will be the outside of the bag.  You can make the bags any size but you do want it to be able to fit into the microwave.  Sew 3 sides of bag and put rice inside. Sew a seam to close bottom third of bag. Add more rice and stitch closed the 2/3 of bag closed. Add more rice and stitch bag closed. To use:  Heat in microwave and apply. Variation:  You can also use hand towels. Fold the towel into thirds the long way. Fold one way, sew 3 pockets, fill with rice then sew closed. You can also mix rice with lavender oil for a nice scent. (Click here to see a picture of some different heating pads)
 

(Sharma Anderson) My Mom has had hers for years and her rice has not gotten smelly... By the way... hers is just a simple tube sock sewed at the end... not as pretty as some but VERY functional!

For the filling (pick one):

-rice (not minute rice)
-flax seed
-cherry pits
-feed corn (not popcorn)
-whole wheat (not wheat flour)
-uncooked barley grain
-rolled oats

NOTE -- I get asked a lot about the cherry pits. I know they sound more romantic than saying "the filling is cheap rice" but I have no idea where people are getting them. I live in the city and I use ordinary supermarket rice. It's easy to find.

Optional filling additives: lavender, cloves, coarsely broken cinnamon sticks, whole allspice

These grain bags can be made in different sizes depending on their intended use. Make a longer shape to lay over the shoulders and neck, or a square one to be laid on arms or legs, or applied to the lower back. Make your grain bags as large as you want!