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How To Make Microwavable Heat Packs

A heated pack feels great on cold feet during a winter evening, but, it is well known that heat also helps to soothe sore muscles. Applying heat to sore muscles will soothe tightness and helps to promote better blood flow. It’s even said to be more effective than cold therapy when treating muscle and arthritis pain. If you are in need of some serious muscle TLC, use this awesome tutorial on how to make microwavable heat packs to help you to get back on your feet.

Last year I had knee surgery, Once home the doctor recommended applying heat. So, I used my favorite microwaveable heat packs. Less than a few minutes in the microwave and they are so warm and cozy. What I didn't mention is that I made them. They were so easy. You can make them too. Just read the post for easy to follow instructions. It's that simple. #cozyheatpacks #diyheatpacks #microwaveable

How To Make Microwavable Heat Packs

Step One Gather Materials

The basis of every great craft project begins with the gathering of materials. You will need these items:

– Thread

– Filling (corn, rice, barley, oatmeal, beans, cherry pits)

– Two pieces of cotton material.

*Additionally, you could add a few drops of essential oil to further promote healing. This is optional.*

Make your own DIY heat packs with a quick and simple DIY project. Microwavable heat packs area a great solution for sore muscles! Make yours today!

Step Two

Pin the edges of your cotton material pieces, making sure the backside of the fabric is on the outside. Pinning them together ensures a straight sewing line, and prevents any issues with unevenness.

Make your own DIY heat packs with a quick and simple DIY project. Microwavable heat packs area a great solution for sore muscles! They also make the perfect DIY gift!

Step Three

This is the part where things get a bit tricky. Sew the pieces of fabric together, using the pins as a sewing guide, be sure to remove them as you go! Leave a section open so you can flip the fabric and fill with the material of your choosing.

Make your own DIY heat packs with a quick and simple DIY project. Microwavable heat packs area a great solution for sore muscles! Use this tutorial to make your own!

Step Four

Turn the newly sewed heat pack the other way around, and press the seams flat with the help of an iron. Of course, this step can be skipped, but it helps the finished result to look better.

Make your own DIY heat packs with a quick and simple DIY project. Microwavable heat packs area a great solution for sore muscles! You'll love how easy they are to make.

Step Five

Here comes the best part. Use a funnel to help get the rice fully in (this helps to prevent a mess!). Do not fill the bag more than halfway full. Once filled, pin the open section and sew up the hole.

Make your own DIY heat packs with a quick and simple DIY project. Microwavable heat packs area a great solution for sore muscles! Check out how easy they are to make!

Step Six

We lied, THIS is the best part. Use your newly acquired heat pack to warm your cold feet or soothe that tense muscle in your back. Begin microwaving at 2 minutes, and increase the time as you feel necessary.

If sewing machines scare you, you can always fill an old sock with rice and simply tie it up. No effort is required!

Make your own DIY heat packs with a quick and simple DIY project. Microwavable heat packs area a great solution for sore muscles! You won't regret knowing how to make these!

47 thoughts on “How To Make Microwavable Heat Packs”

    • Which oils you do all depends on what you’re looking for!! It’s just a nice option for you to try! I like lavender for when I”m relaxing in bed.

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      • If using essential oils add a drop to the filler and mix in a large bowl. Essential oils go a long way. I use white rice as a filler and the oils last for quite some time.

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    • I don’t have the exact wording anymore (accidentally deleted the document) but it was a cute little saying about staying cozy this holiday season. Then I just put the instructions on them.

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  1. I need to make some of these! I had a store bought one at one point (two, I think) but I keep misplacing the damn thing! And now that I have little ones I have a feeling that I’ll be needing them more often!
    Thanks!

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    • I have successfully used feeder corn bought at the grain/ feed supply. Same pack still being used 15 years. I love my corn bags better than rice ones.

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  2. Just have a couple suggestions. I have been making these for years and have found if you make the bag out of muslin, double stitched, then make a flannel cover that is removable and washable, it helps if someone is sick and the cover gets germy and/or thrown up on! A small tab of velcro keeps it together. I usually use lavendar essential oil ~ about 8-10 drops. To me, corn ends up smelling after heated a few times. Okay if you like popcorn.

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  3. Happy New Year! You stated that the material should be 100% cotton. Does that also apply for socks. It does not state that for the “old sock” method. Some of my socks are a blend that I would like to use. Thanks.

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      • Hi Jenn, I no longer have that screen available for immediate access but it was either in general conversation before the slides or on slide 1. It stated for materials, use 100% cotton and cotton thread in order to avoid catching fire.

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    • I usually heat in 30 second intervals. This allows me to stop at a temperature that’s not too hot, and I’m not ruining any material.

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    • Honestly you can really use any size you want, depending on where you plan on using it! Just make sure you add a bit in length and a bit more in width so that you are taking into account the filler.

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  4. These are so useful, I am in Australia and I use wheat as a filler, it does get to smell a little bit malty after a while, but my present ones are at least 10 years old. Be careful not to overheat, as they can burn the skin or burn the fabric, the 30 sec increments idea is ideal. Make them in different shapes eg and horseshoe shape for around the neck…Very comfortable for neck pain or tooth ache. Finally, using cotton fabric is most important, synthetics will give you a melted bag if you are not careful.

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  5. The legs of flannel pajamas can also be used – like the pillowcase, this means minimal sewing. It’s also a way of recycling outgrown children’s pjs.

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  6. Dries beans, split peas or lentils are also a great filler- no smell. I like to use a heavier cotton- like a denim so the heat doesn’t get too hot. I have a friend who puts dries herbs like rosemary or lavender in with the rice and it works well buts gets a little “dusty” after constant use.

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  7. Does The material have to be 100% cotton? or Can it be any fabric? i am dong this late at night and i can get any cotton. Also This is a REALY GOOD IDEA!!! …sry, i’m Hyper…

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  8. Just wanna make some for my kids, Im gonna use long grain brown rice (dont know if that matters or not) but how long should they microwave them for?

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  9. Hi when do I have to throw away the pouches? How long do they last? They won’t turn to bigs right? I will be using rice

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    • Jazmin,

      I usually throw mine away once they begin to smell like burnt popcorn (usually like 20-30 uses or so..) I always use rice as well, and I find that it holds up a little better.

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  10. Another good thing for rice bags is a pair of pyjamas cut the sleeves and or the legs off and sew the ends up and you have four rice bags and they are nice and soft I do that when I get new pyjamas and use the old ones for new rice bags .?

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  11. I made these years ago and used rice, I called them boo boo bags. I kept them in the freezer. They worked great depending on size boo boo.

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  12. How long does the Essential Oil smell powerful enough for? I work with them, and want to add this to my Craft Fair Booth, but if I make them ahead of time, I don’t want them to not smell nice… I also don’t want to add more oil than necessary. Thank You!

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  13. I have made rice bags that turned into bugs after a year or so. Any ideas on how that happened or how to keep it from happening???

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  14. I do have a comment. When using rice, rinse it first and let it dry on a large cookie sheet. I didn’t the first time, and my husband kept getting hungry when I used it. It does smell like cooked rice. lol. Have had mine for years and the rice does break down after time, but still heats fine.

    Reply

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