DIY heating pad

My friend Allison asked me just recently about a homemade heating pad we have made. My husband bought me a whole set of these really nice heating pads when I was pregnant with Sterling, that were filled with natural relaxing herbs and seeds. I used them so much that they wore out. So, about a year ago I decided to make my own. They are pretty quick and easy. Here's how to make your own:


step 1: Cut 2 rectangle pieces of fabric about 21 inches long, 6.5 inches wide.


step 2: Place the 2 pieces of fabric together with the print side facing each other. (so you should only be seeing the reverse side of the fabric...my fabric of choice does not show the print that well). Then sew along  3 sides of the rectangle (about 1/4 of an inch from the edge), leaving one of the ends open to fill it.


step 3: Put some uncooked/dry rice (about half of a medium bag...1 lb I think) in a container and mix with a few drops of essential oils of your choice, or dried herbs that you like best. We just use what we have on hand. Lavender works nice. Allison just tried peppermint which sounds good to me.


step 4: Turn the fabric inside out so that it makes a long pocket. Pour a tiny scoop (like a tablespoon) of the rice mixture in the bottom, and sew a line across to seal it (about 3 inches from the bottom).


step 5: Sew a line long ways (beginning at the opened end about 4 inches down) until you meet the seam you just made in step 4. This should be about 2 inches from the edge on your right.


step 6: Sew another line 2 inches from the edge on your left, with the same length as the one you just did in step 5. So, these 2 lines should be parallel going long ways.


step 7: Now you should have 3 skinny pockets in the fabric. Fill all 3 to about 3/4 full to allow some room for the next seam. This also makes the end product easier to contour to wherever you are using, like your neck or back if it is not so full and tight. Then sew a line across the 2 long seams to seal the rice mixture. (fyi, when filling these it makes it easier to use a small scoop or funnel)


step 8: Take one more small scoop (about 1 tablespoon) and pour into the last end that is opened. Then tuck in the edges and pin it closed if you need to.


step 9: Sew the last edge to seal it completely.






You can make these in all kinds of fun prints (mine is the cactus print). This one was for Brandon so I used more simple colors. Our girls picked out their own fabric and helped fill their own, so it's a great project to do with kids as well. And they really enjoy using them. It's very comforting!

*How to heat them? Place in a microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds or up to 2 minutes depending on how warm you like it. I only do 1 minute for my girls. OR if you don't have a microwave you can heat them in the oven on a clean baking sheet, 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. They stay warm for a good bit of time!