This easy tutorial will teach you how to make homemade rice heating pads that are a perfect project for any beginning sewer. Heat these DIY rice bags for a microwavable heating pad or stick them in the freezer for a homemade ice pack.
Fold and press a 1/4 inch hem at the top of your fabric.
Fold the right sides of the fabric together with the hemmed edges at the top.
Make a basic stitch around the sides like you’re creating a pocket, leaving the hemmed sides open.
Next, turn it right side out so that the right side of the fabric is showing. Fill the bag with the rice.
Use clips or clothespins to keep the rice in while sewing. Use a basic stitch and sew the two hemmed sides together.
Notes
If you’re new to sewing, fill the bag halfway with rice for the first few bags you make. They’ll be easier to work with and sew shut. If you’re a more experienced sewer, fill bags two-thirds full of rice before sewing shut.
If you use flaxseed or cherry pits as filler, place 1 cup of water in the microwave while you're heating the bags.
Always test the temperature of the rice bag before allowing kids to use them. Some microwaves heat the filling unevenly and you want to be extra cautious.