DIY Heatable Neck Pillows
Give your neck a bit of relief with a heated neck pillow. Make your own neck pillow by reusing materials for a cost-effective alternative to the high-priced versions found in stores. Customize your neck pillow using any essential oil that stimulates or calms your senses. Fashion neck pillows for gifts featuring socks with printed designs, such as pumpkins for Halloween or balloons for birthdays. If you give this pillow as a gift, include a tag with the heating instructions for the fortunate recipient.
Things You'll Need
- Tube sock
- Dried beans or buckwheat hulls
- Essential oils, such as lavender
- Sewing needle and thread or sewing machine
- Fabric dye (optional)
Instructions
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1
Wash and dry a tube sock; use one that does not contain holes.
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2
Fill the toe end of the tube sock with dried beans; you can use lightweight buckwheat hulls, if desired. Add three drops of essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, to the beans.
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3
Sew across the tube sock to secure the beans using a needle and thread; you are going to create pockets along the sock to hold the shape of the neck pillow. Use a sewing machine, if desired, for a stronger stitch.
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4
Pour beans into the sock until it fills half way up the remaining sock. Add three additional drops of essential oils. Sew across the tube sock just above the beans.
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5
Finish filling the tube sock with beans and three drops of essential oils. Sew the end of the sock.
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6
Heat the neck pillow in the microwave in 30-second increments. Place the warmed neck pillow around your neck.
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7
Store the neck pillow in the freezer when not in use to prevent the beans from being infested by insects; you can also use the chilled neck pillow for muscle relief.
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Tips & Warnings
You can dye your tube sock before you begin using fabric dyes, if you are working with a used or stained sock.
References
- Photo Credit Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
