DIY Microwave Hand Warmer

Make a reusable hand warmer for cold winters.

Keep fingers toasty while out in cold weather with a microwaveable hand warmer filled with rice. Simply heat up the warmer and tuck it into your pocket or glove to keep you warm for 30 to 60 minutes. These reusable hand warmers make a practical gift for those who work outside or live in cold climates.

Use a 100 percent natural fiber fabric such as cotton because synthetic materials may catch on fire in the microwave or melt. Any variety of rice may be used.

Things You'll Need

• Natural fiber fabric
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Needle
• Thread
• Rice

Instructions

1. Cut out two 3-by-5-inch rectangles from natural fiber fabric. Match up the two pieces wrong-sides out and pin them together.

2. Sew three edges of the rectangle together with either a sewing machine or with needle and thread. Leave one short side open.

3. Turn the hand warmer right-side out and fill it with rice. Only fill the warmer about three-fourths full so it remains flexible.

4. Tuck the seam allowance of the open edge back inside and pin the opening shut.

5. Sew the opening closed with needle and thread.

6. Use the warmer by heating it in the microwave for 60 seconds. Test the heat level of the warmer with the back of your hand before use it to avoid burning yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a few drops of essential oil in with the rice for scented hand warmers.

• Do not let children microwave the warmer unattended because they may overheat the warmer and burn themselves.

• Do not use it with people who have impaired skin sensation to avoid burns.

• Only use a microwave oven to heat the warmers. Do not use a conventional oven because the fabric or rice may catch on fire.

References

• International Scleroderma Network: Heatsock Directions
• Cancer Lynx: More Ways to Make Rice Bags for Comfort; Alicia, Alexandra Andrews, Judy Lipshie, Sharon Robbins and Glenda Strieter; February 2003