How to Make a Microwaveable Heating Pad

A Microwaveable Heating Pad makes a wonderful gift. Attach a note to present on how to use and launder.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Approximately 2.5 lbs of rice (do not use instant rice)
• 10-15 Tea Bags or 10-15 tsp of loose tea
• 26in. X 7in. Heavy White Cotton or linen fabric
• 1 package of Blanket Binding (can be found where fabric is sold)
• Funnel (top cut off a soda bottle)
• Velcro with a sticky back

1. Mix rice and tea in a bowl blend well (cut open tea bags and place loose tea in bowl).

2. Cut white fabric 26in x 7in. Then fold it in half; sew bottom, side, and leave the top open for filling.

3. 

   Turn right side out so you don't see your stitching and fill with rice 2/3 of the way full. After filling, tuck top in 1/2in and sew top.

4. 

   Unfold Blanket Binding, cut at a length 54in., and iron out crease.
   Fold in half, front to front, and sew side leaving top open. Fold hem in 1/2in and attach Velcro (with sticky back) two per side.

5. 

   Turn right side out and slide the rice filled white fabric into the cover and Velcro closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Microwave for 90 seconds and place around neck, small of back, or across lap for menstrual cramps.
• I used opened Chamomile Tea Bags for fragrance but I intend to experiment with all types of tea. I like using the tea because it comes in a variety of soothing smells and is readily available.
• I tried to make this craft as simple as possible with as little sewing as possible. You can add your own variation to this craft but I wanted to make it as easy to make as I could. For that reason that is why I used blanket bidding. It is easy to work with, the sides don't fray, it is inexpensive, and it comes in a variety of colors.
• Remember nothing metal can go in the microwave so do not replace the Velcro with snaps it will spark.
• Cover can be taken off and washed on gentle cycle but the white cotton fabric with filling can not be washed.

Resources

• Sewing and Crafting with Sarah

[Meri]

on 10/30/2008 Thanks for sharing.

[rdeedy]

on 6/22/2008 Thank you, I've been looking for this "eHow" for a long time! The added tea sounds great.

[Hapworth]

on 6/18/2008 Great idea. I love crafts, especially sewing.

[beautycastvixen]

on 4/6/2008 Thanks for sharing this! I have a back problem that comes up once in a while, and this sounds like a great natural ingredient pad.