How to Make a Handy Knit Microwave Heating Pad

Handy Knit Heating Pad

If you're a knitter, you're bound to have a basket of odds and ends you've knitted and had left over from other projects. Turn one of those little squares into a mini-sized homespun heating pad that you can pop into the microwave and use to soothe sore muscles. If you're not a knitter, use an 8" square of heavy flannel or canvas fabric instead.

Things You'll Need

• 1 square of knitted material, canvas, or flannel
• About 12" of bias tape
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• About 1 cup dried beans, uncooked
• 1 small funnel or 1 piece construction paper
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or lavender, optional

Instructions

How to Make a Handy Knit Heating Pad

1. If you're using a piece of knitting, trim the ends. If you're using fabric, iron and trim loose fabric ends.

2. Lay the knitting or fabric right side down on work surface. Fold up the bottom so it meets the top (as in the picture). Pin the bias tape around the ends. Machine stitch or hand sew the tape into place, leaving 1/2" open to insert beans.

3. Use a small funnel to pour beans into the pouch you've made. If you don't have a funnel, fold a piece of construction paper or other heavy paper lengthwise and use it as a "chute" to pour beans inside.

4. Add a few sprigs of lavendar, rosemary, or mint, if desired. Hand sew the 1/2" hole tightly shut. Knead the pouch gently to make sure that the edges are secure.

5. To use, microwave the pad on 50 percent power for about a minute to start. Remove the heating pad and knead it briefly with your hands. The pad will stay warm for about an hour. Reheat as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use any kind of dried beans if using knitting. If you are using cloth to make the heating pad, you may use dry rice (white or brown) instead. (Rice will slip out of the holes in the knitting.)

• Don't microwave on full power or you may scorch the beans or rice. Use less power, and turn the bag once or twice in the microwave, to increase the heat level.