How to Make Corn-Filled Foot Warmers

Warming cold toes with heating pads is not a new idea. Different fillings provide different results, however. Feed corn, sometimes called field or deer corn, is much different from the corn that humans consume. It has a waxy outer layer that keeps it from cooking, and it is a viable choice for craft projects. Many homemade heating pads utilize this type of corn, as it can hold heat for up to three hours at a time.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton flannel fabric
• Scissors
• Feed corn
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Microwave
• Water
• Essential oil (optional)
• Safety pins (optional)

Instructions

Making the Warmers

1. 

   Cut one large rectangle from the cotton flannel fabric using your scissors. 2 feet long by 1 foot wide is a good measurement.

2. 

   Fold the fabric rectangle in half lengthwise.

3. 

   Sew two of the three open edges closed using a sewing machine or needle and thread. There is no need to sew along the fold line.

4. Turn the pouch inside out. Fill the pouch 3/4 of the way full with feed corn.

5. 

   Tuck the open edges into the pouch and sew along the edge until the pouch is shut.

6. Add essential oil to give your warmer a pleasant scent, if desired.

Using The Warmer

1. Use a small amount of water to dampen the surface of the warmer.

2. Microwave the warmer on medium to high heat for approximately two minutes.

3. Check the temperature to ensure that it isn't too hot or cold. Microwave the warmer or let it cool as necessary.

4. Wrap the warmer around your feet lengthwise.

5. Safety pin the warmer around your feet to hold it in place, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed corn can be substituted with a variety of materials, including rice, oatmeal and flax seed. Using the same measurements and instructions, you can also make a washable decorative cover for the warmer. The warmer should be full of corn, but not so full that it cannot conform to your foot's shape.

• Use only cotton fabrics. Other fabrics may melt or catch fire when subjected to heat. Always include a small amount of water when microwaving your warmers to prevent the feed corn from catching fire.

References

• DIY Heating Pad
• How to Make a Homemade Heating Pad

Resources

• How to Sew By Hand
• Simplicity's "Sewing 101" E-Course