Directions to Make Rice Packs

Rice packs can be heated and placed on achy backs.

Rice can be sewn into pieces of cloth to make a compress or pillow-type pack. These can be put into the freezer for cold applications such as sprains or aches, or microwaved to create a hot pillow similar to a hot-water bottle for achy muscles. Scents can be added to the pillow during the sewing process through the use of essential oils or herbs. The packs can be further customized through the use of various types of materials, colors and patterns.

Things You'll Need

• 6 cups rice
• 37-by-10-inch piece of fabric
• Essential oils or herbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Fold the piece of fabric so that the "wrong" sides are facing each other. Stitch three sides of the fabric approximately 1 inch from the edges, leaving one of the shorter ends open.

2. Turn the bag right-side out. Stitch three even lines down the long side of the pack to form baffles. This will help keep the rice in place when the pack is finished.

3. Funnel plain, uncooked rice into the three baffles until the pack is approximately half full. If the pack doesn't feel full enough, add more rice until you reach the desired density. Fold the open end under two times to create a neat edge and stitch the pack closed.

4. Pour a few drops of essential oils or herbs such as lavender into the rice before closing the pack if you want a fragranced rice pack.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a soft fabric such as flannel for a cozy, comfortable rice pack for colder weather. Silky material could be ideal for creating a pack to use when covering the eyes.

References

• All Free Crafts: Rice Hot Pack (or Cold Pack) and Rice Buddy "Faux Hot Water Bottle"
• Northtipton Creations: Rice Pack