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Microwaveable Heat Packs: Homemade Christmas Gifts

by Toni Herrbach

Homemade Christmas Gifts | The Happy Housewife

Sew microwaveable heat packs from colorful fabric. What a cute and cozy gift!

To make them you need the following supplies:

Supplies for Microwavable Heating Pads

  • 7-1/2″ x 40-1/2″ rectangle of cotton
  • 7-1/2″ x 40-1/2″ rectangle of flannel
  • thread
  • measuring tape
  • iron and ironing board
  • scissors
  • straight pins
  • 9 cups of uncooked rice (4 pounds)
  • 6 drops essential oil

Get the full step-by-step microwavable heating pad tutorial here!

DIY Microwavable Heating Pad | The Happy Housewife

Click here to see all of the Homemade Christmas Gifts for 2013.

Comments | 14 comments

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Comments

  1. alisha says

    at

    So excited

    Reply
  2. JUDY SLEIGHT says

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    A filling of flax seeds works better because the oil in the seeds holds the heat longer. I make my “flax packs” with an unbleached muslin lining and flannel, adding in dried herbs and botanicals. Other fillings such as rice or corn get moldy and are not healthy to use.

    Reply
    • Marie Hiney says

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      Judy,

      Where would I find flax seeds. I wasn’t planning to make anything but this sounds like the ideal gift for my best friend who works in catering. She is on her feet constantly for over 10 hours. Thanks.

      Marie

      Reply
    • Barbara Marrin says

      at

      Rice won’t get moldy when uncooked white rice is used. I also put my lavender essential oil in a cotton swab and then in a zip lock back punctured with fork holes. I’ve also used split peas for the filling.

      Reply
    • kiz says

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      I have made over 200 of these and used rice for the fill. None has ever gotten rotten or moldy and rice makes the best moist heat.

      Reply
    • Ashlea says

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      I’m making mine with flax seed also, but I don’t know what to add to make it smell good. What kind of dried herbs can I use?

      Reply
      • Michelle says

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        I use crushed lavender flowers, chopped & sifted eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass ordered through Amazon. Between 1/8-1/4 cup for 7 ounces of flaxseed.

        Reply
  3. Racquel Labbe says

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    Going to make my first ones.

    Reply
  4. Rebekah says

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    We have made and used these for years and I have never, ever known the uncooked rice to get moldy. I would be far more concerned about the oil in the flax seeds causing a problem, than uncooked rice.

    Reply
  5. Connie Kiesser says

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    Can you use brown rice?

    Reply
    • Toni Anderson says

      at

      Yes, brown rice works too.

      Reply
  6. Maria Rodriguez says

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    I recommend to keep it in the freezer, that way germs are far away! Also, mine are filled with uncooked rice with no problem at all. Corn will become a problem when put in the microwave, be aware of having a pop corn pillow instead of a healing pad!!!

    Reply
  7. Michelle Singer says

    at

    I’ve been making cozies for over 20 years and have learned through many trials and errors….I could go on and on but I won’t. Flax seed is the best heating element and makes a nice moist heat that combines nicely with herbs. You can buy in bulk at any Feed Store. I buy 50 lb bags of whole flax seed at Midway City Feed in Midway City California. I would not recommend stuffing bags with essentials oils – I have had customers return bags noting they either burned a hole through the bag or left an oil ring! Instead use Grade 1 or Grade 2 Lavender Buds also purchased in bulk at San Francisco Herb Company online. I just purchased 6 one pound bags for $30 including shipping and this supply easily scents 100 or so 20×10 inch cozies. Happy sewing and I hope this information helps!

    Reply
  8. Dd says

    at

    My feed corn smells dusty. Can I rinse it before?

    Reply

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