How To Make Reusable Rice Heat Packs

Winter is one cold season that no one longs for. The weather conditions are merciless, and everyone has to ensure that you are warm even when you are indoors. Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause your body to freeze or even cause frostbites in worst cases.

That is why these microwave heating packs come in handy during these cold seasons. However, these bags have found more than one use. They can help keep warm when you have a cold/flu, when you want to have a deep sleep, during labor, and to warm your hands.

These DIY microwave heating packs are so easy and fun to make. It would take you less than an hour to learn how to make an effective one.

You will need

• A piece of material (socks work great)
• A pair of scissors
• Pins
• A ruler and a pencil
• Some rice
• Sewing machine or a needle and thread

Directions

1. Measure your seams

Measure the seams that you want to create using your ruler. You can measure different seam sizes depending on the design you want to make with them. The ruler guides you to make sure that all sides have equal seam size.

2. Sewing

After pinning the four sides, sew the three sides first. Leave the other end open so that you can put the rice from there. The zigzag stitch is recommended because it tightly seals the material together to keep off any rice from falling off the packs as compared to the straight stitch. However, whichever stitches you choose to use, ensure that they are close to each other to keep the pack intact.

3. Filling the bag with rice

Unpin the unstitched part and fill the rice through it. The amount that you want to fill depends totally on your preference. Continue filling it until it reaches your desired amount.

4. Stitching and pinning the open side

After you have finished filling the rice, pin it. However, use two lines of pins. For instance, you can put a line of pins 2/3 across the length of the pack and then use another line of pins just a few centimetres above that one. The pin line below keeps the rice from reaching the pin line that is being stitched. Remove the two pin lines once you have finished sewing. Thus, the rice flows through the pack freely.

5. Design the seams

This stage is not necessary for every heating pack. Nevertheless, if you want to add some design to make it look fresh and unique, you can use several cool patterns. For instance, you can use zigzag patterns or even a round pattern depending on your desire. Use the pair of scissors to create the designs.

Conclusion

You can make as many as you want and have several of them around the house. Put them in the microwave for them to gain heat. In addition, you can use them to help you relax when fatigued or even place them in between your blankets during freezing nights. These microwave heating packs take a few seconds to heat and can store heat up to one hour.