Supplies needed:
Approximately 2.5 lbs of rice (No instant rice.)
26in. X 7in. heavy cotton or linen fabric
1 package of blanket binding or another piece of fabric
Funnel (If you don't have a funnel, cut top off a soda bottle)
Velcro with a sticky back
Instructions:
Cut fabric 26in x 7in. Fold in half sew bottom, side, and leave the top open for filling. Turn right side out so you don't see your stitching.
Fill with rice 2/3 of the way full. After filling, tuck top in half an inch and sew top.
Unfold blanket binding, cut at a length 54 inches and iron out crease. Fold in half front to front and sew each side leave top open. Fold hem in half an inch and attach Velcro (with sticky back).
Turn right side out and slide the rice filled fabric into the cover. Shut with Velcro.
Instructions for use:
Microwave for 90 seconds and place around any body part that needs heat.
Extra tips:
Cover can be taken off and washed on gentle cycle.
This pad makes a wonderful gift. Attach a note on how to use and launder.
My notes:
I have seen many of these on the Internet with various different instructions. Adding tea to the rice has a nice fragrance but you cannot keep the heating pad indefinitely like you can if you use only rice. I wish I could sew so I can make two of these for myself. These work great as a cool pad too. Keep one in the freezer for those bumps & bruises and hot days.
If you do make one of these, please send me a photo of your heating pad, and I'll post it here at 365 Days of Christmas.