It's getting colder {where I live, anyway}, and there's nothing better than coming home and snuggling up on the couch with a blanket and warming up your toes! My tutorial today isn't necessarily a new idea, but it's an idea that I'd love to share anyway.
These rice bag warmers make for great gifts to friends and neighbors for the holidays. Plus, these work great for when you're sick and need a heat or ice pack, too! I also used them a lot when my daughter was a colicky, gassy newborn. It seemed to help a lot.
Supplies:
Fabric - Cotton, fleece, or flannel fabrics work best
White rice {NOT instant rice}
Sewing machine, pins, etc.
Scented oils (optional)
To start out, cut fabric 14" x 11" {adjust size for different sized bags}. Fold fabric in half, right-sides together so it measures 7"x11". Sew along the longest edge so you make a sleeve or tube.
Flip sleeve right-side out. Tuck one of the edges in and pin. Top-stitch closed using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Fill bag with rice. I used about 2 1/2 - 3 cups. Don't overfill the bag, otherwise it won't conform to your body and will be difficult to sew closed. If you are using scented oils, add a drop or two in your rice and mix well before adding the rice to the bag.
Tuck edges and pin other end and top-stitch closed. Now your rice bag warmer is complete!
As you can see in the picture above, I also decided to make some pocket-sized warmers! These fit perfectly in your hands and pockets for early mornings out or if you are going to be spending time in the cold and want to keep your fingers warm. Just heat before you leave and you're good to go!
I used a couple of scraps that measured about 6 1/2" x 2 1/2". Fold the strip in half, right sides together so it measures 3 1/4" x 2 1/2". Sew along the edges, starting at the fold, leaving an inch or so gap. Flip the bag right-side out. Carefully fill the bag using a funnel with about an 1/8 cup of rice. Fold the gap closed and top-stitch closed.
...and ta-da!
A tiny, adorable, comfy, pocket-sized hand warmer!
Heat bags in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm. Don't overcook or make too hot or you could burn the rice {and you thought burnt popcorn was bad...}, or worse, burn yourself or your child. No bueno.
If you'd like to make and give some bags away as a gift, I've created a printable tag for you to attach to your rice bag warmer.
I found this poem here.
Just click on one of the images below, right click, "Save As", and print!
I tried to make one wintery colors, traditional Christmas colors and the other can be used any time of year!
Some things you should know before downloading:
*You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own.
*Please do not remove the watermark.*If you post this on the internet, credit must be given to Artsy-Fartsy Mama & linked back to my blog.
Hope you enjoy and have a WARM winter!!
