Make Your Own Microwave Heating Pad
Instead of using electric heat pads & blankets or hot water bottles for your aches and pains, these microwaveable bags are just the ticket! They’re known by a few different terms such as: bed buddies, stress busters, magic bags, corn cozies, rice bags–but they’re basically all the same thing.
These bags serve a dual purpose as you can also keep them in the freezer to use has a cooling pad or freezer pack when needed.
Microwave Heating Pad Directions:
No pattern is necessary, simply cut two pieces of cloth in the size/shape you wish your bag to be. Make sure to leave a seam allowance for yourself (about 1/2″).
Some prefer regular square shape bags, others prefer tubes or more rectangular shapes. Experiment, whip up a few different sizes and shapes to try. These are really easy to make as well as cheap!
Filler Options:
- Uncooked rice
- Wheat
- Feed corn
- Buckwheat hulls
- Barley
- Oatmeal
- Beans
- Flax seed
- Cherry pits
You can also add the following to the above for a soothing fragrant heating pad: Spices, herbs, essential oils.
- Ideas: lavender, rose petals, ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, peppermint oil, crushed mint
- If using: Mix herbs, spices and essential oil with choice heating pad filler (such as rice) and let sit in a sealed container for a few days (occasionally stirring). This will help set and distribute the fragrance a bit.
Fabric Options:
- Cotton: (plain, prints, flannels, denims)
- Alternate ideas: old socks (sew or knot end closed), washclothes, old towels
You can also choose to make cozy, removable & washable outer pouches. This is especially nice to do when giving as gifts.
- Fabric Ideas: use old towels, fleece, velour knits, pretty fabric prints and flannels (don’t microwave anything other than cotton fabrics). The softer & fluffier & better!
Instructions for Making the Heating Pad:
Cut and sew the fabric for the heating pads the size and shape you want (usually a large washcloth size works well). Leave an inch or two open on one side so that you can fill bag with your choice of filler. Fill the bag about 1/2 to 3/4 full, more or less as you prefer. Don’t fill too full though, you want the bag to mold itself around your body when you apply it. Once bag is filled, sew opening closed either by hand or machine (making sure filler is contained at the opposite side of bag).
If wanting a removable cover, just sew a “pillowcase” idea with your soft, plushy fabric by making it a little larger than your heating pad and leaving an open end (make sure to finish off ends by sewing a hem). Or you can add a strip of velcro to close it. Make sure to never microwave this cover unless it’s content is full cotton. Remove cover to wash as needed.
Filler Suggestion for headache soothers:
Rice (or other grain listed above) and a mix of:
- Dried lavender
- Marjoram
- Betony
- Rose petals
- Cloves
- Rosemary
Directions for use:
Place in microwave and heat for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on size of bag. Do not leave unattended “just in case” the filler smokes or starts on fire. As a precaution, you can set a cup of water inside the microwave while heating the bag to add moisture or spritzing bag lightly with water before heating. If you add spices and herbs, this is a good idea to do.
If You’re In a Pinch:
If you need a heating pad “now” and don’t have time to sew one, try filling a ziploc freezer bag (make sure it’s the microwaveable kind) 3/4 full with uncooked rice, seal shut. Heat for a minute or two then wrap in a hand towel and use as needed.
You can also fill a clean tube sock, tie closed the open end, heat and use as needed.
Caution:
These microwaveable heating pads are glorious to use for aches and pains, or just to pamper yourself after a long, hard day–but be careful when removing from microwave and applying to body. Shake bag first, feel around and make sure it’s not too hot and won’t burn, especially when using on a child.
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Posted in Beauty & Health, Crafty Ideas, Popular Tips, Sewing | 
( 38 )
05 Apr 2007 at 7:31 am
If your one of those more lazy people, I sugest using a sock.I recantly just rescued a abandon 1 day old kitten, And they need warmth, I just used an old thick sock and it works like a charm. My kitten loves it
xoxo help the tip helps
11 Sep 2007 at 10:50 pm
It might be neat to make one the size of a pillow case to warm your bed on cold nights too. You could fold or roll it to heat it in the microwave, then spread it flat under your blanket to warm you bed and your tootsies.
10 Oct 2007 at 7:19 am
Just an FYI. There are precausions you should take.
A wonderful website, written my a nurse who uses these in her hospital will give you heads up for what NOT to do.
I love these..and have made them for my family, but did not know some of the safetly issues this site talks about.
It’s worth taking the time to read. She also offers free patterns and notes you can print out.
Stay warm!
Prudence
11 Dec 2007 at 5:32 pm
I dont know about your offices, but mine is normally on the chilly side. I keep a heating pad at work, pop it in the microwave, and I bundle up with it. It works like a charm!!
18 Dec 2007 at 9:37 am
If you make teddy bears and fill them with the fillers like rice it makes something really nice for kids and you don’t have to keep it hidden if your picky about whats on the bed. Make the legs longer too and it gives a pillow and the legs can wrap around your neck. VERY NICE!
18 Dec 2007 at 10:36 am
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18 Dec 2007 at 12:25 pm
I’ve always wondered why people refer to socks as ‘tube socks’ - are there other kinds of sock? and if so, what are they?
Thanks
18 Dec 2007 at 12:59 pm
Rob there are knee high socks, dress socks, stockings, sockettes, etc. “Tube sock” is in reference to the type of sock, they have no formed or fitted heel.
At least…that’s how I always understood it :).
18 Dec 2007 at 1:03 pm
cool, thanks.
18 Dec 2007 at 1:06 pm
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18 Dec 2007 at 4:09 pm
omg. thank you for posting this. My grandma use to make these and I was just thinking about making one! It’s like you read my mind.
Thank you!
18 Dec 2007 at 8:38 pm
What is the name of the website of the nurse who lists some hazards to watch for when making/using the heating pads.????
19 Dec 2007 at 7:36 am
Thanks so much for posting this!! Been troubled by cramps frequently. Just a question:
How long can each heating pad last?
19 Dec 2007 at 10:41 am
Sandycalli: Prudence had the link in her name (Microwave Heating Bags)
Lin: The bags can last for ages (years), but I don’t know of any guidelines on when to dump and refill. I’ve opened up bags that were a couple years old and they had no mold, bugs or anything like that. I think the freezing/heating prevents that from happening, even though the bags can sit for months without being used. I like to heat the bags a few times when I first make them just to kill off anything.
ETA: The bags are definitely nice to have on hand for cramps
19 Dec 2007 at 11:07 am
I had an email asking where to buy the cherry pits or other filler suggestions, but my response bounced back. Here’s the info in case that person is still reading this, others may be wanting help with this too:
You can get the various filler items at bulk food stores or in the bulk section of your grocery store. If there’s no bulk section available, you can try farm supply stores.
Things like rice, barley, beans and oatmeal can be found in your grocery store with no problem.
Some health food stores carry many of the items too, or you can find pretty much everything online.
Cherry pits are a little trickier to find locally, but check with craft stores. You can definitely find them online too.
There must be a way to clean and sanitize the cherry pits if you have access to fresh cherries, but I have no info on how to do that. Maybe boiling them clean then allowing to dry out? For cherry jam makers, this would be an ideal way to use up those cherry pits.
04 Jan 2008 at 7:32 pm
Just found your site and I love it! Thanks for all the wonderful tips and keep them coming.
19 Jan 2008 at 6:35 pm
I have one that is filled with beans, and I love it. I use it every night almost. You do need to be careful how hot you make it, and if it is a bit too hot, I just put a towel around it, then when the heat does not feel as hot, I then take the towel off. I have to tell you animals love these too. My dog is always cold, and she loves to cuddle with me when I am using mine.
25 Jan 2008 at 3:42 pm
Any idea what is the best filler for keeping cold? My 2 year old loves ice packs so I’d love to make a few more. Rice hasn’t seemed to hold the cold that long - is there a better option?
Thanks!
28 Jan 2008 at 9:04 am
I have made tubes of muslin, filled with millet, sealed with stitching, and then placed in a “pillowcase” I made for the tube. I made these for gifts one year for Christmas after purchasing one. The thing is, with any type of natural ingredient, you have to freeze it for a minimum of 24 days. I was given that number of days, in order to kill any eggs or insects in the grain, etc. I do that before I pack the bags. I was able to put them in the microwave (for about 3-5 min. depending on how big the bags are), and also wrap in plastic bag and place in the freezer. You could make one for hot, one for cold.
I recently took 3 packs I had made and opened them up with a seam ripper in order to clean the bags and repack them. I had waited way too long to do that. The bag I had purchased initially had dead bugs in it. The bags I had prepared, with the prefrozen grain, didn’t have any signs of insects at all.
01 Feb 2008 at 9:59 am
Be aware that mice like to eat the content of these bags. Before leaving for vacation, I left the cherry pit bag out. When I came home I found cherry pits in the back of my closet, my dresser and in my attic. Now, when the bag is not being used I keep it in a ziploc bag in the freezer.
26 Feb 2008 at 8:41 pm
if you use a long (over the calf) mens tube sock you can tie a knot in the end and it is easier to check the rice to see if it needs changing. Rice that is all clear instead of white is too dry, has a fire risk when heated and needs to be changed.
18 Mar 2008 at 11:47 am
I am always looking for inexpensive, useful items to make. These hot pads to sew up for the body aches are a lot cuter than hot water bottles (yuk!) I read the section about the mice tampering with the contents, if accidently left out, not good. How about pellets? Are these only for freezing and not for use with microwaving? I am referring to pellets used in bean bag chairs. Samantha
25 Mar 2008 at 6:48 pm
olay is my favorite word! these heating pads are awesome and work well for keeping orphaned kittens warm when they are very small!
26 Mar 2008 at 12:01 am
I first experienced these by filling socks with rice and heating in the microwave. Now I use a store purchased bag with dried herbs and flax seed. They are awsome for just about anything. We use them to preheat the bed and to keep our feet warm at night. I have also used them for earaches, cramps, and recovering from surgery. When I rescued 2 wk. old baby suirrels I was able to keep them warm by putting one in the cage with them.
28 Apr 2008 at 9:17 pm
you said this can be made with beans…any beans or a certain kind?
thanks
29 Apr 2008 at 10:15 am
Heating pads are my backs Best Friend these days. I am curious to know what kind of pellets can be used that are flame retardent for heating pads and also what kind of material is used in the Ice Pack tubes that initially look like a tube of material, but when placed in ice water they swell up into a nice tube to wrap around your neck. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Pam
29 Apr 2008 at 11:00 am
Cheri I can’t think of a dried bean that couldn’t be used, is there a bean you’re wondering about?
Sorry Pam I’m not familiar with the ice pack tubes, maybe someone reading this can help you out. What do you mean by flame redardent pellets?
08 May 2008 at 12:25 pm
I keep several heating pads as I get cold during the winter while I’m on the computer so I pop them into the microwave and put them on my shoulder and back or if I have shulder pain I use them and my husband also uses them, I would be lost without them.
10 May 2008 at 4:18 am
I’ve got a sty in my right eye and when I talked to my doctor about it she said it’s no big deal and can be treated at home with a hot compress 3-6 times per day. Using a hot, wet washcloth was too messy, but these heating pads are perfect!! I made one with a small crew sock and it’s the perfect size for one eye or both at the same time. Great tip!
17 Jul 2008 at 3:04 am
also what kind of material is used in the Ice Pack tubes that initially look like a tube of material, but when placed in ice water they swell up into a nice tube to wrap around your neck. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Pam
The substance used in those neck coolers are the granules that you can buy to add to soil to hold moisture or for in vases of flowers. It forms a gel when wet. I had one when I was undergoing chemotheraphy and it saved me a lot of discomfort from overheating due to hormones raging. Use only about 1 teaspoon to the entire length of the narrow scarf. divide in 4 and add 1/4 teaspoon to each section.
Take care
Roberta
22 Aug 2008 at 11:55 pm
I made one of these years ago and it’s terrific… I want to make more now, but I don’t have a microwave. Is there a way to heat them in the oven or on the stovetop, like maybe a 200 degree oven???
Any ideas would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Denise =D
23 Aug 2008 at 6:53 am
Denise I haven’t tried that, not sure. But I did find a website with some comments about it toward the bottom. One suggests that the heat isn’t the same (microwaves heat inside-out, ovens heat outside-in). But there is talk of an epsom salts version that is heated in the oven, see here:
Heating Pads or Other Heat Sources for Relaxation and Pain Relief (read through the comments).
27 Aug 2008 at 10:05 am
Hello… I have made possibly 200 of these bags over the years; first using raw oats, now rice (I preferred the oats but does seem to have a “smell”)….
I live in North Bay, Ontario - a few years ago a lady overheated her heating pad (not one I had made incidentally) in the microwave; she put it in the sink. It smelled, so she put it in her porch overnight - it was winter time. The bag reignited and burned the house down…. this is true, the story was in The North Bay Nugget. Since then, when I make the bags and give them away I make sure I have a list of instructions containing warnings like: do not heat for longer than 2 minutes; if bag hasnt cooled off before reheating, only 1 minute.
I still make them and we use them every single night…. but I thought you just might be interested in this story.
If anyone wants a copy of what I write to put in with the bag, I think I could copy and paste it into here…???
Thanks for the many tips on other types of stuffing.
27 Aug 2008 at 11:47 am
Hi Jane, I’m sure many would love to see what you write for the bags, please do share!
27 Aug 2008 at 7:08 pm
Hi again… well, this is what I put in with the heating pads now…. if you have any suggestions or amendments, I’d really appreciate hearing them….or comments, good or bad
– bye for now.
ALL NATURAL WARMING PAD
(I have a photo of one here)
When heated in a microwave oven, it provides warm relief for aches and pains, especially where a regular heating pad is difficult to use (e.g.neck)
(remove and dispose of plastic cover before use)
Put the bag, folded, into a clean microwave oven with a turntable for no longer than two minutes on high
– take out and “shake” to distribute any hot spots;
this should stay comfortably warm for about twenty minutes
If you want to heat it up and it is still a bit warm to the touch, only put in microwave for up to one minute, or it will get too hot
• Do not use if too hot
• Do not use on children, or someone who can’ tell you its too hot
• Like any other food product, if it is left too long in microwave it can burn… If this happens it should be put into a sink full of cold water until thoroughly soaking wet and then disposed of as you would any burnt food
• If used according to directions it is safe and you will be able to use it on your aches and pains for many months…..
Only new, pre-washed, fabric is used –
Cover is washable
(don’t wash the actual rice bag)
27 Aug 2008 at 7:49 pm
How Excellent Jane! Thanks so much for sharing that with everyone, I appreciate it!