How to make a Microwave Heating Pad and Rice Sock
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Materials needed to make a microwave heat pack:
Soft flannel fabric -- does not have to be plaid or flannel, but must not contain any metallic parts.
Muslin or other cotton fabric for a lining
2 - 3 lb. of whole corn or raw white rice (do not use popping corn)
Needle & thread
Neck Warmer
Cut flannel into a 27" x 12" rectangle or two 27" x 6" pieces.
At one end of the rectangle turn the 12" edge under and stitch.
This will eventually be the opening for inserting the lining filled with corn or rice. For the 27" x 12" piece fold the long way with right sides together and stitch the other 2 sides leaving 3/4" seam allowance. Clip extra fabric from the corners. Turn right side out.
For the 22" x 6" rectangles, turn one 6" side of each piece under and stitch. Place the two pieces of fabric together, right sides together (matching plaid if necessary). Sew the 3 sides, leaving open the side with the fabric turned under. This opening will be for inserting the bag of corn or rice.
Cut same dimensions of muslin fabric. Sew three and a half sides, leaving an opening to add corn. Turn right side out, fill with corn or rice. Sew the opening shut so no filling can escape.
Optional: With filling distributed evenly, sew across the way, in two or three places (spaced evenly) to create baffles. This will keep the filling from falling to the ends of the flannel bag.
Insert lining with corn or rice inside flannel. Make sure to remove all metal pins and needles before placing in microwave for 1 - 2 minutes, or store in the freezer and use as an ice pack.
Microwave about 1 and a half minutes on full power. Adjust heating time to you needs.
Back Warmer
Cut one 28" x 12" rectangle out of soft fabric or two 12" x 14" rectangles out of flannel.
Turn the two ends, 12" sides, of the rectangle edges under and stitch. This will be the opening for inserting the separate bag filled with corn or rice.
Turn right sides together and stitch the other raw edges, leaving 3/4" seam allowance. Clip extra fabric from the corners and turn right side out.
Repeat with lining fabric. Fill lining with 2 - 3 LB of whole corn & stitch closed. You can sew baffles into the fabric to keep the corn filling in place. Insert lining with corn or rice inside flannel. Make sure to remove all metal pins and needles before placing in microwave for 1 - 2 minutes, or store in the freezer and use as an ice pack. Microwave about 1 and a half minutes on full power. Adjust heating time to you needs.
Photo of muslin insert with corn filling
Need one in a hurry?
Make a rice sock. Put a pound or two of whole corn or rice in a tube sock, tie off the end with string or ribbon or stitch it closed, and microwave it for a minute. If the rice begins to take on a peculiar odor after several heating's, then empty it out and refill the sock with fresh rice. Now you know what to do with some of those stray socks you don't dare throw away in case the match shows up!
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