How to Make Rice Bag Heating Pads


Directions by Carol for SB's Quilter Friend


A fellow quilter friend gave me directions for a "Rice Bag" Now wait, this is a special bag that will keep your feet warm at night. It comes from your kitchen and your sewing room, so I hope you will consider it "quilt" related.

Take a 10" square piece of cotton material ( cotton only! ), fold it in half (right sides together), and sew one short end and up the long side. Use a scant 1/2" SA. Turn rightside out. This makes a little sack to which you add 12oz. (about 1 3/4 cups) uncooked long grain white rice. NO converted, brown or "minute" rice PLEASE! Now turn in the SA on the remaining open end and finish with sewing across it, locking your stitches so the rice can't get out.

Are you still with me??

Take another cotton square cut a little bigger, say 10 1/2" X 11 1/2". This is going to be the little pillowcase to put the rice bag in. I used a plaid cotton flannel. Sew up this piece like you did the sack only finish off the open end like on a pillowcase on your bed. This will be what can get washed if it gets soiled. DON'T WASH THE RICE BAG!!

Now put your rice bag in the microwave oven, set on HIGH and time for 1 1/2 to 2 min. You be the judge at how hot you want it to be and this is why it all needs to be cotton.

Presto!!!! warm moist heat to sooth away those achy bones and muscles, esp in the neck from bending over the sewing machine or quilt frame to long. It's been my foot warmer these cold nights. I'm sure you can think of many more uses. headaches, earaches, etc.


I have personally tried this and it really works. I've made over a dozen for last minute Holiday gifts this year

Sue Traudt


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