How To: Make a Heat Pad
So recently I got sick and this particular sickness required some form of heat on my lower stomach. This was the first time anyone in this household really needed a heat pad. So when I told my husband he just looked at me and said “We don’t have one”. I just stared at him back and said “That’s okay, I’ll make one”. Which brings me to this blog post. After I posted on Instagram about whipping one up in 5 mins I got a lot of messages on how. So here’s a short tutorial on all the things you need to know.
What You’ll Need:
Fabric - sizing depends on what you’re after. A fat quarter is perfect! I also recommend a toweling weight or a thicker material. If you don’t have that on hand be sure to wrap your heat pack in a towel when in-use to avoid burning yourself.
Thread
Hand Needle
Sewing Machine
Filing: rice or beans are perfect!
Steps:
Cut your fabric to size. I accounted for a 5/8” seam allowance so be sure to factor that in. I used a fat quarter and cut that in half for mine but you can make yours as big or as small as you need.
With right sides together, sew around the three sides of your rectangle and on the 4th side be sure to leave about a 2-4” opening.
Turn your sack right side out. Fill with your chosen filling (a funnel can be very helpful here). Be sure to not fill it all the way, maybe about 3/4 filled, as you want the heat pack to be easy to move around for different parts of your body.
Get your thread and needle and use a slip stitch to close it shut.
You’re all done!
Regarding microwave timings: This will vary on the size of your heat pack. Be sure to take note of how long it takes to reach the heat level you’re after so that you know for each time you use it.
That’s all there is to it! It’s a simple 5 min project and such a handy item when needed. Enjoy!
