I realized the other day as I got into bed that my feet were so cold..and then I remembered..time to get out my homemade heating pad! I use it ALL the time in the winter months. But when I got it out I realized how shabby it was getting and..well.. a little dirty.
So it’s time to make another one. As a matter of fact, since it’s almost Christmas, I’m going to make several to give as gifts!
I’ll show you how easy it is to make these quality Heating Pads.
You can use any kind of Cotton based material you would like to make a Heating Pad. I like to use a simple Place Mat. It makes a nice size and it’s easy! You can buy these at a dollar store or on sale any time of year. Place Mats are made of heavy duty material and can withstand a lot of use.
What you will need:
- Any size Cotton Material
- White rice/ not instant
- Essential Oils, herbs, spices (Optional)
- Sewing Machine
- Funnel – Optional, but easier
If you are using essential oils, put only a few drops into a bowl of rice and stir. Set aside.
Fold material in half and sew up the sides. Sew a couple of seams down the middle to make a couple of chambers. This is important, otherwise the rice all goes to one corner and is not evenly spaced out..like on down comforters. That doesn’t feel so good when you want to lay on it.
Now you are ready to fill with rice:
After filling with rice, carefully sew the open end shut. That’s it!
Simply throw into microwave for 1 -2 minutes and you have a nice hot aromatic Heating Pad that lasts about 45 minutes.
You can also use these as ice packs. Just toss into freezer and it’s ready to go anytime you need it. (not good as an ice pack for food only for boo boos)
These make awesome gifts!
One word of caution, many folks suggest making these for small children in different shapes and sizes. While this sounds like a fun idea, children can be so easily burned with their sensitive skin. I would not recommend using for small children.
You can also make covers for these to keep them nice and clean 
Linking up with: Made by You Mondays, Monday Funday
How could you heat it if you don’t have a microwave (I just choose not to have one)?
Hi Tanya! That’s a good question! I suppose you could put in oven on low for a while. I would just be careful that the material wouldn’t burn. Or if you had a wood stove you could set it on top while the stove was going and that would warm it up real well
Wish I had some other ideas. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings Shari
I would not put it in the oven unless the oven was heated and then shut off. Otherwise, the constant 350 degrees might roast your rice.
Hi Janice! I totally agree with you. I was thinking that someone would only have it in the oven for maybe 10 or 15 min..I don’t think anything would happen in that time..BUT I like your idea way better! Definately safer to just turn the oven off after preheating! Thank you so much for bringing this up.
Blessings to you and thanks for stopping by!
Would a clothes dryer work?
Hi Jen,
I suppose a clothes dryer could work, BUT I would make sure that I sewed it out of really sturdy material, doublestitching all seams and then I would even put it in a pillowcase or something..because if the heating pad did break..what a mess that would be
Could ruin your dryer 
Thanks so much for stopping by and blessings to you! 
That looks super Shari. Wish I seen it sooner that will make a great homemade Christmas gifts.
Yes it does make a great gift. Sorry you didn’t see it sooner too
Maybe next year! By the way I love your blog! Love all of the ideas you have!
Blessings and thanks for stopping by!
My lower back hurts. It thanks you for a timely idea!!
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Yeah!! I’m so glad this is helpful..I use it on my lower back ALL the time. It’s wonderful! Have a fantastic Christmas and Blessings to you!
WOW I LOVE this idea! Thanks for sharing this on the Take it on Tuesday blog hop!
I’m definitely going to have to pin this. I would love this gift and I’m sure it’s a great one to give to others!
Betsy @ Romance on a Dime recently posted..Wednesday’s Wrap-it Up Blog Hop! #4
Hi Betsy! I’m sorry I didn’t respond earlier..you got thrown into my spam
Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks so much for letting me share my Homemade Hot Pad! It works wonderfully, I use mine all the time! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Merry Christmas!
What materials other than rice would be suitable for filling the heating pad?
Hi Natalie! Thanks for stopping by. You can also use Buckwheat, Barley really any kind of whole grain like that. The only thing is that it will smell wholegrainy when heated up
I like that smell though 
Blessings to you!
You’ve got great insights about rice heating pad, keep up the good work!
And you also! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings!
Can I use a polyester fabric instead of a cotton fabric?
Hi Kelley! I personally would not reccomend Polyester. Mostly because Polyester has plastics in it and I’m not really sure how hot you can get them before they melt
You could maybe test a piece before you actually do the work to make one. 
hope this helps..Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings!
Hi Shari I made a sock heating pad yesterday because I suffer from severe menstrual cramps and backaches since I have Scoliosis. I used white uncooked rice and after microwaving it once or twice it smelled like burnt and nasty. My mom got mad and told me not to use it anymore because it smells nasty? do you have any other suggestions on what I can use besides rice? Thank You (:
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Hi Stephanie! I’m sorry that the rice started stinking and burning.
Here are some tips that might help. I actually use brown rice. It shouldn’t burn and stink AND it is more of a moist heat..so works nicer. The brown rice does have a smell to it like grain though..so if smells bother your Mom I would suggest putting some essential oil on it before putting it into the sock. Any kind that smells good to you and your family. You can use other grains too..like buck wheat, Barley..things like that BUT they will smell grainy if you don’t use an essential oil. Also..be sure you are not using instant rice..this will for sure burn. Also, could you maybe have heated the rice sock up too long a couple of times? This can burn it too. I hope these help..let me know! Blessings to you!
Wow, what a great idea. We have a heating pad (store bought) and every time we heat it up it has a smell. I bet they used Buckwheat or Barley.
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Yes some of those Heating Pads..although organic can stink if you don’t use some kind of essential oils so mask the smell a little