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 pads! 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. 
How to Make a Homemade Heating Pad:
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 Homemade 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 ~ I like to use Heavy Place Mats
- White or Brown rice/ not instant
- Essential Oils
, herbs, spices (Optional)
- Sewing Machine
- Funnel – Optional, but easier
Art Naturals Top 8
Norpro Stainless Steel Wide-MouthModel XL2600I Sew Advance
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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 
You can also make Homemade Ice Packs ~
You may also enjoy these fun, inexpensive gift ideas:
You can also buy super inexpensive Place Mats at your local Thrift Stores! Here is are 15 great tips for Clothes Shopping at Thrift Stores if you are interested!
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
Did you ever try using these on a wood stove? I need one that would work on a wood stove – no microwave or electricity in my daughter’s cabin.
Hi Meg! Yes we have used ours on the wood stove! Because we use the heavy duty Cotton Place Mats you can use them on the wood stove. You can leave it on for a little while, but not too long. Here are some precautions though…we use metal cooling racks on top of our wood stove for this because the rice can burn with direct heat. It looks like the one in this picture…No I’m not trying to sell you anything…I promise! Just want you to see what I mean 🙂 https://www.faithfilledfoodformoms.com/cooking-your-burgers-in-the-oven/ If you use essential oils…it smells heavenly too! Good luck and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any more questions! God bless and thanks for stopping by!
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!!
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!
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 (:
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.
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 🙁
What about dried beans ?
Hi Kristen! Yes you can definitely use dry beans..any kind 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
What a WONDERFUL IDEA! I have bought these in the past & always wondered what was in them, so I could try to make them. Thank You for sharing your CREATIVITY & TIME for ALL of us to LEARN & MAKE!÷)
Hi AmyLee! You are so welcome and happy this was useful..especially with the cold snap the country is having right now! They are VERY easy to make too. Have a blessed week!
Wow. I totally need this right now. 🙂
Awesome Amanda! I’m glad it was useful to you..especially since it’s so ccccooold lately! Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed week!
Love the idea!
LOVE these homemade heating pads….I’ve been making them and giving them away for years…I’ll bet I’ve given away 5 or more….but I put feed corn in mine and it smells so good when heating in the microwave…stays warm for about 30 minutes or more…..people just rave about them …GREAT idea to pass along
I had a friend that made these when I was in college and they were awesome! I don’t have one anymore but put it on my Christmas list. 🙂 They are just so fun and cozy. I loved curling up with one on cold evenings.
That is really a great idea. You don’t have to worry about plugging in the heating pad.
Thanks for the idea.
Bev
I am stopping in from the Frugal Friday Link Up. WOW! What a wonderful idea. I am a nursing assistant. I am always battling back pain. This a great natural way to ease pain. Thanks for sharing.
Love this! My friend made me one with corn and I love it!! Thank so much for sharing! Tiffany
What a great DIY! We would use these like crazy IF we still owned a microwave! Perhaps I can make some as gifts 🙂 I also wanted to say that you have a really neat blog! You are very creative and I always get ideas here!
Thanks for sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays each week!
I really need to make a few of these. I have always loved them they work wonders for aches and pains! Thanks for sharing this!
This is amazing, I have back problems and need heat but can’t sleep with a heating pad on so this would work out perfect, I will have to get this stuff and try it, thanks so much for sharing. pinning
Thank you so much for linking up to Merry Monday this week! I am sharing your post today on our MM Pinterest Board We hope to see you next week for another great party! Have a great week!
Best,
Kim
This is a fabulous gift idea! I need to find someone to loan me a sewing machine, so I can get started.
I absolutely love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
It’s so easy. Great idea!
Rice bags are always great to have around! Thanks for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty link party!
Hey there…stopped by to let you know that I chose this as my fav from last week’s Teach Me Tuesday linky party. It will be featured this weeks Teach Me Tuesday party starting Monday 7pm CST.
Thanks so much for linking up with us.
Have a great week 🙂
Aww Thank you Bobbi! It’s an honor for sure! Have a blessed week 😀
Great ideas!! I love ours and we use it all the time. When we need to heat it up, we place it on top of a double boiler to allow it to heat without getting wet. Thanks for adding this to From the Farm. Hope to see you again this week!
Wonderful tutorial! I made two of these today, thank you gifts my sons pre-school teachers.. I am also considering making some of the other goodies you make for the wellness gifts , thanks so much