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Have you ever wanted a heating pad, an electric blanket, or even a water bottle, but didn’t have one, or they were too expensive, or took up too much room?
No problem!
These microwave bags are perfect for those aches, and pains and actually have so many uses.
Did you know they can also be put in the freezer to be used as a cold press also?!
Very handy to have on hand for when you need one, they make a wonderful gift, and are so easy!
I have some different patterns and tutorials so you can make them up quickly.
The beautiful part is, that you don’t have to have to be much of a sewer.
In fact, I have TWO NO-SEW microwave heating bags so everyone can make these!
You will love having this on hand for headaches/migraines, on your jaw if you have TMJ, or menstrual cramps, to help ease the pains of arthritis, general body aches, bumps, and bruises, and even to warm up after being outside on a cold day.
Keep some in the freezer for sprains, bumps, and bruises, and anytime a cold press would be helpful.
So come along and let’s make up some very easy sew OR no-sew rice bags.
Also, if you have pets to warm up, these are a great solution.
I even read that some moms use these against the tummy of a colicky baby for quick relief (check with your doctor on this one first please, and do not warm too much of course).
TIP*** When heating the rice bag, no matter what kind you make here, place it in the microwave along WITH a cup of water (this will provide moist heat and prevent the rice from scorching in the microwave) and heat for approx. 1-3 minutes.
Shake to distribute the heat and make sure it is not too hot before giving it to a child particularly.
For cold packs, place in the freezer for at least 45 minutes to allow time for the rice to chill thoroughly.
If you make the rice bags too small, they will lose heat fast or chill very quickly.
EASY NO-Sew and Sew Rice Microwave Heating Bags
TO BEGIN
You have the option of putting different fragrances in your rice bag such as:
- Essential oils This one has oils and blends
- Dried cloves
- Rose Petals Another option for a wonderful scent
You can fill your bags with fillers such as:
- Rice – Jasmine (oh, the smell when heated is divine and it is the BEST filler of all when compared to everything from what I researched anyway. Except you cannot launder it. Toss it when it’s used up and make a new one.) Any type of rice will work.
- Flaxseed – not ground, but the whole seed
- Feed corn
- Wheat
- Beans – I would stick with small for easier molding around your body
Fabrics choices to use:
- The best to use is 100% Cotton such as these
- Flannel such as this
- Terry cloth or even old towels
- Socks
- Baby Leg Warmers
#birthdaygift #grandparentgift #weddinggift
No-Sew Rice Bags using socks
This is a great way to recycle and use still new-looking socks that have lost their mate:)
Supplies:
Any long sock you desire. A tube sock without a heel works well. This is a fabulous way to use up those stray long-toe socks, dad’s tube socks, holiday or decorated socks – any will do.
Rice
Essential oil or scents if desired
Toilet paper roll, paper plate, or funnel
#birthdaygift #grandparentgift #weddinggift
Directions:
Using a toilet paper roll and a paper plate as a funnel, Or a funnel, fill the sock about 1/3 full of rice.
Tie in a knot securely.
To use:
When heating, place in the microwave with a cup of water and heat for 1-3 minutes. Shake to distribute heat and see if it needs to warm a bit longer. Since there are two, keep one in the freezer.
NO-SEW RICE BAG MADE FROM BABY LEG WARMERS
Supplies:
Baby Leg Warmers
Rice
Bakers Twine
Toilet paper roll or funnel
Directions:
Tie one end of the baby warmer tightly with baker’s twine.
Using a toilet paper roll Or a funnel, fill the sock about 1/2 full of rice.
Tie the other end closed with a knot securely.
To use:
When heating, place in the microwave with a cup of water and heat for 1-3 minutes. Shake to distribute heat and see if it needs to warm a bit longer. Since there are two, keep one in the freezer.
KIDS HOT & COLD RICE BAG
Supplies:
Flannel 14″ to cut 2 pieces 7″x 8″
Rice
Thread to match
Paper and tape to make a funnel
Seam ripper
Directions:
The steps are listed in this tutorial
To use:
When heating, place in the microwave with a cup of water and heat for 1-3 minutes. Shake to distribute heat and see if it needs to warm a bit longer. Optional – keep one in the freezer.
More Options
Instructions for the following Rice Bags are pictured below.
I have a couple of sizes to give you options so you can see what will work best for your needs.
The long tube for your neck, the small for the jaw or head, and the larger one on the back or shoulders would be perfect.
(The directions are listed below and are the same as in the tutorial on Kids Rice Bag)
Supplies:
- For the Blue and White Diamond pattern, I cut two pieces of flannel 9″ x 6″
- For the Moon and Stars pattern, I cut two pieces of flannel 6″ x 4 1/2″
- For the White with a fun color patterned long tube shape I cut two pieces of flannel 16″ x 3″
Rice
Thread to match
Paper and tape to make a funnel or funnel
Seam ripper
Directions:
Place the fabric with the right sides together and pin.
Sew all the way around leaving a 4″ opening.
Trim the corners.
Turn the right side out, pulling the sides out. Using the seam ripper pull out the corners, carefully, as not to rip or tear the fabric.
Fill with rice about 1/3 full.
Use slip stitches to close the opening, be careful to make sure it is tight and close the stitches so the rice doesn’t fall out.
OR sew on the outside using the sewing machine.
To use:
When heating, place in the microwave with a cup of water and heat for 1-3 minutes. Shake to distribute heat and see if it needs to warm a bit longer. Optional – keep one in the freezer.
Copyright Carrie Groneman, A Mother’s Shadow, 2022
Recognize a blessing and be a blessing today.
With my lower back issues with sciatica, I could most definitely use something like this during flair ups and going to have to try to make here now. Thanks so much for sharing, Carrie with us here today 🙂
These are really neat and handy, Carrie! I would have never thought to do something like this. I’m no much of a sewer, although I do sew by hand a lil bit, the no sew option is very convenient and fast for those of us that don’t want to pick up a needle. Both options are great and something really unique!
Hey lady,
OH, How I need this rice bag. I have some essential oils I will have to try this. My neck and shoulders and lower back are killing me this week from being on this computer so much without taking a break all day long.
Trying this today.
Blessings,
Diane
I love these rice bags! and the sock idea! they are definitely great for popping in the bottom of the sleeping bag when it’s cold! I could do with some of these now, my nan used to buy lavender smelling ones so a bit of essential oil in their would suit me!
This is such a useful thing to make. I think the sock one will be perfect for what we need it for. Thanks for sharing.
These rice bags are all really cute! I like the sock rice bags, my kind of bag. No sew, and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Linda, I’m glad you found your perfect kinda sewing project, lol. Thanks for coming by.
I used to have one of these that I used almost daily to help with my chronic pain, but it got ruined in our last move. I am very excited that I can make a new one now! And I’ve never heard the tip about microwaving them with a cup of water, but I can imagine that it so helpful! Thanks!
I’m sorry yours was ruined, but now you can easily replace it Jessica! And the water trick is so easy too.
YAY! The rice bag post made it!! Hurray for Carrie!
These are great!! Thanks.
After much tribulation and chaos, yes they did Melinda!
Love this idea and this would make really nice gifts for next Christmas for our family members.
That is so true and they would be economical as well as very appreciated Carol. Great idea!
This is something that I could really use! I’m pinning this to try out later. I’ve seen tutorials for rice heating pads before. But, I love the variety of options that you lay out here.
I’m glad you can use this Gina and especially happy you like the variety I included. I wanted to make sure everyone could find something they could make. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve purchased these before. They used a peppermint essential oil that was great heated up & used for a headache. Now I can make them!
That is a great tip Cathy to put peppermint oil in the rice bags and please let us know which one you make!
Carrie, I sleep with a heating pad each night to help with my leg pain. It’s stopped working before and I was at a loss! I am going to whip up a few of these to have on hand just in case! I love the ease of using an old tube sock too, never thought of that! And the tips are great, I never knew to warm them with a bowl of water! Pinned so I can come back to this! Thanks.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your pain and I do hope these rice bags help, and that you can get a new heating pad soon also. The water gives a bit of steam to make it all work better. Thanks for your kind comments as always Nikki.
The use of socks and leg warmers is genius, Carrie! Thanks for the great tips.
Thank you so much and please share with us if you make these:)