How to Sew Your Own Microwave Heating Pad

Here’s a simple tutorial for a rice-filled heating pad, with lots of tips to make it neat and easy. I’ve made many of these for our church bazaar, and they are great sellers every time! And great for gift giving, especially for the chilly holidays. A funny note – I finally made one for myself after all these years! I bet some of you can relate.  🙂

This size is perfect for wrapping around your neck and shoulders, and stays on while sitting or standing. Or for laying across your stomach or both feet.

Supplies Needed:
2 Quilting Fabric Pieces (22 x 7 inches)
2 Muslin Fabric Pieces (22 x 7 inches)
Cotton Thread (no polyester because of potentially melting in the microwave!)
5-6 Cups Rice

Note: I like to wash my fabric before cutting, since it will be used on your skin and it cannot be washed after sewing. It is possible to cut off the outside fabric and recover if it gets too dirty.

Step 1:
Cut 2 outside fabrics and muslin to size. Sew muslin pieces, right sides together, on three sides using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Trim to 1/4 inch and clip corners.

Step 2:
Turn right side out, measure and mark six 3 1/2 inch sections across the width of the muslin fabric. Sew along each line.

Step 3:
Fill each section about 2/3 full with rice. Sew along top edge of rice-filled muslin.

Tips for Success: To fill, place inside a bowl to keep upright. Use a funnel to fill each section and pin closed for sewing.

Step 4:
Sew outer fabrics, right sides together, using a 3/8 inch seam allowance, and leaving a 6 inch opening along the middle of one long side. Insert muslin/rice pack and adjust into position.

Step 5:
Hand sew opening closed, using an invisible stitch.

Step 6:
Sew a zig zag stitch at each indent of the muslin through all layers, centered horizontally.

Tips for Success: Set the zig zag stitch at zero and test the width on a scrap fabric.

Center muslin/rice pack inside so there are equal amounts of extra outer fabric at each end. (There is extra because the outer fabric does not have the indents like the muslin yet.)

Starting at the middle indent, feel for muslin stitch line and push away all the rice kernels from sewing area. Carefully push sideways under your sewing foot and center, ensuring no rice is under area. Continue sewing each indent, working out from the center. As you sew, the extra outer fabric will start to disappear.

Directions for heating:
Place in microwave and heat on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove carefully and stay cozy!

Now you can stay warm on chilly nights with your cute crafty warmer!