DIY Microwavable Heating Pad

Ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed with a tweaked back, neck, or shoulder? When we don’t sleep quite right, those aches and pains can stay with us all day or even for multiple days at a time, creating serious discomfort and interrupting our day-to-day life. 

Microwavable heating pads are a great way to soothe body aches at home. However, buying them at the store can get expensive. Why not just make your own? These DIY microwavable heating pads are easy to make with a sewing machine and can also make great gifts for your loved ones.

Supplies You’ll Need 

In addition to your sewing machine, you will need:

• 7.5” by 40.5” rectangles of flannel and cotton
• Standard thread
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Pins
• 9 cups (or 4 pounds) of uncooked rice
• Essential oils for aroma 

Once you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to get crafting! We recommend using fun patterns for your flannel and cotton pieces to make your DIY heating pad completely customized to you.

How to Create a Microwavable Heating Pad with a Sewing Machine 

Iron out your fabric until it’s completely flat. Pin the flannel and cotton pieces together with their patterns facing in. 

Keep the short end of your pinned fabrics in your right hand. Using your sewing machine, begin your stitching 1.5” inches from the corner at the bottom. 

Continue your stitch, turning corners as needed, until you reach the end again. Stop stitching 1.5” away from where you started so that a small opening is left. Backstitch along your seam to make sure it stays in place. 

Clip the fabric corners so that the end comes within 1/8 inch from the stitched seam. 

Carefully turn the fabric inside out and gently push the corners out with the end of your scissors. Place pins along each side at 6” and 2/3” from each other to create segments.

In a bowl, mix 1.5 cups of rice with a drop of your essential oil, pour it through the opening, and stitch across the bottom two pins to create one closed segment. Repeat until each segment is full, and then stitch the opening closed. 

More Ideas

You’ll never have to spend the day with an aching back again, thanks to this DIY microwavable heating pad. Find more sewing machine tips and crafting ideas at GoldStar Tool.