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How To Make A Microwave Heating Bag
Instead of using electric heat pads & blankets or hot water bottles for your aches and pains, these microwaveable bags are just the ticket! They’re known by a few different terms such as: bed buddies, stress busters, magic bags, corn cozies, rice bags–but they’re basically all the same thing.
These bags serve a dual purpose as you can also keep them in the freezer to use has a cooling pad or freezer pack when needed.
Microwave Heating Pad Directions
- No pattern is necessary, simply cut two pieces of cloth in the size/shape you wish your bag to be. Make sure to leave a seam allowance for yourself (about 1/2″).
Some prefer regular square shape bags, others prefer tubes or more rectangular shapes. Experiment, whip up a few different sizes and shapes to try. These are really easy to make as well as cheap!
Filler Options
- Uncooked rice
- Wheat
- Feed corn
- Buckwheat hulls
- Barley
- Oatmeal
- Beans
- Flax seed
- Cherry pits
You can also add the following to the above for a soothing fragrant heating pad: Spices, herbs, essential oils.
- Ideas: lavender, rose petals, ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, peppermint oil, crushed mint
- If using: Mix herbs, spices and essential oil with choice heating pad filler (such as rice) and let sit in a sealed container for a few days (occasionally stirring). This will help set and distribute the fragrance a bit.
Fabric Options
- Cotton: (plain, prints, flannels, denims)
- Alternate ideas: old socks (sew or knot end closed), washcloths, old towels
You can also choose to make cozy, removable & washable outer pouches. This is especially nice to do when giving as gifts.
- Fabric Ideas: use old towels, fleece, velour knits, pretty fabric prints and flannels (don’t microwave anything other than cotton fabrics). The softer & fluffier & better!
Instructions for Making the Heating Pad
- Cut and sew the fabric for the heating pads the size and shape you want (usually a large washcloth size works well).
- Leave an inch or two open on one side so that you can fill bag with your choice of filler. Fill the bag about 1/2 to 3/4 full, more or less as you prefer. Don’t fill too full though, you want the bag to mold itself around your body when you apply it.
- Once bag is filled, sew opening closed either by hand or machine (making sure filler is contained at the opposite side of bag).
If wanting a removable cover, just sew a “pillowcase” idea with your soft, plushy fabric by making it a little larger than your heating pad and leaving an open end (make sure to finish off ends by sewing a hem). Or you can add a strip of velcro to close it. Make sure to never microwave this cover unless it’s content is full cotton. Remove cover to wash as needed.
Filler Suggestion For Headache Soothers
Rice (or other grain listed above) and a mix of:
- Dried lavender
- Marjoram
- Betony
- Rose petals
- Cloves
- Rosemary
Directions For Use
Place in microwave and heat for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on size of bag. Do not leave unattended “just in case” the filler smokes or starts on fire. As a precaution, you can set a cup of water inside the microwave while heating the bag to add moisture or spritzing bag lightly with water before heating. If you add spices and herbs, this is a good idea to do.
If You’re In a Pinch
- If you need a heating pad “now” and don’t have time to sew one, try filling a ziploc freezer bag (make sure it’s the microwaveable kind) 3/4 full with uncooked rice, seal shut. Heat for a minute or two then wrap in a hand towel and use as needed.
- You can also fill a clean tube sock, tie closed the open end, heat and use as needed.
Caution
These microwaveable heating pads are glorious to use for aches and pains, or just to pamper yourself after a long, hard day–but be careful when removing from microwave and applying to body. Shake bag first, feel around and make sure it’s not too hot and won’t burn, especially when using on a child.
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If your one of those more lazy people, I sugest using a sock.I recantly just rescued a abandon 1 day old kitten, And they need warmth, I just used an old thick sock and it works like a charm. My kitten loves it
xoxo help the tip helps
It might be neat to make one the size of a pillow case to warm your bed on cold nights too. You could fold or roll it to heat it in the microwave, then spread it flat under your blanket to warm you bed and your tootsies.
Just an FYI. There are precausions you should take.
A wonderful website, written my a nurse who uses these in her hospital will give you heads up for what NOT to do.
I love these..and have made them for my family, but did not know some of the safetly issues this site talks about.
It’s worth taking the time to read. She also offers free patterns and notes you can print out.
Stay warm!
Prudence
Prudence,
Could you give me the website of nurse that tells you what NOT to do???
Thanks
What is the website from the Nurse about the safety tips? Thanks
It’s linked to in her name, here’s the site:
Microwave Heating Bags – Diamond Threadworks.
I dont know about your offices, but mine is normally on the chilly side. I keep a heating pad at work, pop it in the microwave, and I bundle up with it. It works like a charm!!
Oh snap, you are brilliant. I work at a client site once a week and it is absolutely freezing there. I could take a small rice bag and zap it. Thanks so much for this idea!
If you make teddy bears and fill them with the fillers like rice it makes something really nice for kids and you don’t have to keep it hidden if your picky about whats on the bed. Make the legs longer too and it gives a pillow and the legs can wrap around your neck. VERY NICE!
I’ve always wondered why people refer to socks as ‘tube socks’ – are there other kinds of sock? and if so, what are they?
Thanks
Tube socks are generally sold in the mens sock department at discount stores. They are different than regular socks in that they do not have a heel so they are just one long “tube” Great for things like this and other crafts.
Rob there are knee high socks, dress socks, stockings, sockettes, etc. “Tube sock” is in reference to the type of sock, they have no formed or fitted heel.
At least…that’s how I always understood it
.
cool, thanks.
omg. thank you for posting this. My grandma use to make these and I was just thinking about making one! It’s like you read my mind.
Thank you!
What is the name of the website of the nurse who lists some hazards to watch for when making/using the heating pads.????
Thanks so much for posting this!! Been troubled by cramps frequently. Just a question:
How long can each heating pad last?
Sandycalli: Prudence had the link in her name (Microwave Heating Bags)
Lin: The bags can last for ages (years), but I don’t know of any guidelines on when to dump and refill. I’ve opened up bags that were a couple years old and they had no mold, bugs or anything like that. I think the freezing/heating prevents that from happening, even though the bags can sit for months without being used. I like to heat the bags a few times when I first make them just to kill off anything.
ETA: The bags are definitely nice to have on hand for cramps
I had an email asking where to buy the cherry pits or other filler suggestions, but my response bounced back. Here’s the info in case that person is still reading this, others may be wanting help with this too:
You can get the various filler items at bulk food stores or in the bulk section of your grocery store. If there’s no bulk section available, you can try farm supply stores.
Things like rice, barley, beans and oatmeal can be found in your grocery store with no problem.
Some health food stores carry many of the items too, or you can find pretty much everything online.
Cherry pits are a little trickier to find locally, but check with craft stores. You can definitely find them online too.
There must be a way to clean and sanitize the cherry pits if you have access to fresh cherries, but I have no info on how to do that. Maybe boiling them clean then allowing to dry out? For cherry jam makers, this would be an ideal way to use up those cherry pits.
Just found your site and I love it! Thanks for all the wonderful tips and keep them coming.
I have one that is filled with beans, and I love it. I use it every night almost. You do need to be careful how hot you make it, and if it is a bit too hot, I just put a towel around it, then when the heat does not feel as hot, I then take the towel off. I have to tell you animals love these too. My dog is always cold, and she loves to cuddle with me when I am using mine.
Any idea what is the best filler for keeping cold? My 2 year old loves ice packs so I’d love to make a few more. Rice hasn’t seemed to hold the cold that long – is there a better option?
Thanks!
I have made tubes of muslin, filled with millet, sealed with stitching, and then placed in a “pillowcase” I made for the tube. I made these for gifts one year for Christmas after purchasing one. The thing is, with any type of natural ingredient, you have to freeze it for a minimum of 24 days. I was given that number of days, in order to kill any eggs or insects in the grain, etc. I do that before I pack the bags. I was able to put them in the microwave (for about 3-5 min. depending on how big the bags are), and also wrap in plastic bag and place in the freezer. You could make one for hot, one for cold.
I recently took 3 packs I had made and opened them up with a seam ripper in order to clean the bags and repack them. I had waited way too long to do that. The bag I had purchased initially had dead bugs in it. The bags I had prepared, with the prefrozen grain, didn’t have any signs of insects at all.
Be aware that mice like to eat the content of these bags. Before leaving for vacation, I left the cherry pit bag out. When I came home I found cherry pits in the back of my closet, my dresser and in my attic. Now, when the bag is not being used I keep it in a ziploc bag in the freezer.
if you use a long (over the calf) mens tube sock you can tie a knot in the end and it is easier to check the rice to see if it needs changing. Rice that is all clear instead of white is too dry, has a fire risk when heated and needs to be changed.
I am always looking for inexpensive, useful items to make. These hot pads to sew up for the body aches are a lot cuter than hot water bottles (yuk!) I read the section about the mice tampering with the contents, if accidently left out, not good. How about pellets? Are these only for freezing and not for use with microwaving? I am referring to pellets used in bean bag chairs. Samantha
Pellets would be fine, as long as they’re the hard plastic ones. That’s what they use in the commercial hot/cold bags.
olay is my favorite word! these heating pads are awesome and work well for keeping orphaned kittens warm when they are very small!
I first experienced these by filling socks with rice and heating in the microwave. Now I use a store purchased bag with dried herbs and flax seed. They are awsome for just about anything. We use them to preheat the bed and to keep our feet warm at night. I have also used them for earaches, cramps, and recovering from surgery. When I rescued 2 wk. old baby suirrels I was able to keep them warm by putting one in the cage with them.
you said this can be made with beans…any beans or a certain kind?
thanks
Heating pads are my backs Best Friend these days. I am curious to know what kind of pellets can be used that are flame retardent for heating pads and also what kind of material is used in the Ice Pack tubes that initially look like a tube of material, but when placed in ice water they swell up into a nice tube to wrap around your neck. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Pam
Cheri I can’t think of a dried bean that couldn’t be used, is there a bean you’re wondering about?
Sorry Pam I’m not familiar with the ice pack tubes, maybe someone reading this can help you out. What do you mean by flame redardent pellets?
I keep several heating pads as I get cold during the winter while I’m on the computer so I pop them into the microwave and put them on my shoulder and back or if I have shulder pain I use them and my husband also uses them, I would be lost without them.
I’ve got a sty in my right eye and when I talked to my doctor about it she said it’s no big deal and can be treated at home with a hot compress 3-6 times per day. Using a hot, wet washcloth was too messy, but these heating pads are perfect!! I made one with a small crew sock and it’s the perfect size for one eye or both at the same time. Great tip!
also what kind of material is used in the Ice Pack tubes that initially look like a tube of material, but when placed in ice water they swell up into a nice tube to wrap around your neck. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Pam
The substance used in those neck coolers are the granules that you can buy to add to soil to hold moisture or for in vases of flowers. It forms a gel when wet. I had one when I was undergoing chemotheraphy and it saved me a lot of discomfort from overheating due to hormones raging. Use only about 1 teaspoon to the entire length of the narrow scarf. divide in 4 and add 1/4 teaspoon to each section.
Take care
Roberta
I made one of these years ago and it’s terrific… I want to make more now, but I don’t have a microwave. Is there a way to heat them in the oven or on the stovetop, like maybe a 200 degree oven???
Any ideas would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Denise =D
Denise I haven’t tried that, not sure. But I did find a website with some comments about it toward the bottom. One suggests that the heat isn’t the same (microwaves heat inside-out, ovens heat outside-in). But there is talk of an epsom salts version that is heated in the oven, see here:
Heating Pads or Other Heat Sources for Relaxation and Pain Relief (read through the comments).
Hello… I have made possibly 200 of these bags over the years; first using raw oats, now rice (I preferred the oats but does seem to have a “smell”)….
I live in North Bay, Ontario – a few years ago a lady overheated her heating pad (not one I had made incidentally) in the microwave; she put it in the sink. It smelled, so she put it in her porch overnight – it was winter time. The bag reignited and burned the house down…. this is true, the story was in The North Bay Nugget. Since then, when I make the bags and give them away I make sure I have a list of instructions containing warnings like: do not heat for longer than 2 minutes; if bag hasnt cooled off before reheating, only 1 minute.
I still make them and we use them every single night…. but I thought you just might be interested in this story.
If anyone wants a copy of what I write to put in with the bag, I think I could copy and paste it into here…???
Thanks for the many tips on other types of stuffing.
Hi Jane, I’m sure many would love to see what you write for the bags, please do share!
Hi again… well, this is what I put in with the heating pads now…. if you have any suggestions or amendments, I’d really appreciate hearing them….or comments, good or bad
– bye for now.
ALL NATURAL WARMING PAD
(I have a photo of one here)
When heated in a microwave oven, it provides warm relief for aches and pains, especially where a regular heating pad is difficult to use (e.g.neck)
(remove and dispose of plastic cover before use)
Put the bag, folded, into a clean microwave oven with a turntable for no longer than two minutes on high
– take out and “shake” to distribute any hot spots;
this should stay comfortably warm for about twenty minutes
If you want to heat it up and it is still a bit warm to the touch, only put in microwave for up to one minute, or it will get too hot
• Do not use if too hot
• Do not use on children, or someone who can’ tell you its too hot
• Like any other food product, if it is left too long in microwave it can burn… If this happens it should be put into a sink full of cold water until thoroughly soaking wet and then disposed of as you would any burnt food
• If used according to directions it is safe and you will be able to use it on your aches and pains for many months…..
Only new, pre-washed, fabric is used –
Cover is washable
(don’t wash the actual rice bag)
How Excellent Jane! Thanks so much for sharing that with everyone, I appreciate it!
I have a 95% cotton shirt with 5% spandex; would that shirt work if i cut it up or would the spandex be a problem?
Hi Adrienne, I wouldn’t try the spandex, just 100% cotton to be safer.
Since I don’t have a sewing machine I found that making a bag with my vaccum sealer worked great! The bags are boilable and microwaveable. However, the problem I had was that when I placed the bag against my back while sitting up, naturally all the rice slid to the bottom of the bag and ended up feeling like I was leaning against a rock – albeit a very warm rock, but uncomfortable none-the-less.
Can anyone give me any suggestions how to keep the rice flat?
After much trial and error, I created small pockets and filled them with the rice. Guess what – it worked!
I want to make a heating pad for an elderly uncle and like any project in our family there was a debate. Many felt that the corn would be uncomfortable and since we have a field of millet we should use that. My question is after reading the precautions from prudences friend, how long can you use a grain like millet before it is too dry and becomes a fire hazard and will it hold heat for any length of time? Thanks
I bought some whole maize (corn) today at a pet store. I made the inner bag and put in microwave about 750kw for 2 minutes and a few of corns popped and it smells like popcorn. Does this happen first of all and the popped corn taken out. Have I used the right corn. Thanks for the help
Deer Corn works good but you have to watch that you dont heat it too long because some will pop keep checking it every once in a while to the temp you like.
It does smell like popcorn!!!
MADE THESE FOR FAMILY. I HAD BEEN TOLD “NO LONGER THAN 3 MINUTES, IN THE MICROWAVE”, HOWEVER, WHEN HEATING ONE UP AT HOME, A FEW OF THE KERNELS POPPED AND BURNT THE FABRIC ON THE BOTTOM. WHAT ARE THE RISKS, AND SHOULD THERE BE A WARNING/INSTRUCTION LABEL SEWN ON EACH????
Karin I really don’t know of any information or guidelines that show how long you can use it before the filler needs changing, sorry. But having a glass of water heating in the microwave with the bag will keep things moist enough so it helps prevent the filler from drying out too quickly and sparking.
Gill it is the wrong corn, it shouldn’t pop. This link was mentioned above already, but has info on what to look for in corn: Microwave Heating Bags:
Hello can anyone tell me how long does the heat last i was thinking of making some cushions for my dogs and wondered will they last through the night?
Many thanks for sharing a great idea!
No the heat doesn’t last through the night Lolly, it would depend on the size too but Jane listed 20 minutes (above), that would be the peak heat I believe. There’ll be some heat for about 2 hours, it does depend on the size and the filler used.
I make these for my family. They are so comforting on a cold night. I buy pillow cases from garage sales add 2 pounds of brown beans (from a local salvage store) Tie a knot near the opening so the beans are loose and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes. The beans are still warm after 8 hours when used as toe warmers. You could also use pea gravel. Rice gets sticky and smells when heating.
I’ve been using these heating pads for years but always seem to notice an odor no matter what filler I use. My husband says I can hear and smell a gnat fart 10 miles away. What do ya’all think about using aquarium gravel? Kind of harkens back to the hot rocks of old. I’m going to give it a try, maybe pea gravel too. The paint in my microwave is peeling and it is pretty old so a new one is on the horizon any way!
hi i have bought the wheat and cotton, can you tell me is it safe to use vanilla pot pourri oil this is also used for oil burners, i am makeing my wheat bags for myself and for christmas presents, many thanks pauline.
What kind of herbs, How much, and do you use dry or oils? I would like to try and make these. If any one could help. Thank you…
a friend of mine made one for me and she sewed a litle pocket on to it. the pocket is a scent sachet. that way at night i put lavender in the pocket and during the day i put an invigorating scent.
i store mine in a decorative tin. mice love these and will tear them to pieces.
Hi guys, to answer a few questions:
I’ve never tried using potpourri oil and don’t know what the results would be like or if it’s ok to be heated in a microwave.
As far as what kind of herbs to use and how much, there’s no exact science to it. Use dried herbs, not fresh. Depending on what size bag you use and how much filler is needed, I’d use about 2 TBS dried herbs per 1 cup of filler. If you find that too much or not enough, adjust. Some herbs are stronger in fragrance than others so there’s no way to give a definite answer.
For essential oil, I have no exact measurement, it’s based on preference and some oils are stronger in fragrance than others. Add a few drops to the filler (it won’t take much–maybe 2 drops per cup of filler) and seal in a container for a few days as noted above. Because you’re sealing the filler first the fragrance will be absorbed and the EO will stretch a lot farther so you won’t need much.
I’m thinking of making a heating pad, has anyone tried using dried soy beans as filler? Would that work?
I’m going to be mailing this to a friend as a gift, any recommondations as to what material as filler that would be the lightest?
In addition to cotton as suitable fabric for the casing, is silk a suitable fabric as well?
Thanks!
I can not believe how amazing these bags are!!! I started reading this article 18:00 & by 18:19 I had followed the tips & advice & thought to myself I only have rice, oats & spice in the cupboards but read that this should still be efficient & like that, I was curled up on the sofa feeling warm & bewilded.
Thanks!!
I used two stocking and a bright colour sock for protection!!!!
I made these a few years ago as gifts and am planning on making them again this year, but want to use a different filler. In the past I used Feed Corn which worked very well, but it was a lot of work preparing the corn. I bought the feed corn at a farm implement store in a huge 50 lb bag. Brought it home, had to wash it (since this corn is fed to cattle it is not clean has a very grainy, dirty smell to it). After washing it I was told to bake it in oven on low heat for several hour. The corn filed bags worked great and all who received them loved them, but they do smell like popcorm when heated.
I also tried rice as a filler adding essential oils. The smell was overwhelming. I’m not sure what I did wrong. I may have I added too much oil. I know I did not let it sit for several days like suggested above which may have been the problem. I didn’t care for how the rice heated as well as the corn.
This time around I was hoping to make them out of a different filler that has “no smell” when heated and was hoping to find the answer on your website. Has anyone tried the dry beans? If so, what were the outcomes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
PS: I made my outer casing out of brown polar fleece cut in the shape of gingerbread men. I tied a red ribbon around neck and attached the instructions. Very, very cute!!!
Hi I was at a craft show today and my daughter fell in love with a stuffed animal that was filled with this stuff and smelled of lavender and was warm. Only problem was they were $30. I thought well I could make it.But after reading all of this I am not sure what to put in it and all the stuffed animals I looked at said polyester fibers. Where do I find a Stuffed animal made of 100% cotton? I would love any ideas you have. I want to make one for both of my daughters for Christmas. Thanks in advance.
Jaclynn
I have been making these for Christmas gifts and it’s soooo fun!
I have made rice one’s and deer corn one’s so far. I’m looking for a filler with no odor now. I was thinking about dry beans but I don’t know if they hold heat as long. Has anyone tried the dry beans yet?
Thanks!
So I tried dry pinto beans with lavender essential oil last night. Beans still kind of give off an odor…darn it! The only other thing I can think of is birdseed. Anybody have any idea about a filler with no strange smell?
Candi
About the rice…I have heard you really need to make sure it is the long cooking (not minute rice) style of rice. This helps to prevent it cooking up if it is slightly moist in the microwave.
question – i have only read about using 100% cotton, but what about 100% wool? i was making a small pillow with hand-felted wool for a friend and thought of making it into a heating pad. does wool not microwave well? otherwise i could make the wool pillow into a casing for a heating pad insert. i appreciate any feedback. thanks!
i just bought some feed corn for my bags, but it is obviously not all completely full pieces…do i need to separate them from the odd shells?
thanks,
My sister made some using some old whole coffee beans. I loved them. Great, providing you like coffee smell!
don’t use coffee beans and if you do, don’t put them in the microwave too long cause they will burn!!!
What is the difference between the fillers? Is rice the best? I was wondering which one keeps heat the longest and which one smells the least
I have made these microwave bags with tube socks and I just tye them. I use extra long grain rice. I have never had any problems at all of any kind. I am very cold blooded and my husband doesn’t like electric blankets. I heat up either 2 socks for 4 minutes, 3 socks for 5 minutes, or 5 socks for 8 minutes. It depends on how cold it is. I put them in my bed about 5 minutes before I go to bed and it is so great. I put one where my feet are and line them up in the bed so every part of me gets warm. I can’t wait to go crawl in my bed on cold nights.
Can i use green lentils as a filler? i have 2 bags of lentils sealed bags but i think they are old. will it work?
would it be possible to use polyfil pellets for stuffing? I have an almost full bag and am looking for the perfect project to stuff.
I’m using old ripped denim jeans. I have about 5-6 pairs with odd holes and rips in them. They are unable to be patched and fixed so this is a great idea!! Also, I don’t own nor want to own a microwave. You can heat the packs in the oven if you wrap them in foil first and heat them on a lower temp, like 200-250 for about 15 minutes.
Lentils work but they get moist when you heat them in the microwave. Also they don’t seem to hold heat that long, about 20 minutes depending on how hot you make them. I think after a few times of heating they won’t be as wet…I didn’t put in a glass of water and the pad was very moist. These were dried lentils about a year old.
Hey I know it’s not relaxing but I have filled teddy bears with coffee beans for some of my friends(we are college students and can’t afford our heating bill) and they love them because they smell so good esp the hazelnut and french vanilla.
I have had a few of the pillows and have been reaserching ways to make them and ive read alot about the cherry pits but I began thinking about it and i was looking around (just simply glancing around)and i saw a bag of oranges… do any of you think it would be possible to make these with orange seeds???
Could anyone tell me if I can safely put epsom salts inthe bag with long grain rice as a fill. I read mineral salts on one website but wasn’t sure if epsom salts is the same?
2/25/2010
This kind of heating pad for who does have a microwave.
Use a thick fabric ( Canvas ) , sew a bag with many channel.
Fill with SAND . Put in the pot of water and boil .
Wrap with a towel when you use them.
I have an old one of these bags that I received as a gift a number of years ago. Recently it has been smelling really bad after heating it up so I have been looking for either a replacement or tips to make my own. After I read over the comments here I unstitched the bag I have and dumped out the contents. I found numerous types of beans (including coffee beans) – but despite the corn-type smell, there was no corn in my bag at all. After rummaging through my cupboard I found a bag of dried black beans, a bag of dried black-eyed peas and a half a bag of dried kidney beans. After smelling each bag for any type of odor I picked the black beans and the black-eyed peas, mixed them together with some dried lavender and put them in a glass microwave safe bowl for “testing”. After heating the contents in the microwave for 2 minutes, the beans were dry, warm and had no foul odor.
After that I decided to test the kidney beans on their own because they had a slight smell. I put them in a separate glass bowl and again heated them in the microwave for 2 minutes. Totally different result! The beans came out wet/moist and they were stinky! I’m going to stick with the black beans and black-eyed peas and forget the kidney beans. I have posted this as a courtesy for those who are considering making these with kidney beans, but I think I would just test anything you were considering using in the microwave first just to see what it will smell like or if there is any water content before you use them in your heat pack.