Eco-friendly Red Bean Foot Warmer
What?
This project uses old T-shirts and socks as materials, paired with red beans that can be reheated. It's a simple, handmade foot warmer that can be heated in the microwave.
Why?
Feet often get very cold in winter, and many disposable warmers sold in stores can harm both our bodies and the environment. By using natural red beans for heat, combined with cotton, this foot warmer can store heat for a long time and be reused, offering both comfort and eco-friendliness.
How?
Simply cut and sew old clothes, adding cotton inside to make the warmer soft and heat-retaining. Then, fill a sock with red beans, microwave it for 1 minute, and you’ll have a warmer that works better than disposable ones. The natural red bean scent is soothing, healthy, and reusable!
Downloads
Supplies
Materials:
1.Red beans (300g )
(green beans, black beans, or soybeans can also be used)
2. Socks (1 pair )
3. Scale
4. String (yarn, cotton thread, or other)
5. Ruler
6. Pen (for marking on fabric)
7. Old T-shirts *3
8. Scissors
9. Needle and thread
10. Cotton
11. Microwave
12. Decorative lace (about 33cm)
Outline:
1. Draw the design
2. Measure dimensions and cut
3. Sew, sew, sew
4. Turn inside out and add cotton
5. Sew, sew, sew
6. Pour red beans into the socks
7. Tie it up
8. Heat
9. We are all done!!!
Design the Pattern
I divided this foot warmer into 5 layers, as follows:
1. Top layer (small)
2. Cotton layer (top) (small)
3. Foot layer (large)
4. Cotton layer (bottom) (large)
5. Home for the red beans (large) (bottom layer)
Note: The beginning of each layer needs to be sewn together.
Sew the beginning of layers 1 and 2 together,
and the beginning of layers 3 and 4 together.
Measure Dimensions and Cut
Take the old T-shirts (3 pieces) and draw the pattern to be cut.
We need 2 small pieces of fabric: w30cm, h20cm
And 3 large pieces of fabric: w30cm, h40cm
The shape can be customized.
Note: You can measure the two different sizes of fabric at once, stack them together, and cut them all at the same time. This will be faster and more convenient.
Sew, Sew, Sew
1. Sew the 2 small pieces of fabric together, leaving a small opening at the end to add cotton.
2. Sew the 3 large pieces of fabric together, leaving a small opening at the end to add cotton and the red bean foot warmer.
Note: I used a running stitch to sew, but feel free to try other methods if you'd like.
Turn Inside Out and Add Cotton
Turn the two pieces inside out so the seams will be on the inside and look neat.
Then, stuff with cotton to your liking. I added about 5-10cm of thickness while keeping it fluffy.
You can also try putting your foot in to see how it feels!
Sew, Sew, Sew
1. Next, sew up the opening. I used an invisible stitch to close it. For the bottom layer, I added fringe for decoration. You can use different methods if you'd like.
2. Combine the two pieces. I used thicker yarn to decorate the front and sew them together.
3. Finally, you can add extra decorations or lace for finishing touches.
Pour the Red Beans Into the Socks
Pour 150g of red beans into each sock.
Note: You can adjust the weight or change the type of beans if you prefer.
Tie It Up
Use string to tie the opening of the sock. You can tie it in your own way,
as long as it keeps the beans from falling out.
Heat
Place the tied foot warmer on a ceramic plate (be sure not to microwave metal) and heat it in the microwave for 1 minute.
Note: Microwaves vary in power, so test the temperature of the foot warmer every minute to avoid overheating.
We Are All Done !!!
Carefully place the foot warmer, with its red bean scent, onto the bottom layer. Now you've created an eco-friendly, warm, and stylish red bean foot warmer!