Heated Rice Bags

Hi! I’m new to instructables and I wanted to try out the contests so I made an easy project for beginner sewers. I myself got hooked on sewing and I have made a bunch for friends and family. I hope you find this tutorial easy, inspiring, and helpful!

What you’ll need:

1. fabric
2. sharp scissors
3. ruler
4. rice (or whatever you want to put in it: millet, popcorn kernels, and dried beans will all work)
5. a sewing machine with thread and bobbin (you can also do it with a needle and thread, but a sewing machine is much faster. If you don’t have one, check your local library or makerspace)
6. microwave

Cut a piece of fabric about 30cm by 36cm long (12” x 14”)

Fold the fabric to make a 30cm x 18cm rectangle (12” x 7”) with the finished sides together like this.

Now fold a flap about 1cm (1/2 inch). Flip it over and do another one on the other side. Press firmly with your fingers to make a crease.

Sew down one side, leaving about 7mm (1/4”) from the edge and making sure the edges line up while you go. Do it again on the other side.

Note: when you are starting and ending the seam, go forward and backward a couple times to seal the thread so it doesn’t come undone.

Flip inside out so the finished side is showing.

Note: you can use your scissors or another long pointy object to poke the corners out so they aren’t folded inside.

Sew the top like you did to the sides (with flaps still tucked in) but stop and leave a gap about 10cm (4”) long, so you can have an opening for whatever you are putting in it.

Fill it with whatever you are using (I’m using rice.) Make sure to not fill it up all the way to make it squishy and comfortable. Vacuum up the rice that you spill in the process. 😏

Sew the rest of the top to seal it off. (You can find something to prop it up while you are sewing if that’s easier). You’re done! Heat it up in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it’s the temperature you want.

If you want to do some sock or hand warmers, repeat this process but with littler pieces of fabric. Small ones are a lot harder to make than big ones, so maybe start with a big one first. Small warmers need less time in the microwave.

Now that it’s warm, grab a good book and blanket, and enjoy!

I hoped you had a fun time making this project. I’m only 13 and I have made a bunch! They are great for gifts, birthday presents or just for being neighbourly!