Make a Heat Pack {Tutorial}

There’s nothing quite like a heat pack for sore, tired, aching bits. Making a heat (or cold pack) is super quick and super easy.





To make a 5” x 10” heat pack, you will need:

Strip of fabric measuring 5 1/2” x approximately 24”. I had a long piece of fabric left over from a quilt back which is what I used, though sewing some strips of fabric together will certainly work just as well.

(2) 5” x 10” pieces of cotton fabric which will be the actual inner bag to hold the rice.
A cup (or 2) of rice – depending on how full and heavy you’d like the bag.
Pinking shears (optional)
General sewing supplies.


Heat Pack Fabric Requirement


Start folding over the 2 short seams. Fold over 1/4” and then press. Fold over another 1/2” and then press again. Do this for both ends.

Take this to the sewing machine and sew along the seam line.


Heat Pack Seams


Head back to the pressing table and turn over the fabric so that the right side if facing up.

Fold over one end – approximately 1/3 of the length of the fabric piece.

Fold over the other side so that it overlaps that first piece which we just folded over. Grab your quilt ruler and check that with both of these ends folded over, the length is between 9” – 10” (though it can be longer if that’s what you prefer).


Heat Pack Construction


Use a hot iron to crease the folds. Pin both sides in place and sew along both of the raw edges.

Clip your corners carefully and then turn out the bag. Give it a good press and your heat pack cover is now finished. Place this aside while we work on the inner bag.


Inner Rice Bag:

Line up the 2 pieces and sew along 3 of the sides.


Heat Pack - Rice Bag


Add the rice into the bag, until it’s approximately half full.

Head back to the sewing machine and sew that last seam. Use your pinking shears to cut the raw edges, but be careful not to cut the stitched seams. I bought my pinking shears from IKEA a few years ago. They really are one of my most favourite purchases from IKEA.


Heat Pack - Rice Bag Filled


Insert the rice bag into the cover and here you have a heat pack, ready to use when you next have a sore wrist from too much hand sewing or a sore neck from too much quilting.

Heat it in the microwave, giving it only short bursts of heat and checking temperature in between. Don’t heat if for too long or the rice will burn.

Alternately, place the rice bag in a zip-lock bag and keep it in the freezer. Use it as a lovely cool pack on your eyes and forehead when you have a headache.

1 comment

  1. Thanks for info about putting the rice bag in the freezer. Hadn't thought of that use before. Great tutorial.

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