DIY Rice Heating Pad Tutorial + Free Pattern

Today’s project is one of the simplest to make but one that gets a whole lot of use around my house (each kid needs their own heating pad, right??)! I’m sharing how to make a DIY rice heating pad tutorial and free pattern. These DIY microwave heat packs can be whipped up in no time with just a few supplies, and are also a great handmade gift idea!

As I mentioned, I’ve created a free printable pattern that you can use for this homemade heating pad, but I also provide the measurements to cut since you’ll just be cutting two simple rectangles of fabric and might decide to forgo the pattern. I do like to have the printed pattern to keep on hand for the future so I don’t have to look up my own tutorial to remind myself of the measurements ;).

These heat packs are awesome for sore muscles or nagging pains (got an annoying knee?), and I love to throw one on when I have a bad knot in my neck.

More Cozy Sewing Projects

• Blanket Hoodie Free Pattern
• Women’s Oversized Sweatshirt Free Pattern
• “It’s Time to Cuddle” Socks Tutorial
• Women’s Cowl Neck Sweater Free Pattern
• Bellamy Nightgown Pattern

What To Fill DIY Microwave Heating Pads With

You can use a variety of materials to fill a handmade heat pack, such as wheat, corn, or flax seeds, but my personal favorite is rice. I eat gluten free due to a health condition (where are my Hashimotos friends at?…), so I avoid using wheat when I make them.

You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you’d like, to make it an aromatherapy heat pack. Although I’m not a personal fan of lavender, it’s a popular choice!

Best Fabric For Microwave Heating Pads

I recommend using a natural woven fabric when making these handmade rice bags, such as quilting cotton. Cotton flannel can also work great and is extra cozy!

I’ve even seen no sew versions made out of a long sock which can be a different option, but getting to use cute fabric will always win in my book ;).

Although I am not including a cover for the DIY rice heating pack in today’s tutorial, it can be a nice idea when giving them as a gift. For my personal use, I find it’s faster to whip up a whole new heat pack rather than take the time to wash the cover, hehe. I made a paper-pieced rice bag with a removable cover here if you want to check out a fun version!

How Long to Microwave Rice Heating Pad

I recommend microwaving your rice heat pack for up to 2 minutes. It will be pretty toasty at that length, and you might want to start with 1-1.5 minutes as each microwave varies and the users also vary! It’s a good idea to start shorter especially if a child will be using it to make sure it won’t be too hot for them.

Supplies

(affiliate links below)
cotton fabric – 1/4yd or a fat quarter
rice – 4.5cups
cutting mat
rotary cutter
pins
clips
Access Free Rice Heating Pad PDF Pattern download HERE OR use the measurements given in the tutorial. For the pattern download, complete the checkout process and the download link will be emailed to you. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your junk folder. You can also access your Sew Much Ado patterns anytime by logging into your account that you’ll create during the free checkout process.

How to Make a DIY Microwave Rice Heating Pad

Let’s get started! You can follow my written/photo instructions or watch the video tutorial either below or on our YouTube channel!

Use the pattern to cut out fabric as instructed, or cut 2 6×19″ rectangles. Transfer the pattern stitch line markings to one fabric piece with a disappearing ink pen or chalk. If not using pattern, mark line 6.5″ from each short end of one fabric piece. These mark where the rice bag divider stitches will be.

Right sides together (RST), pin the two fabric pieces together along all raw edges. Stitch around all edges with 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving a 3″ opening on one short end. I recommend shortening your stitch length to help contain the rice. On my machine, I decreased my stitch length from the default 2.4 to 1.8.

Trim all 4 corners.

At the opening, press the raw edges 1/2″ toward the wrong sides of the fabric. This will help make a neater finish when we sew the opening closed later on.

Turn the fabric right side out and press the edges flat.

Using a small measuring cup (you can also roll and tape a piece of paper together for a quick DIY funnel if needed), pour 1.5 cup of rice into the bag through the opening. Use a line of pins to contain the rice approximately 1″ from the stitch line marks, and stitch along the marked line, being sure any rice is not in the way of the stitches.

Repeat the above process again, adding 1.5 cup of rice to the bag, pinning 1″ from the stitch line to contain the rice, and then stitching along the marked line.

Fill the last compartment with 1.5 cup of rice, place a line of pins 1″ from the edge of the rice bag, and stitch close to the edge of the bag, stitching the opening closed in the process.

That’s it, you’ve sewn a DIY Rice Heating Pad! Now that you know how to make a microwavable heat pack, add it to your arsenal of last minute DIY gift ideas and you’ll be set!