Hot/Cold Compress
Relieve aches and pains with this hot/cold compress, a sewing tutorial from Samantha Palacio for hot rice bags that can also be chilled in the fridge. These make great gifts, especially during the winter.
Materials:
- Small amount of fabric
- Rice
- Sewing supplies
Instructions:
- I cut out my fabric and sewed it into a mini pillowcase (it's about 8 inches long).
- I filled it with rice and stopped about 1.5 inches from the top for easy sewing.
- I pinned it together to sew to insure that the rice stayed in place.
- I also sewed the opening closed TWICE for extra hold.
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oneiceberg 7188521
Dec 26, 2014
I have made a number of these, and usually direct the user to microwave them for 30-60 seconds at first, then to suit their personal taste. Dry rice doesn't "steam", so it's not really an issue. I also put a few drops of essential oil in with the rice - but cinnamon or rosemary sticks work well also, and create an aromatherapy situation when you warm them. I've found the fabric should be a tight weave to keep the rice inside, but you can make a "case" for it to be washable. Flannel works really well and is soft on the skin...
craftyclutter
Jan 22, 2013
This site is new for me but if I see as many things as useful as this hot/cold compress suggestion with instructions, and such a thoughtful and inexpensive gift to make, I will be on probably every day that I am able. Thank you.
dcalle69 2691022
Jan 21, 2013
I've made these before; try making then the size of your palm, they are great for keeping hands warm in cold weather outside.
dreamingbutterfly 0237127
Jan 06, 2013
I sew mne up and then sew around the outer side to reinforce it. Also, I make a pillow case to match, that can be removed. Then it can be washed. I keep it in the freezer; then if I need a cold pack for swelling, it's ready. If I need it heated for inflamation and sore muscles, like a sore back or neck, I throw it in the microwave for a few minutes; it depends on the power of your microwave.
carolk 3899970
Dec 29, 2012
moist heat is the best for aches and pains, I make mine out of corn bought in a feed mill.
alambert22153 3971 636
Dec 28, 2012
have made loads of these over the years but purchased men's white tube socks to hold my rice ... double sewed and then made a cover for it so the cover could be washed
taxgalval 5305900
Dec 28, 2012
I have made these but I don't think I would use rice as the fllling. I think it might 'steam' or create moisture. I used flax seed which I purchased at a local 'milling' store. I purchased a tiny bottle of fragrant oil and put a few drops into the flax seed before I sewed it shut. I had Lavender for the ladies, Maple Syrup/Brown Sugar for the kids, and Magnificent for the gents. I suggested 1 to 2 minutes, no more, for the adults. One minute for the kids is usually enough.
taxgalval 5305900
Dec 28, 2012
When mentioning the minutes, I meant the HEATING TIME IN THE MICROWAVE. SORRY. Valerie
alambert22153 3971 636
Dec 28, 2012
have made hundreds of these over the past 10 yrs or so and rice works great, never had a problem with steam
wesaagehya 2033045
Dec 28, 2012
Rice bags are heated according to their size. One that fits in your hand is usually heated for about 15 seconds. Try heating small bags for 10 to 15 seconds at a time until they turn out to be the temperature you want them to be. Never heat one larger than hand size for more than a minute at a time until you find out how long it takes to get it to a comfortable temperature. Large ones, the size of your back for instance, could be heated for about 2 minutes or less at a time. Another thing to consider is the depth, or thickness, of the rice. Just use common sense and err on the side of caution.
kathydaniels49 807 0304
Jan 30, 2012
I assume these are heated in microwave, but for how long and what temp/power?
bevjbear
Jan 25, 2012
my mom used to make these"magic bags" in all sorts of lengths and width which she gave as gifts. When I use them now, I still think of the love she sewed into every stitch and that and the heat gives me comfort!!!
daniellec2003 2473 028
Jul 17, 2011
my fauther in law has something like this but his goes on his shoulders that sounds ok but this sounds beter
snuggles61268
Apr 14, 2011
Great idea, simple and easy to make. Can make any size you want, can afford to make multiple sizes . Just an all around good idea. Thanks for sharing!!!
urquidez
Jan 16, 2011
I made one of these and family just loved them. They are easy and fun to make. I am going to make them for gifts from now on. Thanks
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