Heat Therapy Pillow

Materials:

• Fleece material 11 x 16 inches
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Upholstery chord or very soft thin rope 24 inches long
• Scissors
• Measuring tape or ruler
• One box of rice

Directions:

First measure and cut one piece of fleece material 11 x 16 inches. Cut the chord into two equal lengths. Press up a seam allowance 1/4 from the edges on the 11 inch sides. (Figure 1) Fold the material in half lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch the long side 5/8 inch from the edge. You have now made a tube with two open ends. Turn the material right side out. Insert the ends of one of the pieces of chord into one end of the tube to form a handle. (Figure 2) Pin in place. Stitch close to the edge of the end of the tube. Now stitch again 1/4 inch from the first seam. Remove the pins. Fill the tube from the other end with the rice. Insert the other piece of chord into the second end. Pin in place and stitch closed as you did the first end with two seams.

Now, on to the heat part. Place the pillow in the microwave and heat for twenty seconds. If that doesn't feel warm enough for you try a few more seconds. Now place the pillow on your aching spot. Doesn't that feel good? You can hold it in place with the handles or tie the handles together with another chord. The rice holds the heat and surrounds the area unlike a heating pad that just touches the top surfaces. You can even safely go to bed with this. By the time the rice cools you'll be fast asleep and don't have to worry about turning off the heating pad.

Feedback About This Post:

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

I found that this method of therapy really works. If you don't want to go to the trouble of sewing,try what my grandmother does. She takes two old socks (don't have to match) fill one with Rice, tie the end in a knot. Slip the other sock over the first and tie another knot. You can heat this in the microwave same as before. If you get some festive socks you can have one for all seasons.

Post By Tab (Guest Post)

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

I used dried corn once. It was great until the winter we were away and the mice found it!

Post By spruce (Guest Post)

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

I have a Heat Therapy Pillow with drid beans. It works pretty well too. Is there anything else that it can be filled with?
Donita in Colorado

Post by Kreatvmuzk1111

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

I make mine extra special especially when giving it as a gift. I add a few drops of Lavendar oil to the rice. The heat will bring that smell alive. As the smell gets less and less just add a few drops to the outside cloth. I like Lavendar because it has a soothing effect. It helps reduce stress. I hope this helps.

Post by alienpsychomom

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

I make these too but when heating them in a microwave, I put them in with a bit of water in a cup. The rice is less apt to burn and better also for the microwave

Post By Lee. (Guest Post)

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

Great ideas! Why not not make a heat therapy pillow to keep food warm when taking to a party?? Try wrapping food/covered container in newspaper using your heat pillow and placing in a paper bag!

Post by pauper

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

I make something these - but I make my rice bag out of muslin and make a "pillowcase" out of fleece or flannel or other nice fabric. This allows the outer casing to be washed if it gets dirty, or the rice bag to be easily replaced if the rice gets old. It does not have the ties to tie it on though.

I find the extra layer of fabric between me and the rice is nice because sometimes it is too hot.
Regina in NY

Post by QueenBeeCrafts

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

Yes, they are great! I use mine all the time, & any cheap rice will do. It's almost a nice damp heat & stays hot pretty long. I nuke mine 2 mins, then it is really hot. I used cotton material & on one I made, I sewed a centre seam lengthwise so the rice doesn't all bunch up.

Post By SunnyBC88 (Guest Post)

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

What a great idea! Im gettiing out my sewing machine NOW! I must agree with Julia up there, these will make perfect Christmas gifts, especially for those who live in colder climates when the aches and pains flare up:) Thanks bunches! You really saved my budget this year for Christmas and even upcoming Birthdays.
Lisa Port St Lucie, Florida

Post by shedrivesz

RE: Heat Therapy Pillow

Thank you Kim... What a neat idea! I know what
to make for about 8 different people on my
Christmas list...
Julia in Orlando, FL

Post By Julia (Guest Post)

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