…hot and cold rice packs.

I’ve seen people selling those fabric packs filled with rice, and have even purchased one in the past.  The one I have is starting to lose it’s scent so I decided to make my own.  It was so simple!

I started with a bag of rice, some fabric scraps and lavender scented oil (that I found at Michaels).

I poured all the rice in to a large zip lock bag and added 10 drops of oil.  Sealed it up and shook it to spread out the oil.  I let it sit as I sewed the bags.

I cut a long piece of fabric and folded it in half.

Next I pined the long edges together with the right sides of the fabric together.  I sewed along both of the long ends, leaving the short end open.

After sewing I turned the bag right side out and sewed right down the middle of the bag, about 2 inches from each end.  I marked where I wanted to start and end with pins.

After sewing down the middle it was time to add the rice.  I used the whole bag and it filled it about 3/4 of the way full.  If you fill it too full it will be too stiff to bend.

After that I folded the open edged inside and pinned it and sewed it closed.

The finished product:

This was so simple to make, I made two in no time.  I wanted to make more but ran out of rice.

The great thing about these is they can be made in any size you want.  I saw this great idea online and I think they will make great Christmas gifts this year.

These rice packs can be kept in the freezer (in a zip-lock bag) and pulled out when a cold compress is needed.  Or toss them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes for a warm compress.  I heat mine 30 seconds at a time, then take out and move the rice around so it heats evenly.

If you make one of your own let me know!