
I’ve been looking forward to creating this super simple DIY Rice Heating Pad tutorial. I love this project because it’s so incredibly simple and is something I use all the time (I mean ALL the time)! They are great for nursing aches and pains, but I also like to use them for a little extra warmth around the house during the winter months. I’ve also found these rice bags to make fantastic gifts for family and friends!
Follow along to learn how to make one yourself in 30 minutes or less!
Supplies:
- Cotton Fabric (this is a great scrap fabric project, but if you are buying some from the store, 1/4 yd will be plenty)
- Long Grain Rice
- Ruler
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Pins
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors
Step 1: Cut the Rectangles
The first step is to cut 2 pieces of your cotton fabric that are 7″ x 13″.
I really like mixing two different fabric patterns, but you could just use one if you like! Either way, you will need a total of 2 pieces.

Iron the pieces if necessary to remove as many wrinkles as possible.

Step 2: Sew the Rectangles
Place the rectangles with right sides together and pin into place.


Sew around the rectangle with a 1/2″ seam allowance making sure to leave at least a 3″ wide opening at one of the ends in order to eventually turn the whole bag right side out.
To do this, I started the stitch about 1″ away from one of the corners (where I’m pointing below) and stopped the stitch about 1.5″ away from the nearest corner (near the light pink pin below). Make sure to backstitch at the start and end.


Once sewn, remove all the pins.
You should be left with an opening on one side.

Step 3: Clip the Corners
Clip each corner making sure not to cut through the stitching line. This will help reduce the amount of bulk and to make sure you end up with a nice point at each corner.

Step 4: Fill the Bag with Rice
Use the opening to turn the bag right side out.

Carefully fill the bag with rice. This 2lb bag was exactly the amount I needed.
A plastic funnel would definitely come in handy here, but since I didn’t have one I just went for it!
My rice bag ended up being about 3/4 of the way full.


Step 5: Sew the Opening Shut
The final step is to sew the opening shut.
Fold the fabric inward to close the opening and pin. Sew shut by sewing 1/4″ away from the edge.


Once sewn, remove the pins and you’re done!

You have created your own DIY Rice Heating Pad!
If you enjoyed this simple sewing craft and are looking for more, check out my post on How to Sew a Bowl Cozy!
Feel free to leave a comment below!
Liz


