DIY Rice Pack

     These are my go-to for cold winter nights, or any type of pain. Microwave them for 2-4 minutes or pop them in the freezer for a cold pack and it's like Heaven! And they are so simple to make! I went to Jo-Ann's Fabric and got a yard of flannel for $3.50 (Also Walmart is incredibly cheap for fabric, that would be my #1 suggestion). I used the whole yard and make 5 packs out of it! I used about 3 pounds of white rice per pack (Target sells 5 lb bags for $2).

     Things you need:
1. Flannel
2. White rice
3. Sewing machine (you can also do this by hand, but if you have a sewing machine you can bust these out in less than five minutes).

     Step 1: Cut your fabric! I measured mine to be about 16"x16" because one side ends up doubled over, and that amount of fabric gives you lots of leeway in case you mess up.

     Step 2: Fold the fabric (the non-printed side) hot-dog style, so that you have one long side that you don't even have to sew! Now, you can begin sewing one of the short sides (starting with the corner against your folded side). Make sure you start sewing, then sew in reverse so you have knotted thread.

     Step 3: Once you get to the end of that side, keep your needle down, but lift up your presser foot, turn your fabric and start to sew your long side.

     Step 4: Once you get to the end of this side, go in reverse to knot your thread once again. Now cut off the extra, and fold your fabric inside out. You should have an open short side that has not yet been sewn. Now get your rice ready!

     Step 5: Fill your bag with approximately 3 pounds of rice, until it looks about like this...

     Step 6: I like to fold my ends in as much as possible (while keeping the rice pack a good length). It makes it look a lot nicer! Tuck in your ends and get out the pins to keep yourself in a nice straight line on the machine (unless you're confident enough to set the pins aside). 

     Step 7: Sew from end to end, knotting each side and making sure to sew the corners as far as you can so no rice can sneak out!

     Step 8: Heat it or gift it! They make great gifts! After my sides were tucked in and my pack was done, my measurements were approximately 7.5" W x 14.5" L. This length is the perfect length for people who want to use it on their neck. And if you're going to make these in bulk, you can just use your first one as a simple guide and skip all the measuring! 

Let me know if there are any thoughts, comments, or questions! And if you make some too, share them with me!