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How to Make a Wheat heating Pad
by Christine Miserandino
Ingredients for this project:
Any thick material (this project calls for 18",but you can make the heating pad
any size you want)
sewing machine or needle and thread
Flax seed or wheat
Essential oil *optional
We have all seen those microwave heating pads selling in the stores for big
bucks, and I always thought "Boy I wish I knew how to make one" They look so
easy to make. It is easy enough to do and so helpful to those of us who get cold
easily or have sore muscles.
It's pretty easy to make a wheat bag heating pad - all you need is some strong
material like cotton, canvas or tartan, as long as there's no give in it, so it
doesn't stretch! Keep in mind, it needs to be pretty thick so when the wheat is
heated (and it gets pretty hot) that you don't burn yourself.
Once you pick your material, cut a square about 18" each side and fold it in
half so it's inside out. It will be oblong shape. Stitch down one short side and
the long side. A sewing machine works best as you need short stitches close
together, so the wheat doesn't come out. If you stitch by hand go over it again
to make sure the stitches are tight. Next, turn it the right way in so the seam
is on the inside. You will need to buy some Flax seed or Wheat. They need to be
the whole kernel. Fill the bag about 1/2 way, then stitch the one side that is
left, sealing it tight.
If you are handy with sewing, and don't mind a little extra work, you might want
to divide the bag into sections. Maybe in 4- put in 1/4 of your seeds then
stitch the bag 1/4 of the way up, drop in another 1/4 of the seeds and stitch
those in, repeating for the rest, so you will have 4 compartments full of seeds,
instead of one big one. Then you will have seeds fairly distributed throughout
your hand made heating pad! This isn't necessary- but a great tip.
At this point, if you desire, you can use essential oils to sprinkle on the
material for aromatherapy.
You will need to microwave it for about 2 minutes.
* Please note all microwaves are different, so please "test" it a few times for
more or less time to see what works for you. Please use caution when first using
it - as it might come out of the microwave very hot. It stays warm for a couple
of hours. You can also put these in the fridge/freezer if the cold is better for
you.
If you want, you can make these any shape you like. For example, a horseshoe for
your neck or a heart for a child to hold when going to sleep etc. You can make
these as big or as small as you desire. Just remember that you are going to need
as many seeds as it takes to fill 1/2 the bag. Usually about 1lb is enough for
the 18" bags.
These heating pads make great gifts for yourself or for others. They can be
reused time and time again.
Good Luck making yours!
Christine Miserandino is a writer, motivational speaker, and patient advocate
from NY. She also happens to be someone who is living with Lupus.
Her writing has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical
newsletters and television media. Check out http://www.ButYouDontLookSick.com to
read more of her articles, and to receive her monthly newsletter.
This article is reprinted with permission from www.WritingCareer.com |
