DIY Heat Bag-Make and use for pain, or Great Gift Ideaa

We have all suffered from joint pain at some time in our lives. Whether it is from a sport injury, a car accident, or we are not as youthful as we would like to be anymore. To be honest, I fit into the last category. Although my husband and I have been using these for years for one reason or another.

Anyone can obtain some pain relief from the use of heat bags. Simply, heat in the microwave and put on the area causing your problems. Or simply use as a way to warm the bed up at night. It beats the hot water bottle as this won't leak. With these simple instructions, you will be relaxing with the warmth of your new heat bag.

I have also included instructions for making a cover for your heat bag. If you are anything like us, our dog brings our one out into the kitchen for me to heat in the microwave. He loves to help us, that is why I like a slip over cover so I can easily wash it out. Although, no matter how clean you are, they can still get a little grubby or stained, mainly from the various types of massage oil that you use.

You will need:

1. Scissors

2. Sewing machine (or stitch by hand)

3. Pins

4. Use thick winter Material, to prevent burns

5. Buck Wheat or Rice.

Instructions:

The size of your bag is entirely up to you, for the demonstration I am using winter pajama material, cut out a piece 46 cm long by approx 15 cm wide.

Fold the material in half, with the right side inside. Stitch approximately 1 cm from the edges, around two sides, leaving one short end open. (Backstitching ends so it does not come undone) Turn inside out so that the right side is now on the outside.

Fill to about half to two thirds full, with rice or buck wheat. Now you can push the ends inside and either machine stitch it close to edge or hand stitch it sealed. That is it! You have made your first Heat Bag.

To Use

Place in microwave for approximately 2 minutes, depending on the size of your bag. Use caution, as it could get very hot.

Any Shape

You can make these as big or small or any shape that you prefer. Often small ones are better for hand or finger injuries. Larger ones for back pain. Choose pretty patterned materials of your choice.

Cut out another piece of matching material. This time you will need it to be double the length of your finished bag, plus 5 cm for the envelope and an extra 3 or 4 cm to allow for a hem on the inside envelope piece. Otherwise, you will have raw edges. To cover the bag above, cut your piece of material 56 cm long by 18 cm wide.

Now hem both the narrow ends with a 1cm hem. With wrong side of fabric facing out, fold one end over, approx 23 cm, then fold the other piece over to look like a pillow.(see picture) Pin into position so it does not move, then stitch both sides backstitching on ends so it does not come undone.

Turn to the right side and put your new cover over you new heat bag. That was not too hard was it?