Six Homemade Gifts // Gift Two: Rice Bags

You were probably wondering what in the world a rice bag is when you saw it listed in my first post about homemade gifts. That is, unless you follow similar homemaking/all-natural blogs...or Pinterest. You might have seen them there. That's where I got the idea!

Rice bags are simply cotton cloth bags filled with rice that you can heat up or freeze for use on sore muscles and injuries.

They are easy and inexpensive to make. The heat lasts for a long time (so I read...I actually haven't tried mine yet!), and they are very portable. Plus you can easily personalize the bags with fun fabric colors and designs. I made mine with changeable covers to help keep the bag clean and so whoever is using it can pick a design they like!

Here is how I did it:

Rice Bag Hot/Cold Pack

Supplies:
11"x13" cotton fabric for the bag
13"x16" cotton fabric for the cover
3 cups of white rice

(I don't suggest using brown rice as it has a higher moisture content and can spoil faster.)

How to Make the Bag:
1. Get some 100% cotton fabric and make sure it is pre-washed and shrunk.
2. Cut out a 11"x13" rectangle from your fabric.
3. Fold the fabric in half long ways so that it is inside out.
4. Sew along all edges of the fabric, leaving about one or two inches of space at one corner.
5. Use the opening to turn your fabric right side out.
6. Smooth it out and crease the edges. Sew a straight line, long ways, down the middle of the bag, leaving about two-inch gaps from each edge. This will keep the rice evenly distributed within the bag.
7. Place a funnel in the opening and pour in rice. I guesstimated 3 cups, but it should be about 3/4 full, not completely full.
8. Finally, stitch the opening closed either by hand or machine (keep close to the edge so it is not noticeable.)

How to Make the Cover:

1. Get some 100% cotton fabric and make sure it is pre-washed and shrunk.
2. Cut out a 13"x16" rectangle from your fabric.
3. Fold over one of the short ends about 1 or 1 1/2 inches and sew to make a hemmed edge.
4. Fold the fabric in half long ways so that it is inside out.
5. Sew along all edges of the fabric except for the hemmed edge.
6. Turn your fabric right side out.
7. Slide your rice bag in to make sure it fits.

How to Use the Rice Bag:
1. Heat the bag in the microwave for about 2 minutes (depending on the microwave -- know your machine and be careful not to get it too hot!)
2. Place the bag in the cover.
3. Sprinkle essential oils on the cover if you choose. Lavender is great for soothing and healing sore muscles.
4. Relax with your heating pad!

Note: Be sure to not get water on the rice bag itself. Doing so can spoil the rice. Always use it with the cover and wash the cover when soiled.

You can also use the rice bag as a cold pack. Place your bag in a plastic bag (to protect it from moisture) and put it in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to get it cold.

Happy Healing! :)