Crafting & Creating / Sewing

Great ideas for hot/cold bags

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Hello again! I’m really happy about this post because the end result is so useful and necessary for just about everyone!

I work as a health care aide which is a very fulfilling job but can be really hard on the body. Sore body parts are the norm, that’s just how it is. I can’t bring myself to pay for those hot/cold bags that are in the stores because they are just too expensive for me (I can be very cheap haha) So as with most things my thoughts are “I can make that”

I have used a few different types of fabric in my quest to make the perfect bag and what I seem to like most is the colourful quilting fabric. They sell pre-cut quilting fabric at places like Walmart or any fabric stores. I’ve used a button-up shirt destined for the thrift store and it worked well and looked great. One thought though, I don’t think using anything stretchy like t-shirt material would work very well something slightly thicker and with little elasticity would be ideal.

You really have your choice of filling; wheat, corn (NOT popcorn haha) pot or pearl barley, dried cherry pits and my new favourite flax seeds. I really like the way the flax seeds feel in the bag and they don’t give off the smell that grains can give off when they get hot.

Adding a scent is a really nice touch. Lavender buds or any nice smelling dried flower, essential oils or even pouring a tea bag in it is really nice. Use your imagination!

These are the materials –

Fabric of your choosing. Use your imagination!!

Scissors

Thread

This is the method –

Sewing machine – this could be done by hand if you don’t have a machine.

Cut the fabric to whatever size you desire. Long and narrow works well for around the shoulders and neck. A smaller rectangle is good for knees and head…you get the idea.

Cut the pieces, place them wrong side together then pin the edges. Sew together leaving an opening a few inches long (or even a whole side open) so you’re able to pour the filling in.

When you’re pouring in the filling the trick I found is not to overfill. About 1/2 way is perfect, too much more and it’s just a hard lump.

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Now you can close it up. I like to leave the narrowest side open completely when I add the filling because I think it looks nicer with the whole side finished the same way.

to finish just fold the edges toward the inside to make a nice even edge. Add a few pins to hold it then sew. Viola! you have your very own heat/cold bag and for less than $10

This project is easy enough for even the newest sewers, which is great because they make wonderful gifts and have so many uses! You can place them in the microwave for a few minutes to help with sore muscles or cold feet. Alternatively, you can put them in the freezer for an hour or so to help with any swelling or to help cool down on hot summer days. They are really versatile!

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you soon.

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